Student Programs Advisor I

Student Programs Advisor I

The University of Southern California’s (USC) Department of University Relations, TRiO Educational Talent Search Program is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and enterprising professional for the position of Student Programs Advisor I.

USC TRiO Educational Talent Search launched at USC in Fall 1991. Educational Talent Search provides academic, career and financial advisement to encourage students to graduate from high school and continue to post-secondary education. Talent Search also provides academic opportunities for youths who are at risk by encouraging them to re-engage with the educational system, complete their high school education and continue to higher education. There are three Talent Search Programs serving 1,892 Los Angeles Unified School District high school students.

The Student Programs Advisor supports the Educational Talent Search Program by advising high school students on academic, career, and college pathways. This includes assisting with student recruitment, interviews, orientation, and delivering educational, cultural, and social programming. The advisor conducts workshops to guide students through high school graduation requirements, college and scholarship applications, and preparation for SAT/ACT exams. They provide individual and group advisement, support career exploration, and help students enroll in post-secondary institutions. The role also includes maintaining accurate program documentation in compliance with federal guidelines.

Key Responsibilities include the following:

• Counsel and advise students on the college-going process.

• Review and assist with college and financial aid applications.

• Support outreach and recruitment efforts in coordination with the Program Manager and Coordinator.

• Identify and manage a caseload of assigned student participants.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with parents, school counselors, staff, and administrators.

• Maintain program databases and ensure federal compliance.

The Student Programs Advisor will report to the Educational Talent Search’s Program Manager and will work closely with a team of other professional staff members.   

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required or a combination of education and experience.

• At least one (1) year of professional work experience.

• Experience with student personnel administration or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred in education, counseling, social work, higher education administration or other related fields.

• Three (3) years of professional experience with federal TRIO Programs or related programs serving low income and first-generation college bound high school students.

• Valid driver’s license and vehicle for travel between school and office sites.

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.

This is a full-time, grant-funded position at an hourly rate of $24.96 and is contingent on continued funding.

When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.

USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff & their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions once you meet Program's eligibility; tuition benefits for staff & their family; free professional development online courses; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses & free tram pick up services; discounts to football, basketball & other campus events.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 1 year, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Student personnel administration