ACADEMIC ADVISOR - Division of Biological Sciences

College of Arts & Science, Division of Biological Sciences

The University of Missouri seeks a dedicated and student-focused Academic Advisor to join a passionate team committed to supporting student success in the Division of Biological Sciences 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 judgment and discretion, making decisions regularly that impact student welfare and the institution.

Key Duties:

• 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 Director of Undergraduate Studies, the Division Director, 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 & 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 curricular requirements, as well as recommend co-curricular opportunities.

The typical work week is Monday through Friday with working hours generally between 8 am and 5 pm with occasional evening and weekend events. Work hours may be flexible with supervisor approval. This position will be located in 3 Tucker Hall with the option to work remotely for up to two days per week after training.

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.

A Master's degree and experience in higher education, particularly in student support is preferred. We are looking for someone who is investing in continual learning and enjoys providing guidance and support to help students make important decisions.

Salary Range: $43,000 to $55,000 per year

Grade: GGS - 008

University Title: Academic Advisor

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter that outlines interest in the position and commitment to supporting students in their collegiate experience.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Required Qualifications:

• 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

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.