Lead Academic Advisor -Purdue Indianapolis

The broad scope of science at Purdue is our strength. 

The College of Science seeks an experienced academic advising professional who will supervise advisors and contribute to exemplary academic advising services for undergraduate students pursuing a Computational Science program at the Purdue Indianapolis location (PIN). In a high-support team environment, culture of collaboration, and opportunity to help lead a highly trained and committed advising team appeal to you, you may be our next Computational Science Lead Advisor.

In the role of a Lead Academic Advisor, you will:

• Serve on the advising leadership team and supervise academic advisors, providing mentoring, administrative, and training support
• Closely collaborate with the Director of Academic Advising at the Indianapolis location and report to an Associate Director of Academic Advising at the West Lafayette location
• Manage administrative tasks and outcomes
• Advises students
• Create an open and respectful environment wherein students of diverse backgrounds and interests feel comfortable exploring and defining their goals and curricular pathways
• Empower students to be active, responsible learners and assist them in making well-informed decisions
• Guide students in course selection and the process of registering for courses
• Identify campus activities and program opportunities related to students' majors
• Maintain a consistent pattern of contact and communication with assigned students
• Use data to provide timely outreach to students on their academic progress and conduct audits on students’ degree progress
• Assess when a student’s situation requires referral to campus resources
• Maintain and ensure the confidentiality of student records
• Teach students about the university’s structure, systems, policies, and practices

If you desire to significantly impact the Purdue undergraduate experience in a collaborative team environment where your strengths and contributions are called upon to meet unit goals, this may be the professional experience you’ve been working towards.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in higher education, academic advising, education, or other related field. A science background is not required for consideration
• Minimum one (1) year of leadership experience including planning/overseeing projects, executing administrative processes, and supervising the responsibilities of academic advisors or student support services staff. Professional experience that supports leadership potential will be considered
• Minimum two (2) years of student advising, recruitment, or other student-facing experience
• Experience working across constituents in the execution of departmental initiatives
• Ability to utilize multiple platforms and databases for records management, and administratively support their use by advisors (i.e., DegreeWorks, Banner, Edunav, Slate, Microsoft Suite, Outlook etc.)

Skills Needed:

• Collegial collaborative style of leadership with the ability to build support and consensus utilizing strong interpersonal and listening skills
• Supervisory, planning, technical, project management, and customer support skills
• Highly developed organizational skills and precise attention to detail
• Openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity to cultural differences, and the ability to interact with all people, understand individual differences, and relate with a diverse student population—ability to communicate and lead with sensitive, thoughtful, and inclusive language
• Knowledge of post-secondary academic systems and student development theories. Model the core values of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA)
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues and make data-informed decisions
• Basic management approaches such as work scheduling, prioritizing, coaching, and process execution. 
• Excellent verbal, public speaking, writing, and listening skills with the ability to articulate thoughts and ideas
• Demonstrated personal accountability, effective work habits, and ability to handle multiple work priorities
• Ability to:
  • learn, retain, and disseminate accurate information
  • work within a team structure while leveraging the strengths of others to achieve common goals
  • build and sustain relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
• Willingness and capacity to work in a changing environment

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
   

• The Advisor Certification Program. The University Undergraduate Academic Advising Office offers this centralized professional development opportunity that allows new advisors to develop their foundational skills with other new advisors in a cohort setting
• Participation in the Inclusive Advising initiative. This unique learning experience is grounded in Purdue students' and advisors' specific voices and experiences. Inclusive Advising learning opportunities are cohort-based and designed to encourage learning and intentional reflection
• An advising ratio of 225:1. Purdue University is committed to maintaining one of the lowest advising caseloads in the country
• The Purdue Academic Advising Association. This association boosts the longest-standing allied membership in NACADA, with a proud tradition of 36 years of professional development support and community among Purdue advisors