Job Title: Career Advisor,  Job Class: Administrative, Department: Student Success & Career Development,  FLSA Status: Full-time, exempt

SUMMARY: The Career Advisor is responsible for supporting the function of Student Success & Career Development by serving the career development needs of Otterbein students and alumni.

UNIVERSITY SUMMARY:  Historically progressive and building. That is the hallmark of Otterbein University and those connected to this private university nestled in the picturesque, historic Uptown Westerville district in central Ohio and minutes away from Columbus, Ohio’s largest city. Otterbein has set the pace by providing an educational experience that is progressive, innovative, and inclusive. Students come from towns throughout Ohio, as well as many states and multiple countries, enriching the campus through their individual and collective diversity. As a university that educates students of various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, we strive for and value a diverse faculty and staff that reflects our student population and Franklin County.   

Otterbein has been selected as one of 23 universities across the US and the first in Ohio to host a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center. Otterbein will work with its own campus community as well as the Columbus City and Westerville City school districts to create positive narrative change about race; promote racial healing activities; and erase structural barriers to equity and opportunity. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Career Advising (75%) 

• Provide advice to students and alumni on: major & career exploration, resume & cover letter development, interviewing skills, networking advice, internship/job-search strategies, and the graduate school application process through individual appointments and during walk-in hours. 
• Administers and interprets FOCUS 2 self-assessment career inventory.
• Provides presentations on career related topics to students through classroom presentations, academic department events, student groups, etc. 
• Assists with the development and implementation of career-related events and programs for Otterbein students including career fairs, workshops, panels, etc
• Provides career readiness programs and support related to Otterbein’s 4-year comprehensive academic and career program, Every Student Will. 
• Develops and/or improve mechanisms for tracking and reporting data/statistics, for both internal and external audiences. · Assists with approving employment opportunities posted on departmental internship/job board, Cardinal Careers. 
• Assists with the compilation and distribution of full-time employment, internships, and part-time employment to students and academic departments. 
• Advises assistant director in the selection process for acquisition of career-related software and department technology-related issues. 
• Assists with posting content to department social media sites and website. 
• Serves as liaison to student groups, clubs, and organizations. 
• Serves on various university committees.

Academic Advising (20%) 

• Assist with the incoming student academic advising process for students who have not yet declared a major
• Support the undeclared student population through outreach and support related to major and career exploration during the academic year
• Coordinate the major and minor fair in collaboration with academic departments 

General Office (5%) 

• Serve as a member of the Student Success & Career Development team. 
• Communicate and cooperate with team members on a daily basis. · 
• Support office functions as needed, such as event/program planning and execution, student staff support, and coverage of office in absence of other staff. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Peer Advisor(s) 

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

Otterbein University requires all employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or have a medial or religious exemption approved by the University HR Director. Proof of vaccination or an approved exemption must be submitted to the University Human Resources department prior to the employees start date. Finalist candidates who would like to request information regarding religious and medical exemptions will be directed to the HR for details. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in higher education/student personnel or related field preferred. Bachelor’s required. 
• Minimum of one year of experience in career development and/or job-related counseling, human resources or related field. 
• Proficiency with personal computers, related hardware/software. 
• Experience with database management and career services-related software. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written English skills including grammar.

 MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Must be competent in general math.

TECHNICAL SKILLS: Knowledge of general office procedures. Must take pride in and be thorough in quality of work produced; possess strong interpersonal skills, must be able to use general office equipment including office PC, copier, telephone, facsimile machine, etc.

REASONING ABILITY: Must possess excellent attention to details; must be a team player and interact collegially with co-workers and other constituencies. Must possess excellent customer service skills. Must possess strong organizational skills. Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment in unusual or new situations. Must be able to work independently and must retain confidential information.

 The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• The ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures 
• Strong student advocacy with proven ability to work with a diverse population ·
• Excellent project management skills 
• Team-building skills focused on student interaction/relationships 
• Analytical, reasoning and problem solving skills 
• A thorough understanding of the liberal arts 
• Knowledge of career development and student development theories and employment trends 
• Polished presentation skills and outstanding written and verbal communication skills 
• A positive attitude with a sense of humor
• Consummate team player and relationship builder who thrives on student interaction 
• Must be an extremely well-organized individual with excellent follow through ability 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear, sit, reach and use repetitive motions of hands and wrists. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop or bend. The employee must occasionally lift and/or carry up to 20 pounds and occasionally push and/or pull up to 20 pounds. This position requires close vision. Must be able to meet regular and predictable attendance standards. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Duties are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting;

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind of level of difficulty. 

Otterbein University is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. 

Otterbein University is committed to providing a welcoming environment free from unlawful discrimination. To this end, the University prohibits any form of discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, pregnancy, religion, creed, marital status, partnership status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, military status, or any other legally protected status in its programs and activities. However, the University’s commitment to a nondiscriminatory environment is not intended to abridge unduly its commitment to academic freedom, free speech, or its educational mission. Inquiries or complaints regarding any form of discrimination or harassment may be directed to: Human Resources