Admission Counselor I

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Southern California (USC) is seeking two Admission Counselors to join its team at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. This people-focused role combines student outreach, organization, and higher education, ideal for professionals who enjoy building relationships, supporting students, and playing an active role in graduate student recruitment and enrollment. Admission Counselors serve as the first point of contact for prospective graduate students, answering questions, building rapport, and guiding applicants through the admission process. The role involves engaging with students through individual conversations, presentations, and recruitment events, as well as managing structured follow-up and application support. This position is part of the Student Services Department for the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and reports to the Senior Associate Dean. It is a full-time, on-campus position that includes off-campus travel for recruitment activities.

Requirements

2 + years in counseling and academic advisement
Outgoing personality
Self-starter
Great organizational and time management skills
Can work with minimal supervision while traveling
Bachelor’s degree
Valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

2 years of directly related experience in counseling, academic advisement, student services, or a related people-focused role.
Strong understanding of relevant university policy, including national standards and practices in relevant areas.
Demonstrated experience with problem identification and conflict resolution.
Highly proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Salesforce, and Adobe Suite.
Strong written and communication skills.
Comfort level with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices.
Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, students, staff, and faculty.
Demonstrated strong personal mastery, including ethics, interpersonal skills, and engage in continuous learning.
Ability to manage multiple projects, adjust to changing priorities, and perform well under pressure.
Demonstrated organizational skills, extreme attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Degrees related to Counseling, Education, Marketing or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience are often helpful, but not required to apply.

Responsibilities

Communicates in person, by telephone, and in writing with students about the status of admissions applications.
Counsels applicants on admission policies and procedures.
Evaluates and offers solutions to applicant problems and requests regarding admission.
Reviews student records, inputs data, and generates letters and/or lists utilizing the student database.
Maintains currency on university policies affecting admissions and credit evaluation.
Schedules recruitment activities for assigned territory or targeted student population.
Arranges school and transfer center visits, college fairs, and other recruitment events.
Hosts presentations and one-on-one meetings.
Assists in student facing events on and off campus.
Works with faculty, staff, alumni, students, and high school and community college teachers and counselors to coordinate recruitment efforts.
Assists in the preparation of communications materials promoting admissions programs and activities, e.g., newsletters, bulletins, fact sheets, and brochures.
May supervise student workers.
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.