Job Details

Academic Advisor, Online Undergraduate Degree Completion Programs

Main Campus - Boston, MA
R07465

Academic Advisor Job Summary

Simmons University is looking for an Academic Advisor (Advisor) to join the Undergraduate Advising team. Reporting to the Director of Undergraduate Advising, the Advisor will be responsible for advising and supporting adult learners enrolling into the new undergraduate online degree completion programs, secondary contact for Starfish, as well as administrative duties as assigned by the Director. The Academic Advisor supports the goals of the Office of Undergraduate Advising by meeting student learning outcomes for online adult learners, creating innovative ideas to promote the office and to benefit the Simmons community.

The ideal candidate will possess strong time management, customer service, problem solving, interpersonal skills, technology savvy, and have experience supporting online students and/or adult learners. Additionally, this candidate will be adaptable to new and rapidly changing online environment, and will demonstrate the ability to work independently and with a team. As a University committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, we seek candidates with a demonstrated ability to work with individuals across a broad range of social and personal identities and perspectives. The opportunity to permanently work remotely in this role is available.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary advisor for a caseload of adult learners enrolled in the undergraduate online degree completion programs;
  
• Monitor and advise students to ensure satisfactory grades and GPA requirements, students understand academic policies, as well as course planning/registration;
  
• Collaborate with a student success coach from 2U to support the online adult learners;
  
• Be available to meet with students over the phone or virtually via Zoom throughout the year, through scheduled 1-on-1 appointments, group advising sessions, drop-in advising, and/or open office hour;
  
• Establishes and maintains ongoing contact with students through a variety of communication methods, including telephone, email, online workshops, e-newsletters, blogs, Zoom, and social media platforms;
  
• Understand the institution's interpretation of FERPA rules for the release of student information to faculty, parents, students, etc.;
  
• Stay abreast of changing institutional information including new programs, course changes, important dates, costs, and updates in university-wide initiatives and policies;
  
• Contribute to the organization and delivery of general programming for undergraduate students;
  
• Establishes and maintains collaborative and cooperative relationships with staff, faculty, and other internal constituencies to resolve student issues related to enrollment and retention of students in online programs;
  
• Provide a bi-weekly evening one-hour virtual drop-in advising session for adult learners;
  
• Collaborate with campus partners to develop programming and advising initiatives to support online students;
  
• Perform administrative and data entry duties as assigned by the Director;
  
• Assist in the implementation of advising and registration for incoming undergraduate online adult learners during each orientation session;
  
• Serve as the secondary point person for all aspects of Hobson's Starfish Management for the undergraduate programs related to queries, training, reports, and services;
  
• Utilize Starfish to submit student notes from each advising session and manage flag alerts for adult learners within the caseload;
  
• Assist with updating and sending out Starfish progress surveys to faculty twice a semester (in line with course add/drop periods) or as needed;
  
• Utilize new tools to measure the effectiveness and use of Starfish;
  
• Participate on the office assessment committee;
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus previous experience involving student contact in a student services role;
  
• Master's degree in a related field preferred;
  
• Experience utilizing Starfish or similar early alert tools is a plus;
  
• At least two years of experience supporting online students and/or adult learners is preferred;
  
• Experience in connecting and building rapport with students;
  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
  
• Ability to successfully resolve student issues from request through resolution;
  
• Experience with Google mail a plus.
  

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
  
• Cover Letter
  

Salary Grade
S05

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the "Resume/CV" box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual's community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.


To apply, visit https://simmons.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Simmons-Careers/job/Main-Campus---Boston-MA/Academic-Advisor--Online-Undergraduate-Degree-Completion-Programs_R07465

Located in Bostons historic Fenway area, Simmons College is a small, private, non-sectarian College which has educated students for enriching careers and purposeful lives since 1899. Working at Simmons means joining a collaborative, diverse and mission-driven community of educators and professionals.

We prepare students to be leaders for themselves, their communities and the world. Our faculty and staff members lead by example - sharing a commitment to excellence and putting the students first.