Exploratory Academic Advisor

Working Title: Exploratory Academic Advisor

State Role Title: N/A

Position Type: Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty)

Position Status: Full-Time

College/Division: Student Academic Success & Enrollment Mgt

Department: 100536 - University Advising

Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience

Beginning Review Date: 5/25/2024

Specify Range or Amount:

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

About JMU:

Mission
We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Vision
To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.

Who We Are
Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. The university is committed to expanding diversity, fostering equity and inclusion, and supporting superlative teaching and scholarship. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

University Advising seeks a highly motivated individual to join an experienced, respected, and student-centered team of full-time academic advisors. In support of student academic success and engagement, University Advising team members are committed to the development of the whole student; offer expertise on curricular requirements and academic expectations; enhance student connections with the university and community; remain highly accessible and responsive to their students and multiple constituencies; actively collaborate with colleagues throughout the university and beyond; and engage in pursuits that ensure their own professional development.

Within the office of the Vice Provost for Student Academic Success and Enrollment Management, this is a full-time, 12-month, Administrative and Professional Faculty position in University Advising, reporting to the Associate Director of University Advising.

Duties and Responsibilities:

+ Advise current and prospective exploratory, undergraduates considering different academic options; students in transition between majors; and special student populations to include, for example, international and discontinued students.
+ Provide general academic advising support for students and families seeking assistance and guidance through the University Advising e- mail, phone calls, and other outreach.
+ Advise assigned student caseload, monitor academic progress, communicate regularly with advisees, ensure access and responsiveness, and connect with campus resources and opportunities to foster sense of community and enrich student experience.
+ Help students formulate meaningful and appropriate academic plans based on their interests and goals, providing guidance on the General Education curriculum, degree requirements, and academic opportunities.
+ Contribute to campus-wide initiatives and priorities, committees, orientation processes, and recruitment events.
+ Serve as advising resource for faculty and administrators, building and maintaining effective partnerships with academic departments and offices across campus.
+ Contribute actively to University Advising team and campus academic advising network through regular meetings, information sharing, and professional development opportunities.
+ Utilize campus-wide advising technology and maintain electronic student records and accurate data.
+ Collaborate on efforts to ensure updated online and print advising resources for students and colleagues.
+ May teach courses such as UNST 102 as needed and based on interest and qualifications.
+ Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:
+ Master’s degree.
+ Demonstrated commitment to diversity, access, and inclusion.
+ Exceptional work ethic.
+ Strong attention to detail combined with appreciation for the big picture.
+ Willingness to work independently, collaboratively, and under supervision.


Preferred:
+ Academic advising experience working directly with undergraduates.
+ Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate meaningfully with undergraduates.
+ Excellent oral and written communication, time management, organizational and problem-solving skills.
+ Familiarity with national trends and best practices in academic advising profession and higher education.
+ Ability to multitask and navigate integrated student information systems in a dynamic environment.
+ Experience with learning, interpreting, and articulating complex academic requirements, policies, and procedures.

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Additional Posting Information:

Required Additional Document #1, Candidates will complete the online PageUp application, as well as submit a cover letter, a resume, and a one-page statement of their academic advising philosophy (as Other Document #1). Applicants should state in their cover letter how their qualifications and professional experiences have prepared them to advance James Madison University's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.


JMU’s Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.