Program Specialist

NEIU•Chicago, IL

9d•$50,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Specialist reports to the Associate Dean of Business and Technology. The Program Specialist assists students in learning about educational options, degree requirements, and University policies and procedures, as well as providing students with guidance in clarifying educational objectives and developing an academic plan appropriate to their educational/career goals in the College of Business and Technology. The Program Specialist also advocates on behalf of students and introduces students to the many support services and resources available within the university community. The Program Specialist also develops and coordinates student recruitment activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Computer Science, Counseling, Psychology, Higher Education, or a related field.
Two years or more of student service is required, preferably academic advising experience.
Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to plan, implement, and deliver academic advising services and activities directed toward facilitating the personal growth, achievement, and retention of students.
Candidates must also demonstrate exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively with a highly diverse constituency.
This position requires a background check.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide academic advisement and educational planning to newly admitted and continuing students who declared a major or pre-major or minor in the College of Business and Technology.
Assist students on either a walk-in basis or through scheduled appointments.
Respond to and assist students via electronic and phone contacts in a timely manner.
Advise and assist students with: interpretation of test scores; course prerequisites; course selection and sequencing; registration; academic planning; general education requirements; major requirement; graduation requirements; and interpretation of university policies and procedures.
Encourage and guide students to define and develop realistic educational goals; assist them in gaining decision-making skills and planning programs which are consistent with their interests and abilities.
Maintain comprehensive, accurate records of all student contacts in electronic format.
Maintain a caseload of assigned students: monitor student progress; recommend solutions to academic difficulties; provide probation counseling; and assist with petitions for financial aid and academic reinstatement.
Intentionally initiate phone and e-mail contact with advisees prior to fall, spring and summer registration and at other times as appropriate, ie., to discuss items raised in NEIUStar, probation/dismissed, declaration of major and other retention and time-to-degree issues and/or initiatives.
Advocate on behalf of students when appropriate.
Provide and accept referral services within the university community and conduct appropriate follow-up.
Participate in Transfer Orientation; conduct individual advising sessions with new students.
Emphasize the importance of engaging in career exploration activities; provide information and referrals to various campus resources such as the Office of Career Development.
Foster intentional contact with other departmental and college advisors to ensure the consistency and accuracy of information transferred to students, as well as facilitate transition of students into the major.
Participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Advising Center services, goals, and objectives.
Participate in program-related meetings, including staff and committee meetings, as well as professional development workshops, conferences, and activities as time and resources allow.
Develop and coordinate student recruitment, activities, including attending college day and night programs, college fairs and high schools; disseminates information at campus open houses or other settings.
Create, update, and maintain information on the CBT student advising services website and student portal, etc. that describe, highlight, and explain resources and services.