Student Programs Advisor II

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California (USC) is seeking a Study Abroad Advisor in the Office of Overseas Studies. The role involves advising USC students on study abroad options, managing portfolios, and coordinating with partner universities, advisors, and vendors.

The position offers hybrid/on-campus work and a path to impact undergraduate study abroad experiences. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree and 5+ years in study abroad advising, with Terra Dotta experience and strong

Qualifications

• Master's degree and 5+ years in study abroad advising or international program coordination.
• Experience with Terra Dotta Systems for study abroad.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Advise students on study abroad options, applications, visas, funding, and safety.
• Coordinate logistics of study abroad portfolios, including payments and transcripts.
• Liaise with academic advisors and partner universities for course articulation and exchanges.
• Develop relationships with partner schools and providers; plan programming and events.
• Deliver pre-departure orientations and monitor health and safety risks.

Skills

Analysis

Assessment/evaluation

Budget control

Communication

Conceptualization and design

Conflict resolution

Counseling

Creative writing

Customer service

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Terra Dotta Systems

Job description

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. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a great place to work.

The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a Student Programs Advisor II (Study Abroad Advisor) in the Office of Overseas Studies. The largest and oldest of the USC schools, USC Dornsife functions as the academic core of the university, offering courses and advancing knowledge across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

The Office of Overseas Studies, offering more than 55 semester programs in 30 countries, serves undergraduates in USC Dornsife as well as other USC schools.

Responsibilities include:

• Advise students on all aspects of study abroad, including suitable programs, application process, course offerings at partner institutions, integration with study plans, cost and funding sources, visas, travel, health and safety considerations, different cultures and academic systems, and co-curricular/extracurricular opportunities.
• Liaise closely with academic advisors and articulation office regarding course plans and articulation of overseas courses. Interface with academic advisors and faculty to exchange and update information or to enlist support for programs.
• Review student applications for determination of program eligibility. Grant or deny admission to programs, providing alternatives or referrals as appropriate.
• Coordinate and manage all logistics of assigned study abroad program portfolio, including invoice payments and transcript processing.
• Coordinate exchanges with partner universities, advise inbound exchange students, facilitate DS-2019 documentation, and liaise with academic units receiving students.
• Develop and/or maintain relationships with partner universities, third-party program providers, and other service providers; plan programming as needed; assist with drafting agreements. Stay current with institutional and programmatic changes. Travel internationally and domestically as needed.
• Promote and publicize programs. Plan events. Design and develop informational or promotional materials using various media. Create and manage website content. Work with outside vendors to order print materials and promotional items. Plan and oversee events such as study abroad fairs, information sessions, and re-entry programming. Assess effectiveness of materials and events and make modifications as appropriate. Make formal presentations as required.
• Oversee the operation of one or more USC-administered programs in coordination with the resident director(s), including program design, budgets, banking, payroll, and other program logistics.
• Design and deliver pre-departure orientations and re-entry programming for students.
• Monitor and assess health, safety, and security risks.
• Support students abroad with housing, academic, and student support issues proactively and as they arise. Address health, safety, and student conduct issues in collaboration with campus units and outside organizations. May be in contact with families to provide information and facilitate problem resolution.
• Provide input on the development of program budget(s). Monitor expenditures for adherence to budget guidelines and analyze for cost effectiveness.
• Gather data from various sources and prepare reports for management review. Submit status reports on program activities. Assist in program development and review in collaboration with academic units and faculty members.
• Participate in the development and implementation of program policies and procedures.
• Provide leadership, guidance and supervision to staff, student workers, volunteers, and/or graduate assistants. Lead others in the planning and delivery of services, activities and special events.
• Maintain professional currency through participation in associations, committees, workshops and other means of networking; represent Overseas Studies in professional groups and to student organizations; represent USC internationally.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree
• Five or more years in study abroad advising and/or international program coordination.
• Comprehensive and practical knowledge of study abroad in a higher-education setting, including experience troubleshooting a variety of issues.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize deadlines both individually and across a team with a strong attention to detail.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to interact positively with stakeholders from a wide range of disciplines, experiences, and identities.
• Proficiency in one or more foreign languages. High proficiency in a Romance language or East Asian language (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) preferred.
• Experience with Terra Dotta Systems for study abroad.
• One year or more studying and/or working abroad.
• Experience in creating and managing web content.

The salary for this position is $70,304 annually. 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 alignment, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

This position is hybrid/on-campus

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

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.

• 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 after six months of employment; 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.

Preferred Education: Master's degree Preferred Experience: 3 years. Preferred Field of Expertise: M. A. in student personnel administration, education, counseling or related field. Skills: Analysis, Assessment/evaluation, Budget control, Communication -- written and oral skills, Conceptualization and design, Conflict resolution, Counseling, Creative writing and editing, Customer service

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Student personnel administration