Academic Advisor

Job Summary

The Academic Advisor will implement dynamic initiatives as part of the Graduation Team model to improve matriculation, retention, and persistence of students at Columbia College. They provide comprehensive advising services and support student success, retention, and degree completion.

Essential Functions

• Supports the development of the Enrollment Management and Marketing Division.
• Helps organize and implement retention initiatives/programming.
• Maintains accurate student records and advising notes.
• Collaborates with campus departments to enhance the student experience.
• Delivers appreciative model interventions for students.
• Maintains caseload management responsibilities.
• Provides mentorship to unassigned students.
• Responds to inquiries and provides accurate information.
• Affords support at events like recruitment, career fairs, and commencement.
• Ensures responsible use of financial resources.
• Collaborates in call campaigns and outreach.
• Teaches students about available resources.
• Adheres to college policies and professional standards.
• Fosters relationships and manages multiple tasks.

Required Core Competencies and Professional Experience

• Fluent in English reading, writing, and understanding.
• Proficient in active listening, speaking, writing, critical thinking, judgment, and decision making.
• Proficient in using various computer and technology-related software and equipment.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Proactive advising and support strategies for student success, retention, and degree completion.
• Solution-focused approach to handling complex student concerns, policy interpretations, and operational challenges.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Ability to foster relationships and manage multiple tasks.

Preferred Core Competencies and Professional Experience

• Experience in student recruitment and retention efforts.
• Familiarity with student information systems.
• Experience with appreciative advising, intrusive advising, or other student success coach models.
• Knowledge of financial aid, registration, or other enrollment-related student services.
• Experience working with varied student populations including military students, first-generation students, transfer students, adult learners, and graduate students.
• Previous experience in military-affiliated student support.

Required Level of Education

Bachelor's degree.

Other Requirements

• Ability to satisfy a criminal background check.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to lift and remove minimum 50 pounds.