Grace Scholar Advisor

Position Summary

The Grace Scholars Advisor provides comprehensive career advising and programming along with academic advising, learning support, and campus and community referrals to third- and fourth-year students in the Grace Scholars Program, in collaboration with the Grace Scholars Program Director.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as advisor to the Grace Scholars Program with specific focus on third- and fourth-year students, conducting individual and small-group sessions designed to monitor their educational and career development goals and assist with the resolution of academic and personal challenges.
• Provide individual consultation, assessment, advising, intervention, advocacy, problem solving, and referral for students regarding their academic, career, personal, and financial circumstances at the University.
• Develop individualized personal and professional development plans and maintain updates, academic action and progress for each Scholar.
• Maintain an electronic record of student interactions/issues to be shared with Grace Scholars staff.
• Create and maintain an interactive environment encouraging mutual trust and open communication.
• Enhance the academic and social engagement of historically underserved students by creating and supporting opportunities for underrepresented students to develop a sense of belonging on campus and opportunities for all students to build community with one another.
• Create and maintain two .5 credit sections of the Grace Scholars Seminars during the fall and spring semesters.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement social, cultural, and educational programs for Grace Scholars that will enhance and develop their personal, professional, and leadership skills.
• Collaborate with Grace Scholars Program Director to plan and implement the Summer Bridge Program for first-year Scholars.
• Affiliate with ongoing program assessment, including completion of progress reports and annual grant reports.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development offerings, and Mount Mary University community-building activities and events.
• Perform other duties, responsibilities, or special projects as assigned.

Skills and Experience

• Master's Degree in Education, Student Personnel Administration, Higher Education Administration, or related field preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in the area of higher education, counseling psychology, social work, or related field required.
• Familiarity with the Midtown-Grace Scholars Program is a plus.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including limited-income, first generation, and students and families in Milwaukee.
• Familiarity with issues/circumstances that impact the recruitment and retention of traditionally underrepresented students in higher education.
• Ability to assess situations, prioritize work, and take initiative.
• Ability to multi-task and exercise sound judgement.
• Ability to develop new and innovative ideas for student engagement and retention.
• Ability to follow through with tasks and work independently.
• Cooperative, friendly, and professional manner.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Bilingual (especially Spanish-English or Hmong-English) is highly desirable.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to work with diverse groups, facilitate group processes, and foster collaborative decision-making.
• Computer Skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint 2010. Familiarity with Jenzabar or other data systems is a plus.
• Ability to drive and possession of own vehicle is a plus.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform primary functions.

Physical Demands

• May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must reach, bend, stoop, lift
• Must sit, walk or stand
• Some repetitive motion may be required

Working Conditions

• Can be scheduled for up to 40 hours a week
• Varying workflow; sometimes stressful with high workload times of the year
• Complete work required within a limited space
• Complete work required within a limited time