Student Service Advisor

Description

About the Job

The Student Service Advisor (SSA) is a full-time, non-exempt, remote position reporting to the Director of Retention for the College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS). The SSA guides and assists CAGS students toward successful degree completion and attainment of educational goals. This position is a key component in the retention and persistence of students.

While the campus is in Lakewood, CAGS students are located in varying regions both inside and outside of Colorado. As a result, this position requires high levels of accurate and concise communication (email, phone, and in-person, depending on the student’s location).

A polished, professional demeanor is required. Hours may vary depending on student need and may include evenings and weekends.

About CCU

Colorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian university in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, delivering world class education to thousands of students. The fully accredited, nonprofit University is located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.

Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914.  CCU’s motto is--grace and truth. This motto comes from John 1.14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (ESV) 

CCU's mission is Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth.

Colorado Christian University cultivates knowledge and love of God in a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars, with an enduring commitment to the integration of exemplary academics, spiritual formation, and engagement with the world. We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards, embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, treasure the gospel, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world in their callings.

CCU embraces an educational model that was present at the foundation of many of the great western and American universities. It is made up of three pillars—competence, character and Christ-centered faith. Secular universities have abandoned two of those pillars. We think this is a major oversight that eventually undermines education. Furthermore, we believe this classical educational model is both life-giving and greatly needed in our time.

A leader in higher education, CCU has been consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges and universities nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. CCU has had ten consecutive years of enrollment growth and has been named one of the five fastest-growing master’s granting universities by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

CCU offers more than 200 degree program options for traditional and adult students through its two colleges--the College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 9,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online.

What is most appealing about working at CCU?

Faith-friendly: CCU’s culture is unique to higher education. Where else can you pursue academic excellence yet read the Holy Bible, pray with teammates and students at work, and work to impact our culture in support of Christian values?

Convictionally Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God’s Word.

Live out your calling: We are a traditional evangelical university where you can invest your God-given talents and abilities alongside coworkers and teammates, while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings and preparing them for positions of significant leadership in the church, business, government, education, and other professions, as a key part of our University's Strategic Priorities.

We’re looking for candidates who have:

High technology proficiency; fluency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.

Confidence with a high level of inbound/outbound calls; proven ability to articulate clearly and persuasively, yet professionally, with students.

Self-confidence, patience, empathy, and availability when building rapport with students; ability to understand and adapt quickly to multi-generational needs and characteristics.

Ability to be a creative, out-of-the box thinker who takes initiative to find solutions while clarifying and enforcing CCU’s expectations and policies.

Flexibility, a teachable spirit, and openness to change; ability to proactively locate appropriate resources to assist with unfamiliar situations; confidence in asking questions, and ability to recognize and learn from mistakes.

Consistently cohesive working relationships, ability to view conflict positively and operate with honesty and respect in all communication.

Disposition to enjoy a high-energy call center-type work environment, maintain focus amidst unexpected distractions, and manage disruptions with professionalism.

Previous advising, student service, higher education, public relations, customer service, or similar experience preferred.

Bachelor’s degree (preferred).

Bilingual speaking and writing proficiency in Spanish/English preferred.

Key Job Duties

Contribute to CCU’s mission: CCU provides Christ-centered higher education to transform students to impact the world with grace and truth. The SSA contributes to this mission by guiding and encouraging students to fulfill their God-given calling and educational goals by providing quality, Christ-centered advising to enhance and advance exemplary academics, spiritual growth, and engagement with the world.

Answer student questions via phone, email, and in-person advising appointments (depending on location); documents details in student’s record. Sample topics include: course registration, financial aid, academic progress, transfer credits, life/school balance, available student resources, faculty concerns, and other student needs.

Initiate outbound calls to students to assess early intervention needs, build advisor/advisee relationships, ascertain obstacles to course completion or registration, and proactively and persuasively challenge students to successful continuation and academic excellence.

Analyze, organize, and update reports, spreadsheets, and templates for effective time management, data integrity, efficient student communication, and trending student retention.

Interpret and analyze student data in order to proactively contact students and achieve monthly retention goals.

Partner strategically with other departments to facilitate and process time-sensitive student requests.

Prepare and plan for future blocks/semesters; collaborate with colleagues on special projects; attend team meetings and training webinars/conference calls.

Perform other duties as assigned. 

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, you may be required to walk, stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, speak with clarity, and have appropriate vision and hearing capabilities. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

What we offer our employees:

We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to all employees. Our benefit package includes: a tuition waiver program, excellent healthcare, generous paid time off, matching 403(b) retirement plan, and additional organizational paid benefits and voluntary benefit offerings. Pay and benefits will be discussed in more detail as candidates progress through the interview process.

Colorado Christian University’s pay philosophy is based on internal and external data for pay equity; along with budgetary considerations for effective stewardship. Pay will be assigned based on relevant experience at a range of $16.85 - $18.27/hour. We reserve the right to pay an equitable rate that we believe is within our salary structure or that may fit a candidate’s qualifications or experience for the job. A wage range posted is not a guarantee of a specific wage range for a job offer. CCU reserves the right to make pay decisions based on economic and equity considerations to attract the best possible talent. CCU does not determine pay based on sex or any other protected status.

Spiritual Requirements

Committed follower of Jesus Christ, who believes there is no salvation apart from faith in his atonement on the cross, by grace alone becoming "born again" thus beginning a personal relationship with Christ, the Son of God.

Able to effectively communicate personal faith and apply biblical principles and convictions in the workplace. Must have a strong sense of calling to the ministry of Colorado Christian University.

Regularly attend and be engaged in meaningful involvement in a Bible-believing evangelical local church. Knowledgeable about the Word of God and passionate about Christian education.

Must be a traditional evangelical Christian whose lifestyle is in consonance with sound Christian principles, is compatible with CCU’s Statement of Faith, and is in agreement with the Strategic Priorities promulgated by the University.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Colorado Christian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status. CCU is committed to an environment free from discrimination and harassment and calls on every member of the university community to be vigilant in deterring and reporting all violations. CCU does reserve the right to exercise preference on the basis of religion in all of its employment practices. All employees who work at CCU must demonstrate a spiritual testimony consistent with our evangelical mission and follow our lifestyle expectations.