Admissions Counselor II

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, alumni and staff that make the university what it is.

Are you a natural connector, thrives on the road, and knows how to turn a conversation into a commitment? The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is looking for an Admissions Counselor II — a high-energy recruiter who can go out, open new doors, and bring talented students home to our graduate programs. This is a people-first role built for someone who loves meeting new people, discovering untapped markets, and making the case for why the USC Leonard Davis School is the right fit. You'll be the face of our programs at fairs, conferences, campus visits, and info sessions nationally and internationally — and the driving force behind finding the next places we should be recruiting from. This role also carries a leadership component, providing day-to-day coaching and direction to Admissions Counselor I staff.

If you're organized enough to manage a packed travel calendar, independent enough to build and run your own recruitment footprint across new markets, and passionate enough about higher education to make every prospective student feel like they've already found their people — we want to talk to you.

This is a full-time, on-campus position with up to 30% travel is required, and this role is ideal for someone who genuinely enjoys being on the move and discovering new environments. A valid driver's license is required for travel to off-campus events and operating university vehicles as needed.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as the primary point of contact and biggest advocate for prospective graduate students — building genuine rapport and guiding them from first interest to enrolled student.
• Proactively identify and pursue new recruitment markets, partnerships, and untapped talent pools — proactively identify prospective students.
• Represent the School at graduate fairs, conferences, information sessions, and other recruitment events — domestically and abroad — bringing energy and enthusiasm that makes our programs memorable.
• Confidently and persuasively communicate the value of our programs to prospective students, influencers, and referral sources — turning interest into applications and applications into enrolled students.
• Manage a high-volume, high-travel schedule with strong personal organization and follow-through.
• Build lasting relationships with prospective students, alumni, faculty, and external partners to expand our recruitment network.
• Support prospective students through the admissions process, including general guidance on requirements, policies, and next steps.
• Assist in developing outreach materials and messaging that reflect the personality and passion of our programs.
• Supervise, coach, and motivate Admissions Counselor I staff, modeling the energy and drive you bring to recruitment.
• Track outreach efforts and recruitment outcomes to keep refining where and how we find our best-fit students.
• Perform other related duties as assigned. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• 2+ years of experience in recruitment, admissions, outreach, business development, or a related relationship-driven field (higher education experience is a plus, not a requirement).
• A track record of building relationships and influencing decisions — whether in admissions, sales, community outreach, membership development, or a similar field.
• High energy and comfort initiating conversations with strangers in a variety of settings.
• A genuine enthusiasm for travel, new environments, and meeting people from different backgrounds.
• Strong self-direction — you don't need someone looking over your shoulder to hit the road and build out your own recruitment footprint, whether that's across the country or across the globe.
• Excellent organizational skills to juggle a demanding travel and events calendar.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills — you know how to tell a compelling story.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated leadership or lead experience.
• A demonstrated passion for improving the lives of a growing older population.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience recruiting or generating leads in a competitive market.
• Experience in graduate admissions or higher education recruitment.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is 66,962.45 - 77,043.38 commensurate with experience. This is a full-time, exempt position. The School offers a competitive benefits package including healthcare (medical, dental, vision), 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, and generous vacation time.

To Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

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. 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 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 (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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