Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor & Student Outreach Coordinator
Job no: 521577
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: CESL
Union: PSU
Categories: Academic Advising & Learning Resources, PSU A
About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Civic Engagement and Service-Learning (CESL) Academic Advisor and Student Outreach Coordinator manages undergraduate student advising for all UMass students pursuing the Civic Engagement and Public Service (CEPS) Certificate and the BDIC-CivX program track. The position is also responsible for student outreach and recruitment for all CESL programs and courses, and works collaboratively with a variety of curricular and co-curricular campus units to promote and support UMass students' engaged learning opportunities. Other responsibilities include: course management of approved Service-Learning and CEPS certificate courses; maintenance of student documentation for CEPS and BDIC-CivX students; and excellent and timely communication with CESL faculty/staff/ students, as well as with collaborating units across campus.

Essential Functions

Meets and advises current and prospective CEPS certificate and/or BDIC-CivX students, individually and in group sessions. Advises on registration for appropriate classes each semester to satisfy requirements of the certificate, and other CESL programs and/or University degree requirements (if/as applicable). Refers students, as needed, to appropriate campus support services.
Maintains all documentation of prospective and current CEPS certificate and CivX students, including applications, course petitions, graduation and transcript documentation, awarding certificates, Student Success advising management system, etc.
Manages Certificate and CivX websites, including on-line application process and course list management through SPIRE.
Collaborates with departmental faculty and academic program coordinators across campus to develop and maintain departmental certificate advising documents.
Provides CESL/CEPS course management for Service-Learning and Certificate courses through review of Spire each semester. Cross checks courses to update and expand published certificate course list, monitors CESL's SRVCLRNG course rubric for accuracy before pre-registration, and follows up with appropriate steps for corrections.
Provides orientations on CESL programs, CEPS certificate and/or BDIC-CivX at university advising staff meetings, such as Exploratory Track, Commonwealth Honors College, and Student Success. Coordinates with Directors of Undergraduate Advising in key departments to determine accessible paths for students to pursue CEPS Certificate.
Manages all CESL campus outreach and recruitment activities. Supervises undergraduate staff on performing outreach tasks. Oversees and monitors weekly class announcements in service-learning and certificate-approved courses. Coordinates with other units to plan and implement periodic opportunities for in-class and staff presentations and tabling events (e.g., Summer New Student Orientation program, Residential Academic Programs, Student Success, Career Services). Manages CESL involvement in UMass-wide Admissions and other annual events (e.g., UMass Visit Days, Majors Fair).
Develops tabling support materials and training/support for CESL staff and work-study students. Coordinates development of outreach materials and supplies – informational flyers, slideshow, and interactive tabling activities. Creates summary report/update on outreach activities.
Initiates and supports CESL/Campus Collaborations through coordination with co-curricular community engagement, particularly Student Affairs and Student Engagement and Leadership, to streamline student opportunities and support.
Coordinates with curricular and co-curricular units and departments on campus to identify and pursue potential collaborations to support CESL programs and mission.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Bachelor's Degree (preferably in Education, Academic Advising, or a related field) and one to three (1-3) years of experience in academic advising, academic program administration, or a related area or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A deep understanding of service-learning and civic engagement for the purposes of guiding students effectively through their plans of study and of determining appropriate courses to satisfy certificate requirements.
Evidence of an ability to work collaboratively, to take direction, and to consult on all aspects of the job with the CESL director, staff, and faculty.
Ability to work independently and to prioritize and complete multiple complex tasks with different timetables and deadlines in a busy and complex environment.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively, and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, students, off-campus constituents and community partners. Ability and willingness to work empathetically with a diverse student population.
Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in a logical sequence.
Independent initiative. Must have the ability to stay on task and work productively with a minimum amount of supervision or guidance. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner, balancing the demands of concurrent and potentially competing projects.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality. The ability to think through problems, organize and seek out data/information, identify key factors and underlying causes, and generate solutions.
Strong computer skills and demonstrated ability to utilize word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs effectively.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Master's Degree in Education, Academic Advising, or a related field and three (3) years of higher education experience in academic advising, academic program administration, or a related area or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

37.5 hour work week. Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Required to work some nights and weekends as needed.

Salary Information

Level 26

Exempt Hiring Ranges