Director of Academic Services and Associate Registrar

Founded in 1896, the Gould School of Law has a distinguished past built on the principles of equity and excellence, and the courage to break new ground. USC first introduced legal education in Southern California. Today, the Law School continues to make history through its philosophy of innovation and through its people. USC Gould cultivates analytical ability, ethical values, and a spirit of collegiality that prepare students for meaningful careers benefiting society. It was one of the first law schools to engage students in clinical programs and remains a leader in experiential education.

The Director of Academic Services and Associate Registrar play a key role in managing JD academic advising, course scheduling systems, overseeing student records and registration, enrollment management, final exams, and the administration of bar exam and moral character certifications for the law school. This position supports the law school's mission to recruit, retain, and graduate a diverse and talented student body. Additionally, the role includes staff management responsibilities and reports directly to the Associate Dean of Academic Services, while collaborating closely with the Graduate & International Programs and Academic Success Offices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: J.D. Degree

• Experience working in a law school records and registration office

Job Accountabilities:

For all the functions outlined below, the director will be responsible for managing and overseeing information that is consistent with federal, state, local, and institutional deadlines and regulations on a regular and timely basis.

• Collaborates with law school deans and administrators to plan the assignment of courses to all full-time and adjunct faculty in the JD, LLM, and undergraduate programs, to create teaching and exam schedules, and to monitor accreditation teaching compliance requirements for all degree programs.

• Plans and develops program objectives and content regarding academic advising and bar exam administration. Develop and maintain systems and procedures to ensure compliance with ABA Standards .

• Manage Academic Services staff. Report staff needs based on records, registration and academic advising needs. Provides performance reviews for staff.

• Develops strategies for marketing Academic Services resources to student and faculty.

• Coordinates with IT and law school staff for final exam efforts. Participate in the examination administration process and prepare the scheduling of testing accommodations and room reservations.

• Collaborates with the Office of Admissions to manage the process of registering all admitted student applications, transfer student applications, visiting student applications and other international academic applications. Manage the collection of 1L transcripts to sure compliance with ABA Standards.

• Collaborates with Financial Aid to verify enrollment and degrees.

• Participate in the compilation, recording, verification, and dissemination of all data related to student enrollment, curriculum, academic progress, and grades. Utilizes student records systems and ensure the confidentiality, security, and integrity of academic records.

• Research and troubleshoot student degree audit and registration problems.

• Coordinate registration permits, publication of Schedule of Classes, final examination exceptions, and requests for changes of student information.

• Manage the processing and recording of student grades and processing of grade changes. Ensure grades are submitted on time and by bar certification deadlines.

• Respond daily to questions by students, faculty, and staff.

• Interpret policies and procedures and advise students on registration processes and degree and graduation requirements.

• Assist with the collection, and processing of LE's (learning evaluations) every semester.

• Maintain open and effective communication with academic and administrative offices to ensure efficient and effective classroom scheduling, assignments, and utilization.

• Manage the administration of the annual Honors Program Write-On Competition for 1L and transfer students.

• Oversees instructional space assignments and make-up class. The Associate Registrar works with the Student Services Office to coordinate and assign student study rooms. The Assoc. Registrar works with the Student Services Office to coordinate and assign student study rooms.

• Manage compliance checks on student enrollments and registration, including overlapping classes, overloads or underloads of units, incorrect grading options, enrollment in required classes, registration blocks, and unpaid fees.

• Communicate with students and make necessary updates to databases.

• Will assist with both final exam administration and proctoring at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters and commencement each year.

• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Ability to be organized, diligent and detail-oriented. Must be responsive to emails and be able to prioritize work.

• Ability to work well with all constituencies, including students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and campus partners.

• Ability to use standard and innovative approaches and techniques to solve difficult problems.

• Knowledge of ABA and regional accreditation standards, and state and federal regulations for reporting requirements.

• Knowledge and understanding of student records management principles, regulations, policies.

• Knowledge and understanding of curriculum management processes, methods, and policies.

• Knowledge of law school academic and graduation requirements and eligibility requirements for bar.

• Knowledge of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), academic standards and protocols.

ATTENTION: Applicants must upload a cover letter and a resume to be considered for this position.

The annual base salary range for this position is $93,489.83 -$130,000. 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.

Learn more about our benefits and perks here: https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks/

The Gould School of Law (Gould) considers candidates that demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values (link). Gould holds a unique position in society, and within the university, as every aspect of these principles are influenced by and can be protected through legal rules and institutions. At Gould, we are proudly committed to maintaining a community in which each person respects the rights of others to live, work, and learn in peace and dignity, to be proud of who and what they are, and to have equal opportunity to realize their full potential as individuals and members of society.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 5 years. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum experience
Minimum Field of Expertise: Experience managing learning programs for adults. Demonstrated experience in management/leadership roles, building and maintaining relationships with domestic and international stakeholders. Proven budget oversight and planning experience. Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with exemplary attention to detail. Experience in higher education and/or customer service. Proven ability to plan, implement, and coordinate program logistics. Demonstrated database/data entry experience. Proven project management and problem solving skills, able to handle multiple timelines, changing priorities, and fluctuating workloads.