Lead Advisor (IRIS)

Colorado Mesa University•Grand Junction, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

At CMU, we look at every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we have the “right seats” in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the seats. 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, Lead 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. Lead 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. Additionally, Lead IRIS Advisors lead and manage a team of IRIS Advisors to provide excellent advising and student support services.

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.
Two years of experience in customer service, academic advising, success coaching, college classroom teaching and/or counseling/social work.
Experience in leadership, management, or supervision of professional staff.
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.
Must demonstrate strong communication, active listening, and relationship building skills
Must embrace Appreciative Advising approach and student-centered customer service experience
Ability to learn quickly and stay up to date on current academic and financial policies
Ability to present complex information in an understandable manner to students, parents, and guests
Ability to manage stress in demanding customer and student-service areas
Ability to learn and adapt to new software and technology quickly
Ability to prepare and present programming to various audiences
Flexibility to juggle multiple student appointments, meetings, and duties
Ability to maintain student confidentiality and educational privacy rights (FERPA)
Ability to communication strategy, facilitate decision making and work through difficult conversations with people at all levels in the organization.
Ability to embrace change and innovation
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 non-traditional 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.
Build and maintain positive professional relationships with academic departments included in their IRIS Advising Team.
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.
Lead and manage a team of 3-5 IRIS Advisors.
Assist in hiring, training, and supervision of IRIS Advisors and IRIS professional staff.
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.