Graduate Advisor & Special Programs

POSITION:     GRADUATE ADVISOR & SPECIAL PROGRAMS - REPOSTED

LOCATION:    DEAN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

JOB SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the dean,  Graduate Studies the graduate advisor is responsible for independently performing professional work of considerable difficulty using established policies, procedures, precedents, and guidelines; does related work as required. Responsible for the overall administration and maintenance of academic support and advisement for all graduate students in all graduate programs across the college. 

 DUTIES:

• Manage graduate recruitment and enrollment for prospective and current students, facilitate efficient admissions decisions for master’s and certificate programs within the College of Education
• Contact all active graduate COE students each semester to register them.
• Organize and attend open houses and special recruitment events.
• Collaborate with coordinators, chairs, and dean regarding marketing, scheduling, policy development, retention, and accreditation.

 EDUCATION: Master's degree from an accredited college or university is required.

 EXPERIENCE

• Three (3) years of professional experience teaching, advising, leading, or mentoring higher education students of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Academic advising experience with graduate students.
• Administrative experience in higher education, knowledge of graduate education programs, experience in recruitment and retention. Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary. Must be detailed oriented with strong interpersonal skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications is required. Knowledge of People Soft is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of NJCU's history, institutional background, mission, and commitment to student success.
• The ability to recognize students' needs and be able to quickly assist students with the right resources to minimize further issues and challenges.
• An understanding of how to navigate higher education's institutional norms and practices, academic, familiarity with master's level education, and the ability to help students acclimate to new academic settings to help students achieve the best learning outcomes.

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Promote student understanding of the intended curriculum.
• Expertise in developing rapport when building academic advising relationships.
• Exercise legal guidelines of advising practice including privacy regulations and confidentiality (i.e.: FERPA).
• Fundamental knowledge of theoretical foundations of academic and appreciative advising models. 
• Practice mutual respect, trust and ethical behavior while advising students. 
• Commitment to the University mission to provide a diverse population with an excellent education.
• Strong knowledge of best practices in student success and retention.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, social justice, and student success.
• Ability to acquire basic knowledge of college policies and procedures.
• Ability to refer students to appropriate divisions, units, and departments on campus.
• Asset-based approach to supporting students.
• Effective communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, organizational, critical thinking and leadership skills.
• Ability to thrive working in a team environment, with demonstrated experience developing collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Computer literacy with standard office applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, student information systems, and other web-based platforms.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate evening and weekend programming activities (e.g. information sessions, orientations, recruitment events, etc), as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience working with students of diverse backgrounds.
• A strong understanding of higher education policies and procedures dealing with student advising, student affairs, student services such as outreach and engagement, promoting student wellbeing, and adjustment to college life.
• Membership in professional academic advising organizations.
• Certification in Diversity Equity and Inclusion.
• Academic advising or appreciative advising model certification(s).
• Academic/Life coach certification a plus.
• Record of community service and volunteer work.
• Bilingual/Multilingual.
• Knowledge of accreditation and related processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to work independently with their assigned student load.
• Report directly to the college/school dean assigned.
• Collaborate with other graduate advisors and department chairs.
• Act as a liaison between the dean of graduate studies and the dean of assigned school/college as appropriate.
• Investigate and exhibit at appropriate conferences to boost enrollment as appropriate and approved by dean of school/college assigned.
• Coordinate with other university-wide offices and programs to connect graduate students to available campus resources.
• Learn and maintain a working knowledge of the assigned college/school to be able to quickly address students' needs by being updated on changes across the departments within the college.
• Maintain knowledge of graduate catalog and course offerings across the graduate programs within the college/school.
• Become familiar with the graduate faculty within the college/school and the courses taught to be able to better assist students with faculty related questions. 
• An understanding of the different courses offered for each degree, course sequencing, and be able to guide students through the process all the way up to graduation.
• Encourage graduate students' participation in on campus activities by serving as an NJCU advocate and student ambassador and conduit between students' academic experiences and other on campus activities.
• Handles matters in coordination with the Dean of Graduate Studies as requested, including direct and frequent interactions with academic deans, chairs, faculty, and colleagues from other divisions.
• Organize orientations for students and staff.
• Organize and host information sessions for potential students.
• Review and respond to graduation/completion audits.
• Support comprehensive assessment plan and all accreditation initiatives.
• Demonstrated technological skills and abilities.
• Ability to cultivate and effectively work with external constituencies.
• Excellent communication skills.