The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
Supervised by the Assistant/Associate Director of Advising, the Advisor serves as the main point of contact and overall resource for students in the School of Professional Studies (SPS) programs, providing academic advising, coaching, relevant programming, and support from the point of deposit through program completion. These offerings currently include cross-disciplinary Master?s Degree Programs, Pre-Graduate and Graduate Certificate Programs, Structured and Unstructured Certifications of Professional Achievement, take-a-class options for bachelor?s degree holders and visiting students enrolled at other institutions, High School Programs, Auditing students and the American Language Programs. The Advisor will provide a seamless experience for students, transformational programming and proactive, supportive advising to support student success.
Responsibilities
Counsel new students on the available curricular and extracurricular options within their program and guide students as they develop their academic enrollment plan. Offer recommendations and/or introductions to faculty and/or academic directors who are willing to advise on career and/or industry-related matters
Attend, assist, and present at new student orientation, relevant program-specific meetings and events, and various other events throughout the year, including SPS Graduation, University Commencement, Admitted Student Days, and other major Cornerstone Events
Proactively alert supervisors and other relevant stakeholders to student concerns
Maintain a very high level of knowledge of program curricular details and stay abreast of changes to curriculum and faculty within the assigned program
Provide a seamless transition from point of deposit to program completion by working collaboratively and consistently with various unit,s including but not limited to: Academic Programs, Admissions, International Students and Scholars Office, Student Financial Services, Student Life, Student Services, Career Design Lab, CU Health, and others
Host pre-registration webinars and monitor students? academic progress and registration during their time at SPS to ensure successful and timely completion. Meet with students who are on probation and/or warning for satisfactory academic progress and develop a success plan, often referring the student to various campus resources
Perform Graduation Audit reviews, including outreach to students and programs
Successfully communicate with students via multiple platforms (Zoom, phone, in-person meetings, walk-in services)
Assist with cross-registration for students seeking registrations outside the School and for students from other schools seeking registration into program courses
Track, assess, and report on student data. Recognize and advise on trends in advising cohorts.
Serve on various committees in Advising, Student Affairs, and SPS
Serve as a back-up advisor as needed for other SPS program,s including responding to inquiries, attending events, and advising students in other programs
Performs other duties and projects as assigned or requested
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related experience required.
2 years of related experience.
A resume and cover letter with salary requirements must be submitted for the applicant to be considered for this position.
Preferred Qualifications
Master?s Degree in Higher Education or a related field.
Familiarity with NACADA, NASPA and other national advising organizations and evidence of engagement with the advising field.
Experience with crisis management or having difficult conversations.
Familiarity with Columbia University resources and surrounding neighborhood.
Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
Multilingual is a plus.
Other Requirements
Ability to work quickly and efficiently, responding to a high volume of emails with accuracy and attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Strong presentation skills.
Intellectual curiosity, sound problem-solving and decision-making abilities, and strength in creative and innovative thinking.
Highly professional and collegial demeanor, and willingness to be a collaborative team member.
Adaptive to various workplace configurations, including open workspaces and sometimes distracting environments.
Ability to inspire and motivate others.
Proficiency with Google Suite, Windows, Microsoft Word, and Excel is required, and the ability to learn student engagement technology such as SIS, SSOL, Zoom, Ring Central, Stellic, etc.
Some evening and weekend work required.
Exceptional attention to detail, strong organization and time management skills, and the ability to perform non-routine work with changing priorities.
Ability to handle confidential information in a mature, professional manner.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in teams, receiving direction from and providing support to multiple sources, including supervisors and school leadership.
Prior experience in higher education administration and advising.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.