Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Academic Advisor.

Position Details

Location

Hattiesburg

118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States

Division
Provost and Sr VP for Academic Affairs

Position Type
Staff

Employment Status
Full Time

Grant Funded
No

Salary Range
36,140.00 – 39,140.00

Pay Grade

E06

Posting Close Date
Open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants
The University of Southern Mississippi seeks an academic advisor to hire for the centralized University Advisement Center at the Hattiesburg campus. Please upload:

1. Current Resume
2. Cover letter highlighting your interest and fit for this position
3. Names and contact information for three references who can speak to your potential as an advisor

All application materials must be submitted in the online system; emailed materials are not considered. Priority consideration given to applications submitted before initial review begins (July 14, 2023). If you have any questions, please email Christy.Oberst@usm.edu.

Job Summary:
The Academic Advisor works as part of a network of advisors on campus, inside and outside the University Advisement Center, who cultivate success for students from diverse backgrounds by 1) assisting students in their transition to the University, 2) facilitating students’ efforts to plan their path to degree, 3) promoting engagement in an appropriate major for their interests and strengths, and 4) connecting students with key campus resources. This position supports a caseload of first-year and incoming transfer undergraduates in a specific set of majors for whom they serve as a primary advisor. In addition to working with students in their caseload, advisors will also respond to walk-in student needs collaboratively with other advisors in the University Advisement Center. The position of advisor is a full-time (40 hour/week) position and limited evenings and weekend hours are expected. Advisors also do some advising virtually as part of the University Advisement Center’s routine operations.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Meet and collaboratively engage with diverse students to advise them in matters pertaining to academic curricula, requirements and majors, facilitating academic progression toward degree completion; proactively reach out to students at regular intervals to ensure they are meeting expectations; refer students to resources on campus and specific staff and faculty as appropriate and be proactive to ensure student issues are addressed efficiently and effectively; respond to student questions, including walk-ins, emails, phone, and videoconferencing, with a helpful attitude, correct information, and timeliness; take an active role to resolve student problems;
2. Work collaboratively and effectively with other advisors, staff, and faculty across the University, utilizing evidence-based best practices for advising to increase student and advisor success; Attend workshops, presenting at office meetings, and/or holding membership in strategic professional organizations (e.g., NACADA).
3. Act as a liaison between students and faculty/staff in units across campus to facilitate communication and address issues as they arise, including communicating with faculty in the programs covered by the advisor’s caseload of majors; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including email and advisement notes.
4. Provide unbiased guidance to undeclared students and those considering changing majors; work in partnership with Career Services to assist students in making informed choices about both courses of study and future goals;
5. Engage in continuous professional development and training to improve advising skills, including recognizing and supporting the needs of diverse student populations.
6. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
• Knowledge of practices that promote equity and inclusion, and skill in working with diverse students to foster an inclusive community that recognizes the value of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, ability, or socioeconomic status.
• Ability to work independently to manage caseloads, demonstrating strong organizational skills, attention to detail, time management, and memorization
• Knowledge of academic policies/procedures and major/degree plans according to the advisor’s area, in addition to student resources throughout the University
• Flexibility in using problem-solving skills and initiative to assist individual students with particular issues and identify methods to improve office processes and systems
• Strong interpersonal skills, including an ability to work effectively with a wide variety of individuals and groups, and ability to work effectively as a team member and develop collaborative and productive professional relationships in pursuit of shared goals.
• Commitment to professional development and growth

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• Prior experience with advisement, student coaching, or other student academic support work, especially with diverse student populations
• Educational background in a field related to higher education, student services, or counseling.
• Educational background and/or work experience with one or more of the disciplinary areas that the advisor will serve (e.g., Construction Management; Interior Design; Exploratory Studies [undeclared])

About The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.