Southwestern University Hiring for Professional Academic Advisor at Georgetown, TX Full Time

Southwestern University, located in Georgetown, Texas is hiring a professional academic advisor to provide support to a cohort of incoming first-year students. This position is under the supervision of the Director of Advising and Retention and will be one of six professional advisors. All advisors are trained to work with all first-year students, regardless of major, however, we are looking to fill a position for a Humanities-focused advisor.

Professional advisors serve as experts in best practices in advising, university policies, degree requirements, course planning, support services, and student development. Professional advisors hold mandatory appointments with first-year students who are on warning or probation after the first semester (shift from Center from Academic Success). Advisors also collaborate with Student Life to help students begin the process of creating their SU Experience. Professional advisors assist with major exploration in collaboration with the Center for Career and Professional Development. The advisors work with academic departments for any curricular issues and to develop programming for potential majors (i.e., group advising/information sessions). The advisors collaborate with the Office of Admission to assist with recruitment of incoming SU students. This is a full-time, fully benefited, exempt position who reports to the Director of Advising and Retention.

Primary Duties:

• Serve as the primary advisor for a cohort of first-year students (approximately 60-75) during the first year of study.
• Understand and articulate university policies, degree requirements, course planning, support services, and student development and best practices in the advising profession.
• Assist first-year students with course selection and registration and build 4-year degree plans.
• Communicate regularly with faculty about department updates and opportunities for students.
• Participate in Sprog (new student orientation) advising for incoming students and provide continued advising support for incoming students throughout the summer.
• Serve as the point of contact for first-year students who receive an academic alert.
• Hold mandatory appointments with students who are on warning or probation after their first semester.
• Appropriately refer students to academic and non-academic resources for additional support.
• Prepare students for a new academic advisor for the sophomore year and beyond.
• Assist with major exploration.
• Assist with major/minor declaration.
• Work with departments on any curricular issues.
• Develop programming for potential majors in consultation with department/program chairs (i.e., group advising/information sessions).
• Assist with recruitment of incoming SU students.
• Collaborate with Mosaic to begin the process of creating the SU Experience for first-year students.
• Collaborate with Peer Mentors on first-year student programming.
• Participate in continued professional development through attendance at advising conferences (national, regional, or state), as well as on-campus workshops.
• Respond to online, telephone and walk-in requests from faculty, alumni, parents, and members of the campus community.
• Assist colleagues in the Office of Advising and Retention with special projects as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Relevant experience in higher education, academic office, advising, student development, or closely related area, with preference for experience in the discipline in which they will advise.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in a theoretical foundation of student development and/or advising.
• Possess ability to work with and manage students of diverse backgrounds and age groups.
• General computer proficiency.
• High level of energy, ambition, and orientation toward details.
• Strong problem-solving and time-management skills.
• Ability to work individually, as well as with others as a member of a team.
• Ability to respect the confidential nature of the work.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including a strong work ethic.
• Willingness to adhere to the University’s core values.
• Possess excellent interaction and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Have knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences and the diversity within the campus and community.
• Demonstrated professional manner with all internal and external University constituents.
• Ability to be flexible, adjust to fluctuating priorities, and produce reliable work product.
• Proven ability to perform well in stressful situations.
• Ability to attend work consistently in Georgetown, Texas.
• Ability and willingness to do occasional evening and weekend work.
• Ability to work in a typical office environment, with or without accommodations.

Preferred Position Requirements:

• Attained or currently seeking a graduate degree in higher education, student affairs, or counseling.
• Experience using student success/retention software tools/platforms.
• Experience in assessment, data analysis, and student learning outcomes.
• Experience with event planning and coordination.
• Experience in related position utilizing customer service skills.

Southwestern University offers competitive salary and benefits including health, dental, life, long term disability, retirement, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, under graduate tuition assistance for yourself and your dependents, access to athletic facilities, free parking and discounted meal rates. Southwestern University is a selective, undergraduate institution committed to a broad-based liberal arts, sciences, and fine arts education. Southwestern University is deeply committed to fostering a diverse educational environment and especially encourages applications from members of groups traditionally under-represented in academia. For information concerning the University, visit our Web site at www.southwestern.edu.

To apply: The University will only accept application materials through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/123190. Interested persons must submit a letter of interest with salary expectations, resume, the name and contact information of three professional references, and a 100-200-word response to the following prompt: How does your understanding of equity, inclusion, and social justice inform your approach to academic advising? Email and paper applications will not be accepted. Only completed applications will be reviewed by the Search Committee. For full consideration, applications should be received by April 14th, 2023. Review of applications will occur on a rolling basis and continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start is mid-May. All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process. EOE/M/F