Senior Career Services Advisor

Senior Career Services Advisor – USC Thornton School of Music

About USC
Founded in 1880, the University of Southern California (USC) is the largest private employer in Los Angeles and a leading research university. As part of the Trojan Family, employees contribute to a vibrant academic community in the heart of downtown L.A.

About USC Thornton School of Music
Established in 1884, USC Thornton prepares students for dynamic careers in music through a blend of conservatory training and interdisciplinary education. The school offers a diverse range of programs—from classical and jazz to popular music, screen scoring, and music industry—taught by world-renowned faculty.

About the Music Industry Program
Part of the Division of Contemporary Music, the Music Industry program offers a B.S., M.S., and undergraduate minor. It combines academic study, technical training, and real-world experience to prepare students for careers in the evolving music business, with strong ties to L.A.’s vibrant industry.

Position Overview

USC Thornton seeks a Senior Career Services Advisor to support student success in the Music Industry program. This role provides career guidance, builds employer relationships, and integrates career readiness into the student experience. The advisor reports directly to the Chair of Music Industry.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support

• Guide students and alumni in job search strategies, resume writing, interview prep, and professional development.
• Facilitate career workshops and mock interviews.
• Manage internship opportunities and maintain placement records.
• Provide ongoing support to graduates seeking employment.

Employer Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with industry employers.
• Identify job leads and match students/alumni with opportunities.
• Organize job fairs, employer panels, and on-campus interviews.
• Maintain employer database and gather feedback.

Administrative Duties

• Track placements and maintain job boards and student files.
• Prepare career development resources.
• Participate in department meetings and events.
• Ensure accurate data entry in Career Services Management tools.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of the music industry and academic policies.
• Experience in career advising, recruiting, or related fields.

Application Instructions

Submit a resume and cover letter (combined into one file) with your application. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Benefits and Compensation 

The budgeted salary range for this position is $70,304 – $80,000.

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 has excellent benefits, including health benefits for employees and their families with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions once you meet the Program's eligibility; tuition benefits for employees and their family’s; access to professional development opportunities; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses, and free tram pick up services; discounts to a wide variety of cultural, sporting, and other campus events. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Thorough knowledge of PC, proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), CSM tools including Symplicity and Handshake.

• Superior written and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to effectively manage projects, keeping tasks on schedule while maintaining good relationships with all parties. 

• Demonstrated ability to build effective and collaborative relationships with a wide set of constituencies. 

• Creative problem-solver with critical thinking skills needed to identify problems, evaluate options, and execute solutions. 

• Ability to absorb information rapidly, identify what is important, and simplify complexity. 

• Enthusiasm and passion; embracing change as a way of working. 

• Flexible and adaptable regarding varying scope and workload with exceptional time management. 

• Direct supervisory experience and inclusive leadership skills. 

• Team player, with the confidence to take the lead and guide other departments directly or indirectly when necessary. 

Location 

• University Park Campus, USC, Los Angeles, CA 

• In-Person position, maybe eligible for hybrid work; work from home 1x per week 

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
Minimum Experience: 3 years
Minimum Field of Expertise: Bachelor’s degree in counseling, higher education, human resources, or related field. Three years’ experience in career services, human resources, recruiting, or related industries, with some experience in a coaching or leadership role. Ability to manage, balance, and prioritize different tasks and projects. In-depth knowledge of federal immigration employment regulations and processes, interpreting and providing guidance as to their pertinence to international students. Advanced knowledge of employer recruiting strategies, job market trends, and occupational, career, and employment information sources. Superior level of professionalism, exceptional attention to detail, and exemplary written and oral communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated experience interacting with diverse groups, exercising diplomacy, good judgment, and discretion.

                                                  

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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