Southwestern University 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. For this position, we are looking for a Generalist who will work with students exploring a variety of major disciplines in addition to a few interdisciplinary majors.

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). They also collaborate with Student Life to 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.

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

Additional Duties:

• Collaborate with campus partners on programming 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
• Understanding and commitment to a liberal arts education, including the ability to relate to a liberal arts community
• Ability to attend work consistently in Georgetown, Texas
• Ability and willingness to do occasional evening and weekend work

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

To apply: The University will only accept application materials through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/139592. Interested candidates should submit 1) a cover letter including salary expectation, 2) a resume, 3) names and contact information of three professional references and 4) 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. All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer. EOE/M/F

Applications should be received by February 16th, 2024. Review of applications will occur on a rolling basis and continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start is the beginning of May.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, life, long term disability, retirement, 15-paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, tuition assistance, free parking
• Department-funded professional development funds
• Access to workshops provided by Southwestern
• Access to Southwestern’s fitness facilities and programs, library services and dining services discounts

Inclusion is the deliberate effort to create an environment in which people from all backgrounds* are not only included but welcomed, valued, respected, considered, and supported within our community. People from marginalized (i.e., devalued) and/or minoritized (i.e, underrepresented) groups are heard, seen, respected and accepted in all aspects of our community. Southwestern University is committed to inclusive excellence that provides access and support, enables participation, and removes barriers so that all people within our community are empowered and can thrive in a campus that is welcoming and validating.

*including but not limited to people of color (race, ethnicity, nationality), sex, sexual identity, gender identity, age, physical and mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, religion, immigrants, and the intersection of these identities.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.