Head of Student Services

Associate Director of Undergraduate Advising The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. The University of Southern California’s Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking an experienced undergraduate academic advising professional to serve as an Associate Director of Undergraduate Advising. The Associate Director will advance USC Dornsife’s efforts to support students’ academic success, persistence, and timely progress toward graduation.

Supervise and evaluate academic advising staff, set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and address performance concerns as needed. Support the professional growth of advising staff through coaching, mentoring, training, and opportunities for continued development. Communicate organizational changes clearly and support staff as new policies, procedures, systems, and expectations are introduced.

Advising Operations and Case Management Oversee team workload, appointment availability, office coverage, referral management, and other operational needs to ensure students receive timely and consistent support. Establish and maintain consistent expectations for advising practices, case management, documentation, communication, and student follow‑up. Serve as a resource for advisors who need guidance on academic policies, procedures, student concerns, or appropriate next steps. Ensure that escalated student cases are addressed thoughtfully, documented accurately, and followed through to resolution. Oversee the implementation and communication of academic policies, procedures deadlines, and university requirements within the cluster. Maintain a strong working knowledge of academic policies and advising practices in order to guide staff and respond effectively to complex situations.

Collaboration and Student Success Promote inclusive and equitable advising practices that support student access, academic progress, retention, and degree completion. Build and maintain strong working relationships with the academic departments and programs served by the advising cluster. Collaborate with Dornsife leadership, faculty, admissions, and student services colleagues to address student needs and improve advising services. Lead or support advising initiatives, retention efforts, student programs, orientation activities, and other campus events.

Strategic Initiatives, Assessment, and Administration Review advising data, student trends, and service outcomes to identify areas of concern and recommend improvements to team practices and operations. Prepare and submit cluster‑related reports, data, and updates to the advising leadership team. Partner with advising leadership and colleagues to help lead cross‑cluster initiatives and special projects that strengthen advising practices, improve operations, and support shared student‑success goals. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree.

Minimum of 5 years’ experience providing academic advising in a higher education setting.

Minimum Field of Expertise: Student personnel administration, academic advising.

Preferred Qualifications Master’s or Doctorate degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling or Related field.

7 years’ experience providing academic advising in a higher education setting.

Supervision of 3 or more professional or student staff.

Knowledge of USC programs, services and software.

Benefits Health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network.

Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment.

Central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

About USC USC is a leading private research university located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles - a global center for arts, technology and international business. As the largest private employer in the city - 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.