Senior Academic Advisor, Veteran Services (2 Positions)

Job Title

Providing first-time students, returning students, as well as undeclared majors in transition with advisement and orientation services. They will assist new incoming students plan their first semester coursework, assess their personal strengths and limitations, learn academic success strategies, explore careers, declare a major, learn to navigate the educational system, benefit from campus and community resources, and connect to campus life. The advisor works with students to implement a personalized success plan and identify available resources and take corrective actions essential for academic success. They will assist continuing, returning, and transferring students (all majors - excluding health programs) with planning course work for all semesters (throughout graduation). Review credits that transferred to CSN, and conduct manual graduation audits for returning, continuing, and transfer students. Assist students with SAP appeals, residency appeals, excess credit fee appeals, unusual enrollment, and academic suspension. Assist students who are on academic warning and probation. There is an expectation to be the expert in VA education benefits and provide advising assistance with consideration of the impact on their benefits.

The incumbent must work independently and utilize excellent problem-solving skills, as job responsibilities are multifaceted and at times can be sensitive. Although the incumbent relies on several resources (e.g., state, institutional, departmental, federal procedures, and regulations) to handle daily circumstances, the employee must use independent judgment when facing unique situations with limited precedents requiring greater decision-making and conflict resolution. Interpersonal interactions must be characterized by clear explanations and interpretations of facts, policies, and regulations. Incumbent is expected to carry out day-to-day assignments with limited supervision. Work objectives are set for advisors but the methods for performing tasks are frequently left to the judgment of the incumbent. Incumbent is expected to be sensitive to potential problems so that supervisory assistance can be secured on matters which have broader implications (e.g., violations to academic & student conduct policy). Results emphasize overall impact on student retention rates, persistence outcomes, end-of-semester student's academic performance and graduation rates.

In addition to advising, the incumbent must continue to remain verified as a School Certifying Official and complete the Department of Veteran Affairs annual training requirements. They will serve as a VA School certifying official (SCO) and assist with processing VA benefits to the Department of Veteran Affairs. The processing of VA benefits is time sensitive, requires attention to detail, and a clear understanding of the Department of Veteran Affairs rules and regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Liberal Arts, Social Science, or related field from an accredited college/university; Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3 years advising experience in a higher education setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advising in a community college setting.
• Working with special populations.

The ideal candidate should possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Working knowledge of advising, student development, retention, and student success best practices and strategies; Demonstrate ability to provide effective academic, personal, financial, adjustment and career advisement to a diverse college student population.
• Knowledge of VA education benefit programs, eligibility requirements, rules, and policies of US Code Title 38: Principles of Excellence.
• Exhibit excellent critical-thinking skills through a demonstrated ability to interpret and evaluate explanations of problems of sensitive and complex natures, analyzing and defining uses obtained explicitly and implicitly from students, faculty and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and assess student's academic needs, strengths and weaknesses, and with student's input develop appropriate course of action.
• Exhibit sensitive understanding of at-risk, and disadvantaged students with diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds typical of community college students.
• Possess strong problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and demonstrate ability to carry out short-term and long-term action plans.
• Must be approachable and personable and articulate with excellent writing, interpersonal and public speaking skills, and able to communicate effectively with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• Demonstrated knowledge of FERPA including ability to interpret and adhere to student privacy policies.
• Be proficient in MS Office Suite and computer database management software in general.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Be proficient in the Department of Veteran Affairs reporting system, Enrollment Manager.
• Knowledge of NSHE policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate understanding of the purpose and function of community colleges.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft as it pertains to Student Services and related duties.

Salary Information Administrative Faculty C – The Starting Salary is $61,553

* This position is grant-funded, contingent upon ongoing and available funding.

Exempt Yes Full-Time Equivalent 100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three professional references (Name, email and phone number)
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (Applicants who have earned their degrees outside of the United States must have their educational transcripts evaluated by an approved evaluator if their college or university is not listed in the most recent edition of the Higher Education Directory, published by Higher Education Publications, Inc. If you have any questions regarding this, please reach out to the Human Resources, Talent Acquisition & Classification team).

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.