STEM Advisor

NEIU • Chicago, IL

1d • $45,000 - $50,000

About The Position

The STEM Advisor provides professional advising and holistic mentoring to incoming and continuing students majoring in STEM disciplines. Working with Student Center for Science Engagement (SCSE) staff, the advisor helps identify research and training opportunities and develops and implements programs that support students’ professional development and success in STEM. The role also assists with social events organized by the Center.

The advisor provides daily, individualized, in-person advising and coaching on personal, career, academic, and professional matters. This includes supporting students with internships, graduate school and job applications, resumes, personal statements, professional development plans, networking, transferable skills, and transitions to graduate or professional school and careers. The advisor also coordinates students’ participation in conferences and supports the planning, delivery, assessment, and improvement of the Center’s Summer Research and Professional Training program and other outreach and student-success initiatives.

The position supports Center policies, procedures, objectives, and assessment; monitors student progress and maintains records for reporting; and maintains professional skills in areas such as teaching, research, or mentoring. Other duties may be assigned to further the SCSE’s mission. A background check is required.

Requirements

• M.S. in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of innovative and effective strategies for mentoring students, with a focus on STEM research, graduate school, and career opportunities.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience working with underrepresented groups in STEM, low-income students, and first-generation students.
• Mentoring experience.
• Experience with social media in a professional setting.
• Fluency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, daily, in-person, individualized holistic advising, personal and career advising, professional mentoring, and consultation to STEM majors on matters related to student success.
• Assist students with finding professional internships and preparing graduate school and job applications, resumes, and personal statements.
• Develop and provide comprehensive holistic coaching focused on STEM student success and navigating educational, professional, and personal commitments.
• Help students create professional development plans and build professional, networking, and transferable skills related to careers and graduate school.
• Assist students with transitions to graduate school, professional schools, and careers.
• Coordinate and assist student participation at local, regional, and national conferences, including supporting abstracts and applications, conference etiquette, networking, goal setting, and chaperoning or attending conferences with students.
• Work with the SCSE Director and staff to plan, develop, and coordinate the Summer Research and Professional Training program and place students appropriately.
• Assist with evaluating program elements and incorporating feedback to improve the Summer Research and Professional Training program.
• Assist in developing Center policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Support development and maintenance of Center outreach initiatives offering opportunities to current NEIU students, including summer research opportunities.
• Assist in selecting and implementing assessments related to research, internships, conference attendance, and student presentations.
• Monitor student progress and maintain student records for internal and external reporting.
• Maintain and develop professional skills, for example in teaching, research, or mentoring.
• Assist with social events organized by the Center.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to further the SCSE's mission.

Benefits

• University employees may be eligible for State of Illinois benefits, including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

What This Job Offers

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