Academic Advisor

Department: Schar School of Policy and Government

Classification: Education Support Spec 3

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Schar School of Policy and Government provides undergraduate and graduate students the skills, knowledge, and analytic abilities to be leaders and managers in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

About the Position:

The Academic Advisor provides undergraduate academic advising and supports student outreach and retention.

Responsibilities:

• Provides academic advising and support services to Schar School BS and BA programs; counsels students in-person and virtually regarding degree progress, graduation requirements, and academic procedures; educates students about university deadlines, policies, and procedures; initiates outreach to students to guide their academic planning; supports students holistically through the proactive exploration of their academic interests and career goals; helps students initiate academic actions; maintains detailed appointment records and advising notes; maintains confidentiality in accordance with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) laws.
• Participates in new student orientation advising sessions and programs; provides pre-orientation advising; represents the Schar School at various orientation events; serves on committees and projects, as assigned.
• Monitors academic progress to identify students at-risk and develop action plans to support their continued enrollment; performs direct outreach to students at-risk and specialized 1:1 advising tailored to these students; supports students with academic progress challenges or special requests; collaborates with Schar School engagement team to advance retention goals through our Learning Communities and other co-curricular programming; makes appropriate referrals to university support units (e.g., success coaching, counseling services, writing center, and financial aid).
• Performs other relevant duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience with or demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the following areas: academic advising, success coaching, orientation, learning services, disability services, veteran's services, career services, student involvement, and student rights and responsibilities;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products;
• Ability to prioritize tasks; highly organized; superior customer service skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to interpret academic policies and procedures; and
• Ability to develop, implement, and manage academic programs and services.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related field.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Academic Advisor at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date: September 13, 2024

Full Consideration Date: October 4, 2024

Open Until Filled: Yes