Student Services Director, Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science (CS Department Lead)

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$102,551 - $120,269

About The Position

The Student Services Director, Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science (CS Department Lead), provides strategic, adaptive, and operational leadership for all academic advising and student services functions within the Department of Computer Science (CS). Reporting to the Department’s Senior Business Officer, this position directs the department’s student services organization, overseeing advising and academic operations for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral populations. As the largest department within the Viterbi School of Engineering, CS serves over 4,000 students across multiple programs and degree levels during a period of rapid transformation driven by advances in artificial intelligence, evolving industry demand, and significant shifts in the higher education landscape. The Director provides direct oversight of approximately 11 professional staff within the student services team, ensuring cohesive, high-quality, and student-centered service delivery across all advising levels. This position ensures that departmental advising operations align with University policy, School-wide standards, and the Viterbi Student Services Handbook: Standards & Expectations for Academic Advising and its companion Appendix: Service Standards & Benchmarks. In addition to overseeing advising operations, this role plays a critical strategic role in supporting the Department’s broader student recruitment, yield, and retention strategy—particularly for undergraduate and graduate CS programs operating in a highly competitive and rapidly changing market. The Director works closely with the Department Chair, Vice Chairs, faculty leadership, and VASE Student & Academic Services to anticipate emerging enrollment trends, adapt student services models accordingly, and ensure the CS student experience remains aligned with academic, industry, and workforce realities. The Director works closely with faculty program chairs, departmental leadership, and VASE Student & Academic Services to coordinate policy implementation, improve operational efficiency, and foster consistent student support practices across all program areas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum of five years of Managerial experience in student programming or services

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, or related field preferred.
Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in academic advising or student services, including at least three years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
Demonstrated success leading large advising or student services teams in a complex academic environment.
Demonstrated ability to operate strategically in periods of organizational, disciplinary, or enrollment change.
Experience partnering with academic leadership on enrollment strategy, student recruitment, or program growth initiatives is strongly preferred.
Strong knowledge of USC academic policies, student information systems, and advising processes.
Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a high-volume, fast-paced department.
High degree of adaptability, sound judgment, and comfort navigating ambiguity in a rapidly evolving higher education environment.
Commitment to operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction and operational oversight for all advising and student services functions supporting undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral populations.
Lead and supervise approximately 11 professional student services staff, including advising supervisors and specialists across all degree levels.
Recruit, train, develop, and evaluate advising staff; ensure cross-training and coverage for seamless student service delivery.
Oversee day-to-day operations related to academic advising, degree progress, petitions, student records, and enrollment management.
Ensure departmental compliance with University and School policies governing curriculum, academic standing, and degree progression.
Collaborate with the Assistant Dean for Student & Academic Services to maintain alignment with the Viterbi Student Services Handbook and School-wide advising standards.
Partner closely with the Department Chair and Vice Chairs to align student services strategy with departmental academic priorities, enrollment goals, and evolving disciplinary trends in computer science and artificial intelligence.
Support and inform the Department’s student recruitment, yield, and retention strategy by providing insight on student demand, advising capacity, program structure, and student experience across degree levels.
Analyze enrollment, progression, and student experience data to identify emerging patterns related to AI-driven curriculum changes, labor market shifts, and broader higher education trends.
Advise the Department Chair, Vice Chairs, and faculty on student trends, enrollment data, and advising-related initiatives.
Represent the department in School-wide meetings, committees, and cross-unit planning efforts related to advising and student support.
Lead change management efforts within the student services team to ensure agility, adaptability, and continuous alignment with a rapidly evolving academic and enrollment environment.
Lead initiatives to enhance advising quality, process efficiency, and student satisfaction through data-informed decision-making.
Foster a culture of professionalism, inclusivity, and continuous improvement within the advising team.