Senior Associate Advisor (Project Management)

The Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy Student Services Center operates as a collaborative team dedicated to creating supportive, student-centered relationships that empower individuals with the information, resources, and tools necessary for their academic success. Academic Advisors play a critical role in recruiting, retention, and persistence efforts. This is accomplished through personalized guidance of university requirements, college policies, and procedures, while also connecting students to academic resources, tutoring, enrichment programs, and career development opportunities. 

The field of academic advising affords individuals opportunities for career progression based on professional experience and knowledge of the field. The Senior Associate Advisor demonstrates a high level of leadership that is reflected in the assignment of specific responsibilities that enhance the delivery of advising services.  

All Academic Advisors at the University of Oklahoma receive comprehensive training that is guided by the highest professional standards in the field and reflect the NACADA Academic Advising Core Competencies Model. Academic Advisors are provided opportunities for professional development that are self-directed and encompass the wide offerings of the profession. 

Essential Duties: 

Oversees student degree planning by recommending course sequencing and monitoring progress towards degree completion. Communicates information regarding academic programs, policies, and procedures based on students' individual needs. Assists students in realizing their educational, professional, and personal goals by offering specialized guidance. Operates within an extensive campus network of institutional resources designed to help students maximize their college experience. Demonstrates a high level of leadership that is reflected in the assignment of specific responsibilities that enhance the delivery of advising services. Responsibilities of this position may include the delivery of high-quality student services, policy and procedural authorizations, data collection, and leadership in professional advising activities at multiple university levels. May provide leadership and oversight to include supervision.

• Performs all duties of an Academic Advisor as appropriate.
• May provide leadership and oversight to include supervision of the advising center, student support initiatives, and program administration.
• Monitors the academic health and degree progression of assigned students, to include grade monitoring, active outreach, enrollment tracking, and Academic Life Coaching for students who would benefit from additional support. 
• Develops a rapport of trust with assigned students.
• Responds to communications via phone, and email in a timely manner.
• Participates in institutional retention and completion initiatives.
• Engages in leadership or scholarly activity to further professional advising identity.
• Serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) by fulfilling training and reporting obligations related to campus safety protocols.
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

May perform the following duties as assigned such as:

• Works with students who are at risk, on academic probation or other special population.
• Serves as a policy expert.
• Conducts new advisor onboarding and training.
• Mentors and coach's new advisors.
• Leads initiatives for projects/programming, delivery of advising services, or student support services.
• Develops innovative strategies for improved student services, advisor professional development, or leadership in the community
• Engages in strategic planning initiatives.
• Identifies gaps in the advising system and initiates innovative approaches to address the challenges.
• Assists in data collection (assessment, retention, graduation, etc.)
• Represents unit at recruitment events, which may require travel.
• May participate in Academic Life Coaching.
• Represents unit at cross departmental meetings.
• Provides input and feedback in college/department decision making.
• Collaborates with faculty and provides feedback on curricular decisions and course needs.
• Participates in committees, task force, or search committees.
• Coordinates special events such as orientation, convocation, graduation, etc.

Required Education: Bachelor's degree, AND: 

• Minimum 72 months of experience in academic advising/higher education.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will also accept a Master's degree and 48 months of experience in academic advising/higher education or a Doctorate and 24 months of experience in academic advising/higher education.

Skills:

• Ability to lead well and build rapport with all stakeholders including students, staff, faculty, and administrative leadership.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Committed to cultivating a workplace environment that prioritizes equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Detail-oriented for accuracy of data and information.
• Highly organized and capable of handling multiple projects and deadlines.
• Demonstrated expertise to learn, interpret, and articulate complex policies and procedures.
• Self-directed and able to work independently, collaboratively, and under supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and secure sensitive information.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office to include Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Adaptive to emerging technologies that support position functions.

Certifications:

• None

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Sitting for long periods of time.
• Communicate effectively.
• Ability to engage in repetitive motion.
• Standard office environment.
• Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
• Requires contact with other departments and university officials. 

Departmental Preferences:

• Master's degree in academic advising, higher education administration, student development, or counseling preferred.
• Previous academic advising or student support experience preferred.

Supervision:  None

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.