Admissions Counselor II - Graduate Admissions

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits for staff and family

Tuition benefits for staff and family

Retirement plans with employer contrib

Professional Development classes

Central Los Angeles location

Job summary

University of Southern California Marshall School of Business seeks an Associate Director of Graduate Admissions to lead recruitment, evaluation, and enrollment for six master’s programs. You will manage applications, scholarships, and reporting while collaborating with academic, career, and marketing teams to optimize outcomes.

The role requires strong communication, travel readiness, and expertise with CRM systems such as Salesforce.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate admissions experience preferred.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with CRM and data-driven enrollment strategy.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop recruitment, admission, and enrollment plans for six master’s programs.
• Review applications and manage data in application systems and CRM.
• Evaluate applications using rubrics and provide admission decisions including scholarships.
• Use data to meet enrollment targets and prepare admissions reports.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to identify recruiting opportunities.
• Advise prospective students via calls, emails, and meetings on policies and programs.
• Represent USC Marshall admissions at events and outreach activities.
• Plan admission events and maintain relationships with applicants and staff.

Skills

Detail oriented

Excel

PowerPoint

Excellent written and verbal skills

Admissions/recruiting experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Admissions Counselor II (Associate Director, Graduate Admissions)

USC Marshall School of Business Office of Graduate Admissions

The University of Southern California Marshall School of Business seeks an engaging professional for the role of Associate Director of Graduate Admissions. Founded in 1880, USC is one of the world’s leading private research universities. With a strong tradition of integrating liberal and professional education, USC fosters a vibrant culture of public service and encourages students to cross academic as well as geographic boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge. The Office of Graduate Admissions is responsible for recruitment, admissions and all related functions for Specialized Masters and MBA programs. The USC Marshall programs are committed to transformative learning, a culture of inclusion, collegiality, cooperation, and teamwork. The Office is responsible for admitting high-caliber students in alignment with quantitative and qualitative success metrics established for the admissions cycle.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Create, plan and execute student recruitment, admission, and enrollment management strategies for six master’s programs with the goal of attracting and retaining talented students to USC.
• Prepare applications for review, and manage application data, utilizing university application systems and CRM.
• Evaluate applications and make admission and scholarship decisions using approved rubrics and guidelines.
• Utilize data to guide admission decisions and meet enrollment targets.
• Input all activities into CRM system in a timely and accurate manner and prepare applicant and admissions reports as needed.
• Communicate with students about the status of admissions applications.
• Managed relationships and coordinate efforts with cross functional teams throughout Marshall such as academic program, career and marketing offices to identify high-quality prospective students and recruiting and conversion opportunities.
• Advise prospective students via telephone, email and meetings, regarding admission policies, procedures and program offerings; ensures the delivery of quality services through high standard customer service, personal attention, and responsiveness.
• Represent Marshall School of Business through external events that support enrollment goals.
• Plan and organize admission-related events, including coordination of event logistics, and follow through.
• Develop and maintain relationships with prospective students, alumni, students and staff to optimize communications and create opportunities for Admissions.
• Stays current on a wide range of university policies, school-wide policies, and educational trends affecting graduate students and admissions/recruitment practices for professional programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Requirements:

• Detail oriented, organized, able to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Experience in a higher education environment, preferably in admissions/recruiting.
• Excellent written, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Experience using Customer Relationship Management platforms such as Salesforce in higher education admissions or related function.
• Experience working with International Students and understanding of the F-1 visa rules.
• Ability to travel (within the U.S. and internationally) for recruiting events.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends for events as necessary.
• Ability to perform in a fast‑paced, service-oriented operation.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable in the face of changing priorities and fluctuating workloads.

Anticipated Hiring Range:

The annual base salary range for this position is $66,962.45 - $86,396.60.

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.

Benefits:

• 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
• Central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses, and free tram pick up services
• Discounts to sporting and other campus events

Why join the USC Marshall School of Business?

The USC 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 the 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.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

Minimum Experience:

2 years, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience.

Minimum Field of Expertise:

Recruitment and admissions experience with knowledge of transfer credit policies and financial aid programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

USC is an equal opportunity employer. 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 observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law.

Background Screening 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, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy AppendixD for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

Accessibility and Disability Accommodations

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 (213)821‑8100, or by email at [e-mail]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

Additional Policies and Statements

• Notice of Non‑discrimination
• Employment Equity Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report
• USC is a smoke‑free environment
• Digital Accessibility

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 $5billion 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. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Family – the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make USC a great place to work.