Graduate Academic Advisor

Franklin University has a full-time opening for a Graduate Academic Advisor.  Reporting to the Assistant Director of Graduate Academic Advising, the Graduate Academic Advisor will be responsible for proactively engaging students to ensure a high-quality graduate student experience that sets students up for persistence and completion.  Academic Advisors apply the core principles of the Student Engagement Lifecycle (SELC), best practices in the field, and emerging research and assessment to mentor these students in their academic planning and progress, career exploration and development, and personal growth and development. The Graduate Academic Advisor will be expected to work actively in a team environment with students to enhance the graduate culture of the University.

The Graduate Academic Advisor will proactively engage and advise graduate students in one-on-one (phone, face to face, virtual, email) and group settings. This individual will interpret and apply university policies and procedures to assist students in navigating their academic programs and resolving problems.  Other duties include coaching students in strategies to foster their personal and professional growth and development; identifying, planning and executing needed educational programs and resources for students; effectively and efficiently utilizing the University’s technology tools, including our student communication platform, and student information system, to assess individual student progress and ensuring a quality student experience.  In addition, this individual will serve as an advocate for the students in the campus community, assist students in resolving problems and challenges and proactively engage in registration outreach.  The Graduate Academic Advisor will establish and maintain working relationships with faculty and develop a thorough understanding of all aspects and nuances of the academic programs and curricular options.  Finally, the Graduate Academic Advisor will engage in planning and executing continual personal and professional development as a Student Affairs professional; fully engage with the profession through participation in national and regional associations, being a good consumer of emerging research in the field, and making the link between theory and research to daily practice and will be responsible for special projects and other duties as assigned.

This position will require a flexible schedule to cover the priorities of the Department.  Some evening events may be required and the Graduate Academic Advisor will regularly work one evening per week until 7 p.m., and one evening until 6 p.m., with two on-campus days per week and three working remotely from home.

We seek someone with a Master's degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education or a closely related field with applicable experience in higher education settings. The successful candidate will exhibit a clear student-centered philosophy, be results-oriented and goal driven and have a collaborative team orientation. In addition, this individual should be a strong communicator (both orally and through written communication) who is able to prioritize and is comfortable delivering and receiving constructive/critical feedback. Prior experience advising graduate or doctoral students and utilizing a student communication platform is strongly preferred. Involvement with developing educational programs, messages, and resources to advance graduate culture desired. Prior experience that demonstrates an understanding of retention and persistence metrics, student assessment, and their application to the decision making process would be a plus.

Founded in 1902, Franklin University has built its reputation on removing barriers to higher education for ambitious adults who must balance their educational goals with other commitments. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin has earned its long-standing reputation as an innovator in online education. The University offers applied, in-demand undergraduate, master’s and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. From entrepreneurs to CEOs, more than 50,000 Franklin alumni can be found around the world contributing to the communities in which they live and work.

Franklin offers a competitive benefits package, incentive program and free parking. In addition, Franklin provides free undergraduate tuition for employees and immediate family members, graduate tuition assistance for full-time employees and immediate family members, and a discount on doctoral tuition for employees.

Franklin University is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive educational and workplace environment. Franklin does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, disability, or veteran or military status.