About USC TRIO Upward Bound

The University of Southern California was at the forefront in establishing federal TRiO programs on its campus. In 1977, the Upward Bound Program began and quickly grew into the Educational Opportunity Programs Center. Today, USC is proud to host six TRiO programs four Upward Bound programs, and Upward Bound Math Science Programs.

The University’s TRiO programs are designed to help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education. These programs provide counseling, academic instruction, tutoring, assistance in applying for college admission, financial aid, encouragement and support.

Academic assistance is also provided via our Saturday Academy and Summer Residential programs. The academic service provided to our students focus on English, Math, Science, and Foreign Languages. These courses are intended to enhance or complement the instruction provided at the student’s high school. Additionally, students participate in cultural, academic, social, and recreational activities.

Job Summary

The Upward Bound Student Programs Advisor II supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of services for program participants. The position works directly with high school students and their families to promote academic achievement, high school completion, and enrollment in postsecondary education.

The advisor assists with student outreach, eligibility review, enrollment, and orientation. The position also coordinates academic and college-readiness workshops, cultural and educational activities, field trips, and other program services. Additional responsibilities include monitoring student participation and progress, maintaining program records, and supporting compliance with federal grant requirements.

The Advisor II supervises instructors, tutors, and student workers assigned to the program. The position coordinates the Saturday Academy and Summer Program, including staffing, scheduling, training, program activities, student services, and daily operations. The advisor works closely with program staff to ensure that services are delivered effectively, safely, and in accordance with university policies and federal grant requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

• Identify, recruit, and serve a caseload of eligible Upward Bound participants.
• Support student outreach, eligibility review, enrollment, and orientation.
• Provide guidance on academic preparation, career exploration, and the college-going process.
• Assist students with college, financial-aid, and scholarship applications.
• Plan and facilitate workshops, educational activities, cultural events, campus visits, and field trips.
• Monitor student participation, academic progress, and completion of required program services.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, families, school counselors, administrators, and community partners.
• Maintain accurate student records and enter required information into the program database.
• Assist with collecting data and preparing reports required by USC and the U.S. Department of Education.
• Help ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and university policies.
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of the Saturday Academy and Summer Program.
• Develop and maintain Saturday Academy and Summer Program schedules, including student classes, staff assignments, activities, meals, transportation, and field trips.
• Supervise instructors, tutors, and student workers assigned to the academic-year and summer components.
• Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, selection, onboarding, and training of instructors, tutors, and student workers.
• Ensure assigned staff complete all required hiring documents, background checks, training, and university onboarding requirements before working with students.
• Review instructor syllabi, lesson plans, attendance records, timesheets, and other required program documents.
• Provide staff with clear assignments, expectations, deadlines, and ongoing guidance.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and communicate program schedules, student needs, operational procedures, and assigned responsibilities.
• Monitor staff performance and the quality of instructional and student-support services.
• Address operational, staffing, student, and safety concerns and promptly communicate significant issues to the Program Director.
• Ensure Saturday Academy and Summer Program activities are properly staffed, organized, documented, and supervised.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Reporting Structure

The Student Programs Advisor II reports to the Upward Bound Program Director and works closely with other professional and student staff members. The Advisor II provides direct supervision and day-to-day guidance to assigned instructors, tutors, and student workers.

Compensation and Funding

This is a fixed-term, full-time, exempt, grant-funded position with an annual salary range of $68,000 - $72,413.16. The position is expected to run from October 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, and is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funding.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, activities, and deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate record keeping
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, school personnel, and community partners
• Experience planning student workshops, events, field trips, and educational activities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Zoom, and database systems
• Knowledge of the barriers to postsecondary education experienced by low-income and potential first-generation college students
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel to partner schools and program activities, as needed

Preferred Education and Experience (3 years)

• Master’s degree in education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field
• At least three years of experience working with federal TRiO programs or similar college-access and student-support programs
• Experience working with high school students from low-income and potential first-generation college backgrounds
• Experience with student case management, program documentation, data management, and federal grant compliance
• Experience planning and implementing academic-year and summer programming

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Contact information for at least three professional references

Benefits

USC offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical coverage for employees and eligible family members, retirement-plan eligibility, tuition assistance, professional-development opportunities, and access to university programs and events. Eligibility is subject to university policies and the terms of the applicable benefit plans.

Minimum Education

Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience

2 years

Minimum Field of Expertise

Student personnel administration

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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