Academic Navigator

College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University, Order of Saint Benedict • College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University - St. Joseph, MN

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

Academic Advising at the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit-eligible position of Academic Navigator. The Academic Navigator (Academic Advisor) empowers our undergraduate students to develop meaningful educational plans that support their academic, personal, and professional goals. Navigators use strong interpersonal skills; background in advising theory and strategies; knowledge of academic opportunities, policies, and procedures; and referral to other departments to support students in meeting their goals, a component of the True North Journey (CSB+SJU’s signature four-year experience). Academic Navigators strive to meet students at their point of need, understanding the context in which they make academic decisions, challenging students to become self-advocates, responding promptly to requests, and maintaining attention to detail. The Academic Advising Office is highly collaborative and collegial within the department and in connection to other departments across both campuses.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in related field of study.
• Critical thinking skills and demonstrated innovation in support of student success.
• Demonstrated skills in the following areas: problem-solving, decision-making, attention to detail, understanding and utilizing data, organization/prioritization, and adaptability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and empathy to positively interact with a variety of constituents.
• Commitment to developing intercultural competence and desire to contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Advanced computer proficiency including strong technical and analytical skills with data management software and reporting including proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Academic Advising, Residential Life, Counseling, Student Success, Career Services, teaching or other related area of student support services, preferably in an education setting.
• Experience in higher education
• Knowledge of current academic advising theories and techniques
• Proficiency with academic technologies: (e.g., Banner and Degree Works)
• Experience with case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with students in short- and long-term goal setting, decision-making, problem-solving, and planning related to their educational journey.
• Engage students in conversations about their educational experiences, identity, and goals.
• Connect students to opportunities allowing them to explore interests, strengths, values, and skills related to academic major(s) and career choices
• Facilitate individual student’s understanding of integrated learning (general education, programs of study, co-curricular and non-academic experiences).
• Guide students in prioritizing course selections in line with their academic goals.
• Assist students in navigating higher education structures, processes, technologies, and cultures.
• Recognize each student’s need for specialized support and provide a bridge between students and those resources.
• Pay ongoing, proactive and data-informed attention to the individual student’s unique academic journey, including their degree progress, course selection, and academic outcomes.
• Support the education and training of departmental student employees.
• Respond to student inquiries regarding course schedules and facilitate course changes, as necessary.
• Facilitate timely registration by reaching out to students who are not registered by guiding students in resolving registration holds and working with campus partners.
• Monitor academic progress for students including mid-term feedback and registration assistance.
• Respond to student academic concerns raised by faculty, staff, or other members of the community.
• Engage in dialogue with students placed on probation to identify causes of poor academic performance and develop a plan of action with them.
• Partner with sophomore through senior students and their faculty advisors, Career Navigators and other campus partners to guide the completion of the student’s academic plan.
• Maintain student records according to professional standards, including confidentiality of information.
• Serve as the First Year Advisor for approximately 100 new students.
• Assist assigned students in creating registration plans for succeeding semesters.
• Facilitate a purpose-driven new-student registration process.
• Employ various advising approaches to guide students through exploration and discernment of academic majors.
• Advise students regarding general education requirements and developing four-year academic plans.
• Teach up to two sections of the CSB+SJU College Success Course: a 55-minute weekly course designed to support first-year students’ transition to college, including academic skills, goal setting, campus connections, and personal/professional development.
• Introduce students to key CSB+SJU resources, support services, and campus engagement opportunities to increase belonging and confidence.
• Facilitate reflective activities and discussions that help students build foundational habits for success and connect their academic experience to long-term purpose and well-being.
• Collaborate with Career Navigator team to best support students in their academic planning and first year experience.
• Work in alignment with designated career navigators, department chairs, and faculty advisors to support students in specific areas of academic and career interest.
• Participate in the department’s review and decision-making process regarding students’ academic standing.
• Serve on selected campus committees as requested.
• Develop and facilitate workshops or presentations on academic issues.
• Work on special projects assigned by the Director of Academic Advising.
• Contribute to the team effort to continuously improve academic advising at CSB+SJU.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 18 Paid Holidays Annually
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Remission for Eligible Dependents
• Employer Contributions to a Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program with access to free or discounted counseling, legal guidance, financial coaching, and more

What This Job Offers

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