Senior Academic Advisor, School of Arts and Sciences

Senior Academic Advisor, School of Arts and Sciences

Posted: May 29, 2024
Position Code: 751

Position Overview

Merrimack College has an opening for a Senior Academic Advisor. The Senior Academic Advisor will advise, mentor, and support students in the School of Arts and Sciences. The Senior Academic Advisor will work with undecided students in the sciences and student part of the “Discover” program. Senior Academic Advisors will be meeting 1-on-1 and in small group settings with students. In this role, Senior Academic Advisors provide student-centered guidance, curriculum planning, academic advising, assistance in selecting concentrations/minors/courses, exploration into career options, foundational level of academic support, and help students connect with clubs and organizations. This position reports to the Assistant Dean of Student Advising and Services. This position will work closely with students, faculty, their school, their Advising Center, Student Success, and the Division of Career Outcomes and Employer Engagement to identify and create pathways for student success.

 

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Proactively work with students to provide holistic, academic support
  • Maintains student course curriculum records to ensure students are on track for degree completion
  • Assist students with operational processes including: course planning and registration, withdrawal, change of major/minors, override request, etc.;
  • Responsible for case managing students, as part of college case management collaboration
  • Make appropriate referrals to professionals across campus
  • Work in collaboration with the Career Advisor to ensure students have the experiences and resources to excel in their fields
  • Work in collaboration with the Career Advisor to assess involvement and encourage participation in internships, co-ops, research and other experiential learning initiatives that will provide industry experience
  • Collaborate with the O’Brien Center for Career Development to plan and implement major/industry-specific programs in your school
  • Assume shared responsibility for assessing and modifying/updating website content related to career outcomes, student experiences and industry partnership
  • Build collaborative and supportive relationships with faculty, academic and career related offices
  • Represent the School Advising Center at key Admission, Orientation, Student Life and Alumni events
  • Elevate student experiences and achievements through social media, communications, web site, O’Brien Center reports and prepare for Admission reports/events
  • Support school based student academic clubs and organizations with programming and events in collaboration with the Senior Career Advisor
  • Oversee graduate fellows
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

 

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree required.
  • Three or more years of academic advising experience, preferably with undergraduate students.
  • Knowledge of degree programs and corresponding career options.
  • Understanding of educational requirements and advising processes.
  • Excellent problem solving, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Positive attitude and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Willingness to learn and develop as an advising professional.
  • Experience and/or commitment to working with a diverse student population.
  • Ability to relate well to students, faculty, staff, and parents/family members.
  • This is a 12 month position with occasional weekend and evening responsibilities.

 

Application Materials Should Include:

  • Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission, our values, and our desire to be a more diverse, equitable and inclusive institution of higher learning
  • Resume
  • Names and contact information for three (3) references.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

 

Vaccinations and Work Location

This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster for which an individual may be eligible are highly recommended for students, faculty and staff. Merrimack College does not require proof of COVID vaccination for enrollment, employment or to be a guest on our campus. 

 

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building a culturally and racially diverse community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission and values and advance our work in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. All candidates should describe in their application previous experience related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as how they will engage in fostering a culture that supports our Catholic and Augustinian mission and our values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

 

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,000 undergraduate and 1,400 graduate students from 32 states and 37 countries. The College features more than 100 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has five schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, the Winston school of education and social policy and the Girard school of business. The College’s suburban 240-acre campus is approximately 25 miles north of Boston in the towns of North Andover and Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 33rd in the Regional Universities North category in 2024. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.