Lead Academic Advisor at Wheaton College in Chicago, IL

The Lead Academic Advisor works to assist the college in meeting its enrollment and retention goals by providing undergraduate academic advising services to prospective students, enrolled students, and faculty advisors throughout the student progression from pre-admission to graduation. Reporting to the Registrar, this position leads and supervises the undergraduate and graduate advising team, is familiar with all functions of the team, and works collaboratively with multiple offices. This position is a full-time, 12-month, salaried role that will pay $59,000 - $64,000. Occasionally evening and weekend hours required.

Lead Academic Advisor

Job Overview

The Lead Academic Advisor works to assist the college in meeting its enrollment and retention goals by providing undergraduate academic advising services to prospective students, enrolled students, and faculty advisors throughout the student progression from pre-admission to graduation. Reporting to the Registrar, this position leads and supervises the undergraduate and graduate advising team, is familiar with all functions of the team, and works collaboratively with multiple offices. This position is a full-time, 12-month, salaried role that will pay $59,000 - $64,000. Occasionally evening and weekend hours required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Team Lead Responsibilities:
  • Lead the Academic Advising Office in creating a culture of hospitality and service.
  • Provide training for the advisors and help prioritize team projects and individual priorities.
  • Assist in refining policies and plans of service for the Advising Office including a team approach for advising new and continuing students.
  • Supervise the Academic Advising Office work of the Learning and Teaching Collaborative Office Coordinator. Supervise student workers for the Academic Advising Office.
  • With the Registrar and Director of Institutional Research, prepare teach-out agreements and transfer articulation agreements for students from other institutions.
  • With the Admissions Office, plan for the onboarding (advising and registration) of incoming students.
  • Work collaboratively with academic departments to develop and publish Major Academic Plans (MAPs) and Academic Roadmaps to Completion (ARCs) and other advising resources for faculty, staff, and students.
  • Provide relevant training to faculty advisors and staff, including admissions counselors.
  • Oversee the faculty advisor mass assignment and reassignment process.
  • Provide case management for complex undergraduate or graduate advising student situations.
  • Provide information, reports and studies as requested by the Registrar.
  • Serve on committees and cross-departmental teams as requested.
• Undergraduate Advisor Responsibilities:
  • Utilize the college SIS system (Banner) and other college software programs (e.g. Degree Works, Slate) to advise undergraduate students regarding graduation progression, general education program requirements, and transfer credit options with particular emphasis on Christ at the Core general education requirement options.
  • Assist students and faculty advisors with Course Program of Study (CPOS) requirements and ways students can adjust registration or future plans to maintain eligibility for financial aid.
  • Share transfer credit evaluations and assist prospective and admitted students with academic questions.
  • Be familiar with catalog policies and curriculum. Provide guidance for students, staff, and faculty regarding academic policy and advocacy issues.
  • Collaborate with the Admissions Office to promote and communicate the college’s mission and programs effectively with campus visitors, including prospective students and families.
  • In collaboration with the Admissions, Student Wellness, and Learning & Accessibility Services Offices, assist in tracking and providing added attention and advising for first- generation college students, undeclared students, international students, students receiving ADA accommodations, and students on Academic Warning or Probation.
  • Implement first-year student advising and registration, including participation in Wheaton College’s Passage Orientation program.
  • Proactively support and provide academic advising services to aid in retention of undergraduate students.
  • Review graduating students’ records and advise students on remaining requirements.
  • Serve as a liaison between students and academic departments.
  • Utilize document management system for maintaining student records per the guidance from the Registrar’s Office as the custodian of student records.

This job description is intended to represent key areas of responsibilities; specific assignments may vary from time to time, and other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in relevant field preferred.
• Three to five years’ experience in higher education in an Advising Services Office, Registrar’s Office, Enrollment Management, or Student Development employment setting.
• Proven self-starter and able to work independently and as part of a team; previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Effective and professional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to think critically and solve complex problems.
• High capacity with management of details and able to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Able to handle sensitive, confidential information in a mature, professional manner and be familiar with FERPA.
• Strong experience with word processing, email and online applications, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, data-entry and database functions. Experience with Banner Student Information System, Degree Works, and Slate software is preferred.

Faith Qualifications

• Affirmation of the Wheaton College Statement of Faith as a faithful expression of one’s own theological convictions
• Affirmation of the biblical standards for Christian character and God-honoring behavior described throughout the Wheaton College Community Covenant, and promise to adhere to them in personal practice
• Support of the Wheaton College Christ-Centered Diversity Commitment, the Gender Equity Vision Statement, and the College’s Convictions on Human Sexuality. These commitments can be found on the Wheaton College website.

Physical Requirements

The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear; frequently required to use repetitive hand motion, handle or feel, and to stand, walk, reach, bend or lift up to 10 pounds.

FLSA Status - Exempt