Academic and Career Advisor

About the role

The Academic and Career Advisor plays a key role in elevating student success at Portland State University. The university is committed to diversity and equity, and the advisor must engage in culturally responsive advising and continue education.

Responsibilities

• Mets with PSU prospective and current students, as well as alumni, in individual advising appointments.
• Advises students on academics and career paths and addresses complex and ambiguous student issues and/or issues of a highly technical nature regarding degree completion, petitions, and university policy.
• May also include pre-professional and/or competitive (i.e., admission-only) programs.
• Initiates new methods for student advising and departmental procedures, or projects, including workshops and students’ resources based on in-depth knowledge of student needs, advising practices, principles and concepts.
• Acts as lead in division wide policy development and multiphase implementation.
• Course planning and advising for complex academic requirements (Bachelors requirements, General Education including Honors, Major, and all PSU-wide degree requirements).
• Engages students at five advising milestones (mandatory advising, major confirmation advising, financial tools/resources, career development, graduation plan).
• Uses Slate for comprehensive/consistent note-taking and student support.
• Creates academic plans.
• Proactively outreach to engage and support student success through a holistic advising approach.
• Advise students on Academic Standing issues.
• Provides support for students facing a wide range of complex academic and personal difficulties including explaining options and services and making referrals to Campus Resources.
• Affords assistance with academic and financial aid petitions.
• Affords assistance to students who are co-admitted with community colleges.
• Affords effective handoff to students changing majors outside of pathway.
• Mentors students on how to connect and engage with faculty.
• Engages in career discussions (exploring values, interests, skills, and connection to major).
• Supports students in exploring internship and other co-curricular opportunities.
• Discusses post-graduation plans (e.g., graduate school).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree + 3 years related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to advise students on PSU major and degree requirements; analyze, synthesize and explain complex University processes/procedures and graduation requirements in various modalities: in-person, online, via phone, etc.
• Experience and understanding of the unique challenges facing diverse student populations.
• Experience applying an anti-racist lens in work with students, faculty, and staff.
• Effective communication skills in one-on-one interactions, in small groups, and in public presentations; experience developing written communications.
• Frequent requirement to make decisions and balance priorities.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, as needed (this may include occasional work on evenings and weekends).

Qualifications

• Master’s degree + 1 year related experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of advising and retention strategies.
• Experience using data to better understand the student experience and barriers to success.
• Experience providing information on job search strategies and advise students in decision-making processes related to choice of majors and careers.
• Knowledge of/experience with program evaluation, assessment of learning, and/or research methods.

Skills

• Expertise in using technology and analytics in the provision of services to students (Examples include Banner Student Information System, Slate advising platform and early alert systems).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt responses to changing priorities and unusual circumstances.

Benefits

An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.