Senior Academic Adviser
The University of Chicago

Department

College Dean of Students in the College

About the Department

College Dean of Students

Job Summary

The Office of the Dean of Students in the College has broad responsibility for the success of all College students. The Dean of Students reports to the Dean of the College. The staff of academic advisers and deans provide academic advising; counseling to students around academic and personal issues, and long-term planning; referrals for students to other campus resources; advice on applications to prestigious scholarships, as well as preparation for graduate and professional school. The Dean of Students staff needs to understand University policies and the College curriculum. They also interact with faculty, parents, and staff from other offices.

As a member of senior leadership in the College Academic Advising and Transfer Office (CAATO), the Senior Adviser is part of a team responsible for the direction and management of the office. In this role, the Senior Adviser has three major areas of responsibility. First, the Senior Adviser provides comprehensive academic advising services to a reduced caseload of students. Second, the Senior Adviser is responsible for the administration of one of four functional areas (three available positions described below) central to the operation and success of the CAATO. And third, the Senior Adviser supervises and supports a team of academic advisers.

Responsibilities

• Overseesthe academic programs of a reduced caseload of undergraduate students and track progress toward degree completion.
• Utilizes academic advising theories and follow best practices to help students resolve challenges and achieve academic goals.
• Understands, interprets, and communicates University policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Refers students to campus resources, including Career Advancement, Study Abroad, Student Wellness, Center for College Student Success, etc.
• Accesses information through various electronic databases.
• Maintains student records in compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Accesses information through various electronic databases.
• Maintains student records in compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Develops and pilots expansion of the Canvas Curriculum to include second, third, and fourth year content.
• Supports and troubleshoots platform issues as needed and liaise with the College Academic and Student Services Office.
• Develops staff development programs that educate the staff in the full range of information they must know--curricular, campus resources, developmental issues facing the college-aged population, psychological issues, financial aid policies, etc.
• Plans and Implements internal/external communication and messaging.
• Designs, implements and maintains student academic and administrative policies. Translates specialized knowledge of academic functions to complicated advising matters. Has a deep understanding of the activities of Study Abroad/ International Programs and functions for the University's graduate and undergraduate programs.
• Manages on-boarding efforts related to coursework and academic planning delivered through various channels and on-line tools. Works mostly independently to facilitate graduation-related functions related to academic and degree requirements.
• Acts as a main point of contact and recommends process improvements for other University Schools and Divisions' joint-degree programs.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced degreepreferred with a 6-year minimum gap between date of college graduationand appointment as senior adviser.

Experience:

• At least five years of experience in an academic advising office or related field in higher education.
• Familiarity with the University structure and the functions of its various offices and departments.
• Demonstrated commitment to college students and the values and goals of aliberal arts education.

PreferredCompetencies

• Provide excellent academic advising to undergraduates.
• Take initiative and lead others.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Handle concurrent tasks in a competent and professional manner while also meeting deadlines.
• Work both autonomously and as a team member.
• Collaborate with faculty and academic departments.
• Establish good working relationships with people of different backgrounds.
• Maintain confidentiality/discretion at all times related to students, faculty, and staff.
• Work under pressure andhandle stressful situationswhile managing competing deadlines.
• Attention to detail.
• Critical thinking, problem solving, anddecision-makingskills.
• Excellent computer skills and use complex databases and other record keeping systems.
• Strong organizational skills, meet deadlines, and respond to many emails, in person and phone requests in a timely fashion.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.
• Some evening and weekend work.
• Fast-paced environment.
• Sit at a computer for 4-6 hours.
• Periodic walking to other campus locations.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, to include your general interest in this position and the specific functional area for which you would like to apply (required)
• Three Professional References Contact Information (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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