Senior Academic Advisor

The College of Arts & Science

The University of Missouri seeks a dedicated and student-focused Senior Academic Advisor to join a dedicated team committed to supporting student success for students with individualized majors in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) and General Studies (BGS) in the College of Arts & Science. The person in this role will provide comprehensive academic advising, resource referrals to undergraduate students, as well as leadership within the advising team requiring in-depth knowledge of university policies, curriculum, academic recovery processes and practices, and student development theory. In addition, the IDS/BGS Senior Academic Advisor will play a key role in supporting degree completion for a wide range of current and returning students as well as assisting students in transition who need to use an individualized major as a bridge to another major on campus.

The Senior Academic Advisor serves as a resource and mentor to other advisors, contributes to advising strategy, program development and student success initiatives, and works collaboratively with academic departments, faculty, and campus partners to support student engagement, retention, and completion.

Are you enthusiastic about working with students pursuing individualized degrees and empowering them to explore their potential, excel in their academic journey, and achieve their goals? If so, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

What Academic Advisors Do

Academic advisors help guide students through critical decisions regarding their academic planning. They provide complex, detailed information about degree requirements, refer to appropriate resources to support students in all aspects related to academic success, and commit to ongoing learning and professional development. The advisor in this position will be required to have a working knowledge of university, college, and departmental requirements to help students make informed decisions about their academic plans. The position requires strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently while developing strong collaborative relationships with colleagues and students from a variety of backgrounds. Additionally, this position will support retention efforts for students in the College, as well as orientation and onboarding processes for new students. As such, the candidate will have to keep current with and regularly use technology to support student outreach. The individual must be able to exercise excellent professional judgment and discretion, making decisions regularly that impact student welfare and the institution.

What We Are Looking For

The College of Arts and Science is looking for a dedicated, student-focused professional. The necessary skills for this position include:

• Ability to provide holistic support for all students
• Demonstrated experience providing direct to students, 1:1 support that requires patience and, at times, follow-through
• Attention to detail and the ability to master and synthesize complex details to best inform and guide students
• A highly collaborative individual who can also work autonomously to ensure that a high level of advising and student support is provided
• An ability to connect academic and career interests when helping students create their individualized academic plans.

Skills You Will Learn

• Technology: Advisors use multiple platforms, including the student information/registration system, an early alert and scheduling system, degree audits, and others. This ability and desire to learn and successfully use multiple platforms is necessary.
• Theory and Practice of Academic Advising: Academic advisors engage in continual learning and professional development to support students with best practices.
• Curriculum and University Requirements: Academic advisors teach students about the curricular requirements, as well as recommend co-curricular opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-level, holistic academic advising to on-campus and online undergraduate students pursuing and exploring the IDS and BGS majors and support their academic planning, progress, and career development. This includes assisting students in designing and customizing their degree programs, ensuring alignment with their academic and career goals.
• Serve as a mentor, supporting academic advisors and contributing to training and onboarding of new advising staff.
• Interpret and apply complex academic policies, degree requirements, and curricular changes, and provide guidance to both students and faculty.
• Contribute to initiatives that promote student success, including retention strategies, early intervention efforts, and co-curricular engagement.
• Collaborate with the Director of General Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies as well as other faculty, staff, and student support services across campus to provide comprehensive support to students and identify and address student needs and program improvements.
• Participate in orientation, onboarding, and recruitment activities for new students.
• Analyze student data to assess advising outcomes and inform continuous improvement.
• Participate in campus-wide committees, working groups, and professional development activities to stay current on best practices in advising and student success.
• Utilize multiple technologies and data systems for advising, tracking student progress, and reporting outcomes.

The typical work week is Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, with occasional evenings and weekend events. Work hours may be flexible with supervisor approval. This position has the option to work remotely for up to two days per week after training.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

We are looking for someone who is invested in continual learning and enjoys providing guidance and support to help students make important decisions.

• Master's degree is preferred
• Experience advising both on-campus and online students
• At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in academic advising or student support in a higher education setting
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience mentoring staff
• Strong organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Proficiency with advising technologies and student information systems

Salary Range: $44,262.40 to $56,100.00

Grade: GGS - 009

University Title: Senior Academic Advisor

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR

Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter that outlines interest in the position and commitment to supporting students in their collegiate experience.

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.