The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of Downton Los Angeles. USC's School of Cinematic Arts Office of Student Services is seeking a dynamic Admission Counselor I to join its team. The Admissions team oversees undergraduate and graduate processes, and is responsible for all recruitment events and programming, conversion/yield events and programming, and the processing of all applications, each of which includes an art-based portfolio and supplemental materials. The Admission Counselor reports to the Director of Admissions and works closely and collaboratively with them in overseeing several functions of Admissions for the School of Cinematic Arts. This position is a leading point of contact with prospective students and guests and represents SCA on USC committees and at events and programming. This position implements recruitment strategies to promote all of our programs and bring in qualified applicants for each division. They are the front lines for the Admissions team, leading weekly information sessions, managing email communication, and counseling prospective students and families on university admission policies, procedures and opportunities. The Admissions Counselor is responsible for managing a case load of applications to process, evaluate and make decisions on. The Admission Counselor maintains compliance with federal and USC policies and ensures implementation and standardization across our various admissions subcommittees. They will work with the team to ensure equity in access throughout the admissions process and reach and bring in diverse voices in alignment with our commitment to shaping the future of our industries. They serve the critical function of implementing strategic initiatives to meet the enrollment goals of the School of Cinematic Arts.

Job Accountabilities:

• Counsels applicants on admission policies and procedures. Evaluates and offers solutions to applicant problems and any requests regarding admission. 
• Leads weekly information sessions in person and virtually on undergraduate and graduate programs and admission processes.
• Manages email communication with all prospective, admitted, and enrolled students and guests.
• Processes a caseload of applications annually, and maintains an understanding of university policies affecting admission and transfer credit evaluation.
• Implements marketing plans, strategies and materials aimed at enhancing recruitment and conversion of targeted program applicants. Identifies marketing messages and ensures incorporation in presentations and publications.
• Represents the USC School of Cinematic Arts at on and off campus recruitment events, open houses, high school, community college and transfer fairs. Occasionally travel to off campus locations to represent our academic department.
• Builds relationships with each SCA Academic Division, working together to understand the academic, creative, and professional goals of each program.
• Assists in the preparation of communications materials promoting admissions programs and activities.
• Provides support in the planning, design, development, and implementation of special projects.
• Gathers and evaluates data that will inform future recruitment practices and strategies.
• Serves as information resource for the School of Cinematic Arts and the university community.
• Maintains professional currency through active participation in USC committees and external professional organizations.
• Evening and weekend work are seasonally required.

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Minimum Experience

0-6 months within higher education. Counseling skills and/or academic advisement experience.

Preferred Experience

• Strong interpersonal, communication (written and oral), and organization skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism, inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
• Previous experience in media arts education/administration or familiarity with media arts communities.

The hourly wage for this position is $27 - $30.58/hour. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

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About University of Southern California (USC)

USC is the leading private research university in Los Angeles—a global center for arts, technology and international business. With more than 47,500 students, we are located primarily in Los Angeles but also in various US and global satellite locations. As the largest private employer in Los Angeles, responsible for $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic and professional schools and administrative units. As a USC employee and member of the Trojan Family—the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work—you will enjoy excellent benefits, including a variety of well-being programs designed to help individuals achieve work-life balance.

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