Assistant Director of Academic Advising Professional and Online Campuses (28310)

OUR UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University (established in 1865) one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park Kansas.

Ottawa University is a regionally accredited church-related private university that strives to integrate faith learning and life in the academic experiences of students.

JOB SUMMARY

Assists Director with the management of the academic advising team through data reporting and portfolio tracking. Contributes to academic advisor training and support of retention initiatives. Responsible for providing academic leadership and instruction within the University through student counseling academic advising and guiding students toward successful degree completion. Maintains a portfolio of students and meets the requirements of an Academic Advisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):

• Collaborates with the Director of Academic Advising to assign advisor portfolios for the unit staffing of orientation courses.
• Serves as administrative backup for Univeristy-wide communication systems.
• Assists in training new hires on internal systems and processes.
• Provides support as needed to academic advisors in their unit.
• Provides informal feedback to the Director of Academic Advising on the performance of academic advisors in the unit.
• Under the direction of the Director of Academic Advising implements retention/student success initiatives and career services initiatives.
• Manages a student portfolio.
• Receives student from the Enrollment Advisor (EA) once enrolled into the University system. Facilitates the online new student orientation course for degree-seeking students. Works with students to create (or update) and maintain a current Graduation Plan. Leads the student toward effectively scheduling and enrolling in courses as guided by the Graduation Plan. Tracks the students progress and maintains regular contact encouraging consecutive term/semester enrollment and continued academic progress.
• Advises the student related to concerns questions and problems as they arise and provides a connection for the learner with appropriate university services. Serves as a coach and fosters a productive University support system for the student. Serves as central communicator with the student regarding updates and changes to university policies procedures and operational processes.
• Manages and coordinates communication for commencement to Kansas Online and Wisconsin students.
• Other duties as assigned.

STANDARD UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS:

• Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
• Understand the Universitys policies and procedures and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the Universitys Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Provide leadership through conduct attitude and professionalism. Represent the University to students external groups faculty and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
• Be mindful and supportive of the overall Mission of Ottawa University.
• Exercise Inclusivity in your daily actions accruing alignment within expectations of the Universitys Mission Statement and Statement of Inclusion Openness and Community.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully the incumbents will possess the skills aptitudes and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge skills or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise other than an at will relationship.

Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race age sex color religion disability national origin sexual orientation genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

REQUIRED EDUCATION: (education based on essential job duties and requirements consistent with business necessity):
Bachelors degree or extensive professional experience required. Masters degree preferred.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: (experience based on requirements in role and are consistent with business necessity)
Three (3) years of experience in higher education with prior experience as an advisor in higher education.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: List required and/or preferred certification industry specific requirements required or preferred use of equipment and all necessary job skills abilities and knowledge competencies) Provide a list of items below:

• Leadership skills; leads others as trainer modeling best practices approach to advising role.
• Highly effective interpersonal and life coaching skills
• Competent working in and knowledgeable of academic and curricular issues
• Skilled in the use of assessment tools and the application of assessment data
• Sensitive to and aware of the needs of adult learners
• Highly effective telephone and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Has academic credentials to easily gain the respect of his/her assigned advisee population
• Understands that advising is a form of teaching and mentoring
• Effective computer skills to manage and utilize a database driven client record system

WORKING CONDITIONS (Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting lifting # bending driving environmental factors or elements noise level stairs in a building or other factors that will affect working conditions). Provide a list of items below:

• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at a time.
• May require evening/weekend schedule.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: No- Travel Required

• If YES list type and approximate percentage: None
• Responsible for driving students and University vehicles as part of job duties (YES/NO): No