Simplify multiple if statements

I'm building a user module in PHP. It reads a text based user type and it assigns a numeric value to manage report view rights:

if ($usr_type == "Architect"){ $usr_rights = 0; }
if ($usr_type == "Director"){ $usr_rights  = 1; }
if ($usr_type == "Manager"){ $usr_rights  = 2; }
if ($usr_type == "Associate"){ $usr_rights  = 3; }
if ($usr_type == "Assistant"){ $usr_rights  = 4; }
if ($usr_type == "External"){ $usr_rights  = 5; }

Is there a simpler, more elegant way to do this?