Description

The University of Southern California (USC) seeks an experienced leader to serve as Assistant Vice President, Financial Aid. This role provides oversight, direction, and coordination of all financial aid activities in support of the university’s enrollment management strategy and commitment to student access and success.

Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment Management, the Assistant Vice President is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive financial aid strategy, including advanced modeling to support recruitment, retention, and graduation goals. This position works closely with Admissions and campus partners to align financial aid practices with institutional priorities while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and university regulations. The successful candidate will bring a data-informed approach to decision-making, a strong operational mindset, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, student-centered services.

This is a hybrid position, reporting onsite at the University Park Campus.

For priority consideration, please submit materials by the priority deadline of May 31, 2026.

Key areas of responsibility will include the following:

• Leadership & Operations
• Strategy & Enrollment Alignment
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
• Data, Analytics & Financial Stewardship
• Collaboration & Student Experience
• Organizational Leadership & Culture

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, organizational development, or related field
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration
• Strong knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations
• Experience managing financial aid operations, awarding processes, and compliance programs
• Demonstrated financial stewardship and budget oversight experience
• Ability to interpret regulatory requirements and translate them into operational practices
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences
• Experience using data to inform decisions and improve outcomes
• Proven leadership experience supervising staff and developing high-performing teams
• Commitment to equitable access and student success
• Familiarity with financial aid systems (e.g., Oracle, Salesforce, PowerFAIDS)
• Experience with process improvement, automation, or change management

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, finance, organizational development, or related field
• Ten (10) years of experience in financial aid, student financial services, or enrollment operations
• Understanding of cultural, socioeconomic, and equity-related factors impacting financial aid and student success

Required Documents and Additional Information

Both a resume and cover letter are preferred (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $224,701- $300,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Please apply directly via our careers website at USC Careers AVP Financial Aid