Orientation Program Advisor

To be considered for this opportunity, a cover letter is required along with your resume/CV.

About USC Orientation Programs

The Office of Orientation Programs supports the university’s mission by facilitating a smooth, informative, and engaging transition for new undergraduate and graduate students to the University of Southern California.  Through a combination of administrative support, programming, and student engagement, we help incoming students connect to academic resources, support services, and campus life. Our team values collaboration, service excellence, and student-centered program delivery. As part of USC Student Life, Orientation Programs works in close partnership with colleagues across the university to promote student success and well-being.

About the Opportunity

The Office of Orientation Programs invites applications for the position of Orientation Program Advisor. This role provides comprehensive event planning, administrative support, and logistical coordination for all Orientation initiatives designed to welcome and transition new students and their families to the University.

The Orientation Program Advisor supports the planning, design, and implementation of Orientation programs; manages both in-person and virtual event logistics; coordinates venue reservations and vendor arrangements; and ensures a high standard of service for campus visitors. The individual in this position will report to the Director of Orientation Programs and will work closely with the orientation team, campus partners, and student staff to deliver seamless, mission-aligned Orientation experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Event Logistics & Program Coordination

• Coordinate all logistical aspects for Orientation programs, including room reservations, facilities requests, equipment, and technology needs.
• Secure required permits and clearances for programs and events.
• Arrange catering services and finalize details with campus and external vendors, including confirming headcounts and service expectations.
• Maintain inventory of equipment, materials, and supplies used for office maintenance and for all event programming.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for campus partners involved in Orientation on-campus and virtual events.
• Oversee the delivery of goods and services, ensuring compliance with contract terms.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support effective event coordination.
• Provide onsite event management to ensure accurate execution of scheduling, logistics, and guest service needs.
• Communicate and coordinate special accommodation requests with relevant offices and departments.
• Provide guidance and functional directions to student workers assisting with event planning and delivery.

Administrative Support & Office Operations

• Maintain regular office coverage, including greeting visitors, answering phones, and responding to email inquiries.
• Maintain in-person office hours, Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm, with modified hours during summer program days.
• Support the Orientation staff with daily administrative needs.
• Assist with managing staff meeting agendas and contributing to meeting flow.
• Manage paperwork, maintenance, and coordination of Orientation Carts.
• Track timelines, agendas, supply needs, and planning reminders for all Orientation programs.

Communications & Digital Resource Management

• Update and maintain the Orientation website to ensure accurate, timely information.
• Support and update the Campus Partners website, including uploading resource materials and coordinating communication with partner offices.
• Collaborate with Orientation staff to ensure consistent messaging and branding across digital platforms, including Cvent.
• Maintain presentation files and digital media used throughout in-person and online programming.

Systems & Documentation

• Learn and utilize university systems, platforms, and tools relevant to Orientation operations.
• Reserve campus spaces through established university scheduling systems.
• Maintain detailed records of event activities, documentation, and program metrics within Cvent and other systems as required.
• Support Trojan Engagement Center logistics, including online recordings and student service processes.

Financial Responsibilities

• Process internal requisitions, purchase orders, and other financial documents in accordance with university procedures.
• Maintain accurate financial and event reporting.
• Recommend budget adjustments and track itemized expenses for all Orientation programs.

Additional Duties

• Provide supervisory support to student workers as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Orientation Programs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• One year of experience in event coordination, administrative support, project coordination, or related field.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide professional customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with standard office software and willingness to learn new systems.
• The successful candidate must demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., communications, hospitality, higher education, business).
• Experience working in a university setting, student services, or event management.
• Familiarity with Cvent or other event management platforms.
• Experience supervising or providing guidance to student workers or part-time staff.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with campus and external partners.
• Ability to work extended hours during peak program seasons, particularly summer orientation days.
• Commitment to supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students and families.

Working Conditions

• Office environment with regular in-person interactions.
• Onsite event work may require extended standing, walking, and moderate physical activity.
• Occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours may be required during program sessions.

The hourly rate for this position is $32.00 per hour. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.

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Job Qualifications

Minimum Education:
-High school or equivalent

Minimum Experience:
-2 years

Minimum Field of Expertise:
-Experience with special events planning, fundraising management and/or alumni volunteer
relations management. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communications.

Preferred Education:
-Bachelor's degree

Preferred Experience:
-3 years

Skills: Administrative:
• Balance figures
• Communicate with others to gather information
• Compose correspondence
• Compute totals
• Coordinate events
• Coordinate work of others
• Customer service
• Establish records
• Gather data
• Input data
• Interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of contract and legal documentation
• Maintain records
• Prioritize different projects
• Research information
• Understand and apply policies and procedures
• Use database and/or word processing software


Skills: Other:
• Assessment/evaluation
• Budget control
• Budget development
• Conceptualization and design
• Consulting
• Knowledge of applicable laws/policies/principles/etc.
• Marketing
• Negotiation
• Networking
• Organization
• Planning
• Problem identification and resolution
• Project management
• Public relations
• Scheduling
• Teaching/training


Skills: Machine/Equipment:
• Calculator
• Computer network (department or school)
• Computer network (university)
• Computer peripheral equipment
• Fax
• Personal computer
• Photocopier

                                                  

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.

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

                                                  

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

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