Academic Advisor - Undergraduate

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the position of Academic Advisor. This position reports directly to the Director of Academic Advising and is located in River Forest, IL.

The Academic Advisor is responsible for assisting undergraduate advisees in their exploration, design, implementation, and fulfillment of vocational aspirations within a Christ-Centered culture that is foundational to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and informs Concordia University Chicago's (CUC) approach to educating college students. Through direct advising, the Academic Advisor helps undergraduate students develop their self-concept and establish educational goals. Additionally, the Academic Advisor helps students identify, understand, and articulate the role vocations play in their college experience to increase engagement, performance, and competence within their chosen academic program. Furthermore, the Academic Advisor collaborates closely with department directors, faculty, staff, and student leaders to advocate for a student-centered approach in the holistic development of their advisees.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Serves as a primary advisor to an assigned group of students from a variety of majors and develops a professional academic relationship with students and assists with disseminating information as part of the department communication plan
• Meets with new freshmen, transfer, and undeclared students to plan and register for courses
• Provides advising for students regarding preliminary career decision making, transferability of course work, administrative deadlines, course schedule adjustments, degree completion requirements, etc.
• Assists students in utilizing all resources available at Concordia relative to academic support, career counseling, personal counseling, and student activities
• Develops strategies to assist students with deficiencies in meeting program requirements and assists with Navigate Early Warning Cases among other resources
• Updates program plans at the end of each term for every assigned advisee
• Organize and prepare mailings and/or electronic communications to various student populations and faculty as needed using BANNER, Access and/or Excel, and/or Word, the University portal or other technology resources
• Serves as an advisory member to assigned college policy committees and/or other various committees of the university; provides policy updates to all academic advisors regarding action taken by committees
• Conducts presentations throughout the academic school year related to academic requirements and resources
• Assists in the development, planning and implementation of annual/cyclical events/projects conducted by the office, e.g. Jumpstart, Registration Workshops, etc.
• Candidates must support and be committed to the mission and identity of Concordia University Chicago, a university of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Skill Sets:

• Strong administrative skills, including related computer and technology skills
• Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Enthusiastic supporter of Lutheran higher education and Concordia University Chicago
• Knowledge of higher education student development theory and practice, specifically appreciative advising
• Knowledge of the University's mission, vision and core values, and the academic advisor's role in achieving them
• Strong service orientation, organization abilities, and work ethic including compassionate listening skills, critical assessments, creative solutions, and punctuality
• Ability to comprehend process-oriented functions and complete projects
• Skilled in working with diverse individuals & groups in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student records and office data
• Computer literacy with specific fluency with Microsoft Access, Excel, & Word, PowerPoint, & Publisher- previous experience with BANNER, Degree Works and/or EAB Navigate is a plus
• Ability to provide excellent customer service in responses to inquiries by telephone and electronically/digitally

Minimum Experience Required:

A minimum of 1 year of experience in student services is required

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in preferably in Advising, Counseling, Social Work, Education, Curriculum & Instruction or other related field required

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia University Chicago benefit options include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Disability and Survivor Plan (Basic Life Insurance)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Tuition benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Application Information:

Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago:

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Theology, Arts & Humanities, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Health, Science & Technology, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and is consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities–Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. For more than a decade, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more about our commitment to higher education, rooted in the Gospel, at CUChicago.edu.

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.