About Us:

Located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern University is an independent, four-year undergraduate institution offers a top-ranked integrated arts and sciences curriculum that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.

At Southwestern University, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

Position Overview:

Southwestern University has an immediate opening for a Professional Academic Advisor. This position will report to the Assistant Director of Advising. The Professional Academic Advisor serves an expert in best practices in advising, course planning, student development, support service referrals, and interpretation of university policies and degree requirements. Advisors holds mandatory appointments with first-year students who are on warning or probation after the first semester. Advisors also collaborate with colleagues in the Academic Affairs and Student Life areas to introduce students to the different elements of the SU Experience. Additionally, will assist with major exploration in collaboration with the Center for Career and Professional Development. The advisor works with academic departments to address any curricular issues and develop programming for potential majors (i.e., group advising/information sessions). The Professional Academic Advisor also work closely with the Office of Admission to support the recruitment of incoming SU students. This is a full-time exempt position eligible for our comprehensive benefits program.

Essential Duties:

• Serve as the academic advisor for a cohort of first-year students (approximately 60-75) during the first year of study:
  • Assist with major exploration
  • Assist with major/minor declaration
  • Assist with course selection and registration as well as building 4-year degree plans
  • Participate in Sprog (new student orientation) advising for incoming students and provide continued advising support throughout the summer
  • Serve as the point of contact for students who receive an academic alert
  • Hold mandatory appointments with students who are on warning or probation after their first semester
  • Appropriately refer students to academic and non-academic resources for additional support
  • Prepare students for a new academic advisor for the sophomore year and beyond

• Understand and communicate information about university policies, degree requirements, course planning, support services, student development, and other best practices in the advising profession
• Communicate regularly with faculty about department updates and opportunities for students
• Work with departments on any curricular issues
• Develop programming for potential majors in consultation with department/program chairs (i.e., group advising/information sessions)
• Assist with recruitment of incoming SU students
• Serve as the lead on an assigned advising-related project
• Actively participate in the planning, implementation, and delivery of the First-Year Experience (FYE) workshop program in collaboration with the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs

Additional Duties:

• Collaborate with campus partners on programming for first-year students
• Collaborate with Peer Mentors on first-year student programming
• Participate in continued professional development through in-person or virtual professional conference attendance (national, regional, or state), as well as on-campus workshops
• Respond to online, telephone and walk-in requests from faculty, alumni, parents, and members of the campus community
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Center for Academic Success and Advising on student success projects as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as education or counseling from an accredited college or university
• Relevant experience in higher education, academic office, advising, student development, or closely related area, with preference for experience in the discipline in which they will advise
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in a theoretical foundation of student development and/or advising
• Possess ability to work with and manage students of diverse backgrounds and age groups
• General computer proficiency
• Strong motivation, enthusiasm, and attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving and time-management skills
• Ability to work individually, as well as with others as a member of a team
• Ability to respect the confidential nature of the work
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including a strong work ethic
• Willingness to adhere to the University’s core values
• Possess excellent interaction and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Demonstrated professional manner with all internal and external University constituents
• Ability to be flexible, adjust to fluctuating priorities, and produce reliable work product
• Proven ability to perform well in stressful situations
• Understanding and commitment to a liberal arts education, including the ability to relate to a liberal arts community
• Ability to maintain consistent attendance and adhere to a regular work schedule.
• Ability and willingness to do occasional evening and weekend work

Preferred Qualifications:

• Attained or currently seeking a graduate degree in higher education, student affairs, or counseling
• Experience using student success/retention software tools/platforms
• Experience in assessment, data analysis, and student learning outcomes
• Experience with event planning and coordination
• Experience in related position utilizing customer service skills

Starting annual salary: $48,300. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting salary.

Benefits:

Southwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and welfare insurance (medical, dental, and vision), life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability coverage, generous contributions to a 403(b) retirement account, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), various paid time-off options, undergraduate tuition assistance for you and your dependents, access to athletic facilities, free parking, and discounted meal rates, along with other benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and the name and contact information of three (3) professional references through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/169567. Email and paper applications will not be accepted.

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

In compliance with immigration laws, proof of work authorization in the United States will be required when employment begins. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer.

Southwestern University is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@southwestern.edu.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.