Assistant Director of Graduate and Post-Doctoral Education

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" comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a unique place.

The USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is seeking an Assistant Director of Graduate and Post-Doctoral Education to join its Graduate Affairs Office team. The Assistant Director will be integral to the provision of professional counseling, advisement, and support to students for the Graduate Affairs Office at the Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. These activities will occur under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of Graduate Affairs and will involve extensive interaction with other key personnel within in the School and throughout USC.

The Assistant Director contributes to the success of our graduate and post-doctoral students in the School of Pharmacy by providing advising to current and prospective students on matters related to academic progress, records, admission, registration, teaching and research assistantships, events, finance, and compliance with university policies. The Assistant Director serves under the direct supervision of the Associate Director for Graduate Education in the Graduate Affairs Office.  

Primary Duties:

Provides advising and support to graduate students, especially PhD and postdoctoral scholars, and facilitates their successful academic journey from initial contact with USC to program completion and beyond.

• Proactively engages with students, diverse contacts within the university, and outside entities/agencies to collaborate on programs and services to meet the needs of graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty.   
• Fosters and maintains cooperative and collaborative relationships with academic department personnel, student services divisions, and administrative offices to ensure coordinated, cohesive support graduate students and postdoctoral scholars

Coordinates teaching and research assistantship assignments.

•  Communicates with faculty to identify teaching and research needs
• Oversees exam proctoring by both TAs and the Exam Proctor pool

Coordinates special projects within the office including summer research opportunities for undergraduate and PharmD students.

• Coordinates programs with USC and external stakeholders
• Assesses and reports on these projects

Facilitates greater student engagement in campus life and professional development opportunities.

• Organizes seminars related to career development
•  Supports and advises student organizations

Represents the university at recruitment events and contributes to outreach and engagement with prospective students.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
• Minimum Experience: 3 years
• Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related experience in academic counseling, student services, and programming
• Broad knowledge of university organizational structures and systems, including SIS, WebAdMIT, and Liaison EMP.
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and critical problem-solving skills

Preferred Minimum Qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree (in higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, psychology or public administration.)
• Student advising, student leadership and mentoring experience.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience with academic software (Blackboard, student information systems, registration/grading/clearance programs, career counseling software, etc.)
• Experience with graduate and/or professional programs a plus.

The hourly rate range for this position is $35.00- $37.16. 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 equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

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 [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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