Job Description

Job Description
The University of Missouri seeks a dedicated and student-focused Academic Advisor to join a passionate team committed to supporting student success for students majoring in Communication, Geography, and Sociology in the College of Arts & Science. This role involves providing comprehensive academic advising, and resource referrals to undergraduate students, helping them achieve their academic and career goals.

Academic advisors play a vital role in guiding students through critical academic and career decisions. Are you passionate about empowering students to explore their potential, excel in their academic journey, and achieve their goals? If so, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

What Academic Advisors Do

Academic advisors help guide students through critical decisions regarding their academic planning. They provide complex, detailed information about degree requirements, refer to appropriate resources to support students in all aspects related to academic success, and commit to ongoing learning and professional development. The advisor in this position will be required to have a working knowledge of University, College, and departmental requirements to help students make informed decisions about their academic plans. The position requires strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently while developing strong collaborative relationships with colleagues and students from a variety of backgrounds. Additionally, this position will support recruitment and retention efforts for students in the College, as well as orientation and onboarding processes for new students. As such, the candidate will have to keep current with and regularly use technology to support student outreach. The individual must be able to exercise excellent professional judgement and discretion, making decisions regularly that impact student welfare and the institution.

Key Duties:

Provide academic advising to undergraduate students in the Communication, Geography, and Sociology majors (this position will be the sole advisor for Geography and Sociology, and part of a team that will advise Communication majors)
Counsel students about career resources, co-curricular activities, and resources necessary to support students' professional and personal interests
Actively engage in professional development and continually engage in advising practices that support students from a wide range of backgrounds
Maintain accurate and confidential electronic records of every student interaction, including in-person, phone, and online visits
Collaborate with the Directors of Undergraduate Studies, Department chairs, and departmental faculty and advisors across the College on issues related to curriculum and student success
Stay abreast of current issues and trends related to college students' academic success, persistence, and career readiness through active professional development
Serve on appropriate committees and represent department at campus-wide events, and participate in ongoing professional development
What We Are Looking For

The College of Arts and Science is looking for a dedicated, student-focused professional. The necessary skills for this position include:

Ability to provide holistic support for all students
Demonstrated experience providing direct, one-on-one support that requires patience and, at times, follow-through
Attention to detail and the ability to master and synthesize complex details to best inform and guide students
Skills You Will Learn

Technology: Advisors use multiple platforms, including the student information/registration system, an early alert and scheduling system, degree audits, and others. The ability and desire to learn and successfully use multiple platforms is necessary.
Theory and Practice of Academic Advising: Academic advisors engage in continual learning and professional development to support students with best practices.
Curriculum and University Requirements: Academic advisors teach students about the curriculum requirements, as well as recommend co-curricular opportunities.
Shift
The typical work week is Monday through Friday with working hours generally between 8 am and 5 pm with occasional evenings and weekend events. Work hours may be flexible with supervisor approval. This position will be located in Middlebush Hall with the option to work remotely for up to two days per week after training.

Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications
We are looking for someone who is investing in continual learning and enjoys providing guidance and support to help students make important decisions.

1 year of experience in advising, counseling, teaching or admissions work
Strong interpersonal skills, communication, organizational skills, and the ability to learn various platforms to support advising functions
A Master's degree and experience in higher education, particularly in student support is preferred.