Academic Student Advisor, Rabb & Brandeis Online School

Brandeis University is delighted to announce a career opportunity as the Academic Student Advisor in the Rabb & Brandeis Online School. At Brandeis, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package which includes medical, dental and life insurances.  If you are looking to advance your career through educational opportunities, Brandeis offers tuition assistance for employees, dependents and spouses.  Our 403b retirement savings plan includes a generous match.

The Academic Student Advisor is responsible for developing and enhancing relationships with students to support student enrollment, persistence, and success in degree programs. The Student Advisor offers one-on-one advising to ensure a smooth transition to the online learning environment, provides support and guidance throughout the student’s program, and monitors student progress with the ultimate goal of program completion. Advisors provide timely and regular feedback to students, answer all student questions about their programs, keep in regular communication with all students, work with every student on their program plans of study and career goals, and keep detailed records

The Academic Advisor's primary responsibility is to provide superb student support, academic advising, and to meet established online program retention goals. Acts as the coach and mentor for students throughout their program, be there to inspire, motivate, and challenge students, provides student support through academic planning, communication, and outreach to students, as well as providing resources and tools for success.

Key Responsibilities:

Student advising and retention (70%):

• Serve as the primary point of contact for students, providing the encouragement and support necessary to enable students to complete their program of study and interceding with at-risk students to reduce attrition.

• Support new student enrollment and offer one-on-one advising to ensure a smooth transition to the online learning environment.

• Guide and monitor student progress toward program completion.

• Demonstrate and communicate current, detailed, and accurate knowledge of university and divisional policies to students. Communicate the policies and procedures in a manner that displays a deep understanding of the rationale and the value of the policy to the student. 

• Assist students in preparing for the start of each session, including course recommendations and degree completion planning.

• Assess risk factors that may contribute to attrition and proactively work to mitigate those risk factors. Utilize reports and student feedback to identify concerns affecting student progression, and create an action plan with the student to address these concerns.

• Help students explore alternatives to overcome issues or problems that may be barriers to persistence or graduation. Assess the need for other services and make appropriate referrals. 

• Implement re-entry initiatives to bring inactive students back to the program.

• Take ownership of and meet enrollment and retention targets both as an individual and team, leveraging available tools and platforms such as Dropout Detective. 

• Provide and coordinate career advising to students, including reviewing resumes, pointing students to professional development resources, and providing industry-specific guidance in coordination with program chairs, members of the team and the Director of Student Services.

• Encourage and support students as they gain the skills and knowledge necessary for success.

• Provide a trusting environment where students can share their thoughts, aspirations, concerns, and interests, ensuring a positive student experience and academic success.

• Provide students with the available resources to aid with their success here at the university.

• Act as the student liaison between other departments; possess a thorough understanding of university policies, procedure, requirements, and effectively communicate them to students.

• Advise students regarding academic interests, college offerings and requirements.

• Assist students in selecting courses and combinations of courses that reflect individual interests and academic preparedness.

• Interpret assessment scores and facilitate decisions with students regarding placement choices within their selected program of study.

• Track student progress using the student success system and communicate plans of success to students on a regular basis.

Data and records (20%):

• Maintain accurate, organized, and detailed student records in all relevant systems as required by university governance and all laws, policies, and administrative regulations. 

• Analyze each student’s data in order to develop and implement plans that promote student success.

• Accurately record and track relevant student data throughout the lifecycle including student status, graduation timelines, withdrawal notifications, and academic warning situations.

• Maintain confidentiality of records and information (FERPA Compliance).

• Maintain accurate student records.

Divisional support: (10%)

• Participate in events and webinars, including admissions information sessions, networking events, and commencement.

• Actively participate in regular team and divisional meetings.

• Provide recommendations to the supervisor for changes in policies or procedures.

• Collaborate and support the development and implementation of retention planning and strategies, the advising model/approach and the student services annual goals and priorities.

• Represent the division and university when speaking with students and attending division-sponsored events or sessions.

• Collaborate on other divisional projects and provide coverage to team members as needed.

• Assist the Director of Student Support Services with early alert initiatives and preparing appropriate reports.

Education & Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• 3-5 years' experience in higher education student success, teaching, and/or advising. Online academic advising is preferred.

Qualifications:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Strong organizational and collaboration skills.

• Outstanding customer service skills, and the ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.    

• Demonstrated problem solving expertise in academic advising and retention strategies.

• Demonstrates the highest professional demeanor and ethical behavior while representing the institution.

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values at Brandeis today and always have been for they are rooted in our founding as an institution. These values serve as a reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow for us as Brandeisans.  Founded as a model institution for ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all nationalities, religions, and orientations.  Moreover, social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the evolving diversity of our larger society.  Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements at Brandeis Mission and Diversity Statements.

If you are interested in a role and have relevant experience but your work history does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we nevertheless encourage you to apply.

Closing Statement

Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.