Academic & Career Advisor

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

JOB PURPOSE:

The Howard University School of Social Work (HUSSW) is a leading institution of excellence in education, research, and service. Our graduate programs (MSW and PhD) are rooted in our commitment to social justice and the advancement of quality of life for marginalized, vulnerable populations. The PhD Program is a residential program offered on the campus of Howard University. Additionally, HUSSW offers the MSW curriculum through 2 distinct programs: Flagship and Starship. The Flagship Program is our residential program offered on the campus of Howard University. Our Starship program is offered online, both synchronously and asynchronously. Across the two MSW Programs, we serve approximately 400 MSW students. The Academic and Career Advisor plays a critical role in student success.

This position operates under the Office of Student Services within the Academic and Student Advancement unit of the HUSSW, with a focus on MSW students. The purpose of the Academic and Career Advisor position is to provide integrated academic and career guidance and support services to MSW students in the Flagship and Starship Programs. The Academic and Career Advisor focuses on supporting students through academic planning and progress tracking, retention efforts, professional development, career alignment, resource navigation, specialized programming, accountability, and motivation.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

This position may supervise undergraduate student workers assigned to the HUSSW under the Federal Work Study Program.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts may include administrators; faculty, students, and staff; offices such as Financial Aid, Office of Student Accessibility, and University Counseling Services. External contacts may include licensing entities, consultants, and the public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Provide comprehensive high-impact academic advisement and career planning services to students.
• Effectively communicate information about programs of study, registration, drop/add, withdrawal, graduation requirements, policies and procedures, licensure, and resources available to students.
• Actively monitor and assess students’ academic performance and progress to effectively address needs.
• Engage students in academic and career planning
• Assist students with developing a plan that leads to student success and on-time graduation.
• Document student interactions, issue alerts, and maintain detailed records. Identify and implement interventions necessary to support student academic progress and career development.
• Provide course selection guidance, develop and facilitate student success presentations, and support other career and academic programming.
• Collect and analyze data and produce regular reports on student status and engagement activities such as academic progression and tracking, registration audits, academic standing reporting, transferring credits processing, and graduation clearances.
• Support the development of best practices and tools for advising implementation and management.
• Work closely with Enrollment Management staff (i.e., Registrar, Admissions, Financial Aid, and Bursar).
• Work collaboratively and participate in team and school meetings as well as professional development activities.
• Serve on school and university committees as needed.
• Perform other duties as needed and assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Must have a desire to support and work with on-campus and online students from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures in higher education, MSW curriculum and academic programs, career clusters, and industry trends.
• Knowledge of student information systems, data management systems, career management systems, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Workday, Course Dog, and other academic and/or career advising tools and techniques.
• Ensure compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive conversations and information.
• Ability to solve problems, manage difficult situations, and maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service.
• Excellent program planning, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively manage a large caseload, multi-task, and prioritize work tasks.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Ability to work well in teams and individually.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• MSW or related degree (i.e. Higher Education, Counseling, etc.) from an accredited program, with two or more years of relevant work experience.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Two or more years’ experience as a MSW Academic Advisor within an academic, university/ college setting.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$55,000 - $65,000