Academic Advisor

Working Title: Academic Advisor

State Role Title:Education Support Specialist III

Position Type:Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

College/Division: College of Business

Department: 100531 - Strategic Leadership Studies

Pay Rate:Maximum Starting

Specify Range or Amount: $43,000

Is this a JMU only position?No

Is this a grant-funded position?No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position?No

Beginning Review Date:08/21/2024

About JMU:

James Madison University is a publicly funded university with a beautiful campus and a supportive community that is committed to preparing students for the future. The university offers excellent comprehensive benefits which include paid vacation, sick, parental, and community service leave in addition to 19 paid holidays a year; affordable health insurance; retirement through the Virginia Retirement System. We also offer a work-life balance and integration program, Balanced Dukes, that is designed to support the overall wellbeing of our employees and a Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.

Visit our Prospective Employee site to learn more about what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

James Madison University announces the availability of an opening for an Academic Advisor in the School of Strategic Leadership Studies (SSLS). SSLS provides a dynamic and supportive work environment that aligns with the objectives of the University through providing a doctoral-level program in Strategic Leadership Studies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

This position is an essential team member of the unit and works with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. The Academic Advisor manages the office functions for SSLS including: manages departmental files and processes paperwork, including faculty and student travel forms and reimbursements, financial reports, student files, and surveys and creates and manages process for student support programs including but not limited to travel grants, research grants, and summer tuition support; manages hiring of Doctoral Assistants and wage employees; and coordinates space, technology, and purchasing for department. In addition, the Academic Advisor develops and maintains web, print, and social media for the department related to student recruitment and department events; helps write content for website, newsletter, and print materials; serves as primary organizer of student events and bi-annual Leading Change Conference and helps develop periodic fundraising initiatives for the unit. This position may be called upon to help in the broader College of Business as needed.

As a liaison between the School and current students, prospective students, and alumni, the Academic Advisor corresponds with current graduate students regarding course scheduling and enrollment and course planning; serves as primary manager of student records and progress toward degree; makes students aware of requirements and policies set forth by the Graduate School; communicates complex University procedures and policies to faculty and students related to registration, degree process, and enrollment to insure students are meeting degree requirements; develops and disseminates advising plans and strategies to assist students and faculty; corresponds with prospective students and oversees and organizes admissions inquiries to ensure that they are answered in a timely manner and passed on to director or processed for program applicants.

The position offers the opportunity for professional growth by helping design special projects, making recommendations on the unit's procedure and policy, and creatively contributing and collaborating with the department.

Qualifications:

Required qualifications:
• Strong organizational skills
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Must be detail oriented, accurate, deadline driven, and proactive to provide professional office expertise to faculty and students
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with student information and records
• Knowledge of basic bookkeeping principles
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Additional consideration will be given to candidates who have:
• Ability to use/update social media (web, Facebook, Twitter) to establish and maintain contact with students and potential students
• Proficiency in writing content for website, newsletter, and print materials
• Ability to use graphic design programs (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Ability to develop and design web, print, and social media for the department related to student recruitment and department events
• Knowledge of basic marketing strategies

Additional Posting Information:

. Candidates will complete the application and attach the following documents:
• Cover letter. This document should include a discussion of the candidate's interest, potential contributions to the unit, and qualifications.
• Resume.

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.

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.