Academic Advisor

Southeastern University • Lakeland, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Academic Advisor serves as a key resource for students, providing guidance on academic progress, course selection, and institutional policies. Reporting to the Director of Academic Advising, this role involves conducting individual and group advising sessions, performing preliminary and graduation audits, and facilitating communication between students, faculty, and administrative staff. The advisor ensures students remain on track for academic success while maintaining institutional requirements within the Jenzabar system. This position requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to the values of a Christian university.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in any academic discipline of the university
• Experience working in customer service, student affairs, or in roles that require interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and collaboration.
• Personal faith commitment appropriate to that of a Christian university
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience in guiding and mentoring others, fostering a collaborative work environment, and driving positive change within teams and organizations.
• Technical proficiency in Jenzabar OR other reporting tools (or a willingness to learn).
• Excellent communication skills with experience in training and professional development.
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethical standards, and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with individuals within and outside the university.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and work independently.
• Sensitivity to the needs of diverse student populations, including racial/ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and non-traditional students.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and department-specific software such as Jenzabar or other student information systems, with the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in education, business or other related field
• Experience in academic advising, student services and/or higher education.
• Knowledge of best practices in academic advising and student retention.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group academic advising, assisting students with course selection, degree planning, and understanding academic policies, including major/minor requirements, course sequencing, and credit transfer.
• Support students in developing academic plans, setting goals, and identifying strategies for academic and career success.
• Monitor students’ academic progress and provide success coaching, offering guidance for those facing personal or academic challenges.
• Conduct preliminary audits for newly accepted students and graduation audits for students nearing completion, ensuring accuracy and coordinating communication with faculty, deans, chairs, and the Registrar’s office.
• Communicate and clarify academic policies, such as waivers, substitutions, transient policies, and religion course requirements, to students and faculty.
• Maintain accurate advising records, track student progress, and generate reports as needed.
• Refer students to appropriate campus resources, including tutoring, career services, mental health services, and financial aid, to support academic and personal success.
• Participate in orientation programs, advisory meetings, and student success initiatives to enhance engagement and retention.
• Collaborate with faculty, Career Services, and other departments to support student development, including internships and experiential learning opportunities.
• Stay current with academic policies, procedures, and best practices in advising through professional development activities, including training, workshops, and conferences.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the team lead or supervisor.

Benefits

• Office Environment: Ability to work primarily in an office setting, which involves sitting for extended periods.
• Computer Use: Proficiency in using computers for various tasks, which requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for typing and handling office equipment.
• Communication: Strong verbal communication skills for meetings, presentations, and interactions with staff, students, and parents.
• Mobility: Capability to move around the office and campus as needed for meetings and events.
• Lifting: Occasionally lift and carry items such as files, documents, or small office equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Visual Requirements: Ability to read and interpret data on computer screens and printed documents.
• Hearing and Speaking: Adequate hearing to participate in conversations and phone calls, and clear speaking ability for effective communication.
• Travel: None
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, with occasional evenings and weekends

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level