Senior Associate Advisor

Position Introduction:

Academic advising in the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication is a student-centered, collaborative experience shaped by National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) core values and the ACEJMC Accrediting body. Advisors work closely with students to clarify degree requirements, connect them with campus and professional resources, and support thoughtful decision-making that nurtures both academic progress and personal growth.

Advisors guide students in understanding degree requirements, exploring programs, and connecting with campus and professional resources. The ACEJMC Professional Values and Competencies are core standards that journalism and mass communication graduates must master, including clear writing, ethical practice, and critical research. At Gaylord College, advising is not a checklist, it's a meaningful partnership that enriches the student experience and cultivates long-term success.

Gaylord College is looking for a Senior Associate Advisor with a balance of social skills to develop meaningful connections with students, attention to detail to provide accurate information, an understanding of academic policies and procedures, and a commitment to creating a welcoming environment.

Essential Responsibilities:

Oversees student degree planning by recommending course sequencing and monitoring progress towards degree completion. Communicates information regarding academic programs, policies, and procedures based on students' individual needs. Assists students in realizing their educational, professional, and personal goals by offering specialized guidance. Operates within an extensive campus network of institutional resources designed to help students maximize their college experience. Demonstrates a high level of leadership that is reflected in the assignment of specific responsibilities that enhance the delivery of advising services. Responsibilities of this position may include the delivery of high-quality student services, policy and procedural authorizations, data collection, and leadership in professional advising activities at multiple university levels. May provide leadership and oversight to include supervision.

• Performs all duties of an Academic Advisor as appropriate.
• May provide leadership and oversight to include supervision of the advising center, student support initiatives, and program administration.
• Monitors the academic health and degree progression of assigned students, to include grade monitoring, active outreach, enrollment tracking, and Academic Life Coaching for students who would benefit from additional support.
• Develops a rapport of trust with assigned students.
• Responds to communications via phone, and email in a timely manner.
• Participates in institutional retention and completion initiatives.
• Engages in leadership or scholarly activity to further professional advising identity.
• Serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) by fulfilling training and reporting obligations related to campus safety protocols.
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

May perform the following duties as assigned such as:

• Works with students who are at risk, on academic probation or other special population.
• Serves as a policy expert.
• Conducts new advisor onboarding and training.
• Mentors and coaches new advisors.
• Leads initiatives for projects/programming, delivery of advising services, or student support services.
• Develops innovative strategies for improved student services, advisor professional development, or leadership in the community.
• Engages in strategic planning initiatives.
• Identifies gaps in the advising system and initiates innovative approaches to address the challenges.
• Assists in data collection (assessment, retention, graduation, etc.)
• Represents unit at recruitment events.
• Participates in Academic Life Coaching.
• Represents unit at cross departmental meetings.
• Provides input and feedback in college/department decision making.
• Collaborates with faculty and provides feedback on curricular decisions and course needs.
• Participates in committees, task force, or search committees.
• Coordinates special events such as orientation, convocation, graduation, etc.

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Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum 72 months of experience in academic advising/higher education.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will also accept a Master's degree and 48 months of experience in academic advising/higher education or a Doctorate and 24 months of experience in academic advising/higher education.

Department Preferences:

• Master's degree in academic advising, higher education administration, student development, or counseling preferred.