IRIS Advisor

Colorado Mesa University•Grand Junction, CO

12d•Onsite

About The Position

IRIS is CMU’s first year advising center and one-stop that supports students’ needs relating to academic advising, registration, financial aid, financial counseling, and navigating college systems. IRIS Advisors provide these services in four ways: 1) front line customer service offered at the front desk, phone and email, 2) in-person or phone extended advising and financial counseling appointments, 3) targeted proactive advising services for students in need of additional support, and 4) events and groups sessions. Utilizing a case management system and Appreciative Advising framework, IRIS Advisors provide holistic and student-centered advising on multiple aspects of student success, such as academic advising and registration, student finances, financial aid, personal wellness, and student success skills. IRIS Advisors support and empower students from a wide variety of backgrounds and are expected to maintain a high level of customer service with all interactions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
Experience working with diverse student populations, especially first-generation, low-income, academically underprepared and/or groups that are underrepresented in higher education.
Experience in customer service, academic advising, success coaching, college classroom teaching and/or counseling/social work.
Must possess strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently as well as be a team player.
Strong computer skills.
Proficient with MS Office.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
Ability to respond effectively, both orally and in writing, to highly sensitive inquiries, information, challenges, or complaints.
Ability to give clear and effective presentations, lead discussions on complex topics, and respond effectively to questions from students, faculty, staff, and the general public.
Strategic and analytical reasoning skills are necessary.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, and percentages.
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear.
The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this seat include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Banner student database system experience and/or Slate software preferred.

Responsibilities

Act as an academic advisor for a diverse population of students, including but not limited to academically underprepared, undeclared, first generation, and nontraditional students.
Identify barriers that students face, suggest solutions to student challenges, and make appropriate internal and external referrals.
Provide a high level of customer service and create a welcoming environment for students.
Cultivate meaningful and productive relationships with students, staff, and leaders by initiating critical conversations, having a visible presence, and maintaining regular communication.
Assist in coordinating and providing proactive outreach efforts to assist in the retention goals of the university.
Responsible for documenting student appointments and outreach efforts.
Responsible for training other departments in relation to advising, financial counseling, and student support services.
Assist with onboarding new students during new student orientation.
Organize and design departmental events, such as major exploration events, First Gen Day, financial literacy events, etc.
Assist with various campus events and lead presentations on IRIS resources when needed.
Deliver instructional coursework for supplemental courses.
Supervision of a small student employee team (1-5) assigned to their IRIS Advising Team may be required.
Demonstrate a high level of discretion and professional judgment in actively assessing and advising students from all backgrounds on key aspects of student success, such as academic advising and registration, student finances, personal wellness, and student success skills.
Interpret and apply institutional policies, procedures, and regulations related to academic, financial, and student support programs.
Other duties may be assigned as needed by our business.