Student Support Services (SSS) Academic Advisor

The Academic Advisor supports a federally grant-funded Department of Education, TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program serving 150 first-generation and limited-income students at Avila University. The purpose of SSS is to improve the academic success, persistence, graduation, and postsecondary advancement of eligible students through comprehensive academic and student support services.

Responsibilities

• Support SSS recruitment efforts by assisting with outreach events, interviewing prospective participants, and completing student intake and enrollment processes in collaboration with the Director
• Advise all first- and second-year students regarding registration and course development, goal setting, curricular and co-curricular engagement, academic progress, referral to services, and issues impacting persistence
• Meet with participants on a regular basis to ensure student success by monitoring students’ attendance, behavior, grades, test scores, and credits earned; implement improvement strategies and action plans as appropriate
• Assess participant needs; make appropriate referrals and linkages for support and prevention services
• Serve as an academic advisor for first- and second-year SSS students in alignment with Avila University advising standards by attending required advising meetings and trainings, following institutional advising policies and procedures, utilizing university advising systems, and implementing established advising practices
• Assist in the planning of SSS activities, workshops, career exploration programming, and summer programs, including courses and Bridge tracks based on student needs
• Maintain detailed academic progress records, student success plans, and eligibility updates in BLUMEN, adhering to FERPA regulations
• Represent the program to constituent groups at Avila University
• Oversee all aspects of the SSS Peer Mentor Program, including program planning, recruitment, selection, hiring, onboarding, training, supervision, scheduling, and evaluation of peer mentors
• Recruit and hire tutors, oversee their professional development, and ensure documentation of student support and academic progress
• Co-teach First-Year Seminar with the SSS Director
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Education, Student Affairs, Academic Advising, Psychology, Social Work, or other related fields (Master’s preferred)
• Experience in overcoming barriers or working with individuals similar to those of the target population
• Experience in planning workshops and activities to address student needs
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Experience with retention issues in higher education
• Formative and summative program evaluation skills
• Ability and willingness to work irregular and flexible hours
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Multilingual skills highly preferred
• Commitment to contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and advances equity and social justice

Benefits

• Generous holiday schedule
• Tuition remission for employee and dependents
• Vacation and sick leave
• Retirement benefits
• Health insurance

About the Community

Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational, and social life opportunities. Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.