Assistant Dean, Specialized Masters Programs

USC Marshall School of Business is seeking an experienced and purpose-driven Assistant Dean, Specialized Masters Programs to lead and oversee operations for our Specialized MS Programs and Graduate Certificates. This leadership role will shape the future of business education by enhancing student success, standardizing advisement, and managing student crisis protocols.

This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation in graduate education and impact the next generation of business leaders. If you are a strategic leader passionate about student success, we encourage you to apply.

The Assistant Dean will report to the Associate Dean for Marshall Specialized Degrees and collaborate closely with Academic Directors, Program Directors, and the Graduate Programs Office. This role manages relationships across multiple stakeholders, ensuring the seamless operation of programs in Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Finance, Global Supply Chain Management (including an online program), Marketing, and Social Entrepreneurship.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Streamline operations across specialized MS programs, develop efficiencies and best practices.
• Oversee student support services, including academic advising and crisis management.
• Enhance program coordination, policies, and administrative processes.
• Provide leadership to staff, student workers, and graduate assistants, ensuring team effectiveness.
• Build a strong collaborative working environment with other constituents including academic departments, senior administrators and faculty.  Establish relationships with other relevant university and external constituents.
• Facilitate student registration and certificate tracking for graduate students and exchange programs.
• Arranges and attends meetings, seminars, and other events related to project efforts.
• Lead strategic initiatives in collaboration with the Associate Dean.
• Analyze and report data to support decision-making and long-term planning.
• Assist the Associate Dean with internal and external reporting.
• Support event planning and programming for MS students.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in higher education, graduate student affairs and program administration.
• Proven leadership in student success, strategic planning, and team management.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with faculty and senior administration.
• Adaptability and problem-solving ability in a dynamic academic environment.
• Proven leadership and experience with collaborative projects.
• Proficiency in software tools, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum Education: Master’s degree

Minimum Experience: 7 years

Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related program and team management experience. Expert knowledge of the higher education field. Budget management experience. Ability to manage projects.

Anticipated Hiring Range:

The annual base salary range for this position is $186,620.04 – $215,000. 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.

Required Documents and Additional Information

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
• Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
• USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions*; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes.
• The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.

Why join the USC Marshall School of Business?

USC is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology, and international business. As the city’s largest private employer, responsible for more than $5 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 schools and units. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks and be a member of the Trojan Family - the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work.

About The Marshall School of Business:

The Marshall School of Business is one of the premier business schools in the country, consistently recognized for its outstanding array of MBA, specialized MS and undergraduate programs. The Marshall School of Business is ideally positioned to address the challenges of a rapidly changing business environment and is ranked as one of the country’s top schools for accounting, finance, marketing, consulting, entrepreneurship, and international business studies.

USC Marshall builds on unique opportunities that stem from its Los Angeles location on the Pacific Rim, its interdisciplinary and impactful research, the momentum generated by the University of Southern California, and the unparalleled engagement of the Trojan Alumni Family. With ready access to industries defining the new business frontier, including biotechnology, life sciences, media, entertainment, communications, and healthcare, this vast network offers USC Marshall graduates exceptionally strong support for success in the global marketplace.

For more information on the USC Marshall School of Business, visit: www.marshall.usc.edu.