JOB GOAL

To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values, and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

Academic advising at Kirkwood Community College is a developmental process that considers students’ academic needs, goals, interests and prior experiences and education. The academic advisor advises students concerning their academic plans, progress, and academic/career goals, in order to assist students in making personal educational decisions.

The typical work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES

• Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
• Champion Service- anticipating needs and creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
• Perseverance- a commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
• Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist students in the exploration of goals, interests, strengths, values, and concerns through positive, open-ended questions and intentional advising strategies.
• Assist students in developing academic plans that meet goals and future aspirations.
• Teach students about curricular requirements, academic standards, and academic milestones related to an intended/chosen academic program.
• Teach students how to assess their degree progress through graduation
• Refer students to campus resources, programs, and support systems that promote academic success, career development, experiential learning, and engagement in a chosen discipline.
• Collaborate with faculty and guide students to opportunities that engage students with faculty and professionals in their chosen disciplines.
• Assist students in developing problem-solving skills to allow them autonomy.
• Develop intervention plans for struggling students.
• Conduct first-year orientation advising sessions.
• Design and facilitate seminars/workshops that focus on career opportunities, transfer admissions procedures, financial literacy, cultural education activities, and social and personal development
• Perform other related work duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Possess solid knowledge of the academic programs within the academic pathway.
• Demonstrated organizational, record-keeping, and planning skills, including time management.
• Working knowledge of Kirkwood’s student policies and procedures and ability to explain those processes.
• Understand the Core Competencies of an advisor as outlined in NACADA.
• Possess strong human relations skills and get along with diverse personalities.
• Read, understand, and express oneself clearly and effectively in oral and written form.
• Establish and maintain good team working relationships with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the public.
• Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree
• Advising or teaching experience
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS

• Master’s degree
• 3 or more years of Academic Advising experience
• 3 or more years of Community College professional experience
• Education or knowledge of student development theories and practice
• Knowledge and experience with holistic, case management advising practices