Assistant Director of Academic Advising - Professional and Online Campuses (28310)

OTTAWA UNIVERSITY•Overland Park, KS

About The Position

Ottawa University (established in 1865), one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States, is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa, Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park, Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park, Kansas. Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, private university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students. JOB SUMMARY Assists Director with the management of the academic advising team through data reporting and portfolio tracking. Contributes to academic advisor training and support of retention initiatives. Responsible for providing academic leadership and instruction within the University through student counseling, academic advising, and guiding students toward successful degree completion. Maintains a portfolio of students and meets the requirements of an Academic Advisor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or extensive professional experience required. Master's degree preferred.
Three (3) years of experience in higher education with prior experience as an advisor in higher education.
Leadership skills; leads others as trainer modeling best practices approach to advising role.
Highly effective interpersonal and life coaching skills
Competent working in and knowledgeable of academic and curricular issues
Skilled in the use of assessment tools and the application of assessment data
Sensitive to and aware of the needs of adult learners
Highly effective telephone and communication skills
Strong organizational skills
Has academic credentials to easily gain the respect of his/her assigned advisee population
Understands that advising is a form of teaching and mentoring
Effective computer skills to manage and utilize a database driven client record system
Prolonged periods of sitting.
Must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at a time.
May require evening/weekend schedule.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree

Responsibilities

Collaborates with the Director of Academic Advising to assign advisor portfolios for the unit, staffing of orientation courses.
Serves as administrative backup for Univeristy-wide communication systems.
Assists in training new hires on internal systems and processes.
Provides support as needed to academic advisors in their unit.
Provides informal feedback to the Director of Academic Advising on the performance of academic advisors in the unit.
Under the direction of the Director of Academic Advising, implements retention/student success initiatives and career services initiatives.
Manages a student portfolio.
Receives student from the Enrollment Advisor (EA) once enrolled into the University system. Facilitates the online new student orientation course for degree-seeking students. Works with students to create (or update) and maintain a current Graduation Plan. Leads the student toward effectively scheduling and enrolling in courses as guided by the Graduation Plan. Tracks the student’s progress and maintains regular contact encouraging consecutive term/semester enrollment and continued academic progress.
Advises the student related to concerns, questions, and problems as they arise and provides a connection for the learner with appropriate university services. Serves as a coach and fosters a productive University support system for the student. Serves as central communicator with the student regarding updates and changes to university policies, procedures, and operational processes.
Manages and coordinates communication for commencement to Kansas, Online, and Wisconsin students.
Other duties as assigned.
Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
Understand the University’s policies and, procedures, and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
Be mindful and supportive of the overall Mission of Ottawa University.
Exercise Inclusivity in your daily actions accruing alignment within expectations of the University’s Mission Statement and Statement of Inclusion, Openness, and Community.