Professional Advisor

Professional Advisor

The Professional Advisor is a full time, administrative faculty position reporting to the Registrar. This position is primarily responsible for facilitating and empowering students toward fulfilling their academic and professional goals. The Advisor also works closely with the Enrollment Management personnel, Student Success and Engagement personnel, faculty and other University staff to facilitate effective advising leading to successful degree completion. This position will uphold and reinforce institutional policy and standards and serve on institutional committees as assigned. The Professional Advisor is classified as an Administrative Faculty member.

Primary Job Duties

• Work collaboratively with department faculty, financial aid, registrar/records office, retention staff, student success personnel and other appropriate campus departments to ensure robust support services for all entering and continuing students within the assigned advising portfolio (typically 150-250 students).
• Ability to work with both traditional and adult students that are a part of the Professional & Graduate Studies (PGS) program.
• Provide new students with initial advising and assistance with initial registration; collaborate with the Admissions office to ensure a smooth student handoff from Admissions Counselor to Professional Advisor.
• Partner with students on degree planning and provide clear information regarding graduation requirements and timeline to degree.
• Actively collaborate with Student Success and Retention personnel to ensure appropriate attention to students requiring extra support.
• Actively collaborate with Financial Aid and Student Accounts personnel to help students navigate their financial package.
• Provide guidance to students on their academic pursuits, partnering with Career Services as appropriate to help inform the selection of a major.
• Conduct face-to-face and online check-ins with advisees as necessary and appropriate.
• Provide timely and accurate processing of registration paperwork.
• Document student contact electronically.
• Work within colleague management system and use system tools to assist with registration.
• Exercise creative and critical thinking.
• Provide support of institutional student retention goals.
• Be present in the office on a daily basis unless arrangements are made with the employee's direct supervisor. This position may work on a flexible schedule to accommodate both traditional and PGS students.
• Contribute to the support and implementation of the University Strategic Plan.
• Participate in Warner Pacific University professional development opportunities.
• Adhere to University policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate a commitment to a Christian liberal arts education by upholding the mission of the University and abiding by the Employment Standards and Lifestyle Agreement.
• Exhibit commitment to inclusiveness and sensitivity including areas of national origin, ethnicity, culture, gender, and disabilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Master degree from an accredited higher education institution.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Committed to the transformational value of higher education.
• Ability to promote the values of higher education in interactions with students.
• Possess a high degree of empathy and customer service experience.
• Team player with interpersonal strengths.
• Deep desire to help others achieve educational and professional goals.
• Persuasive and diplomatic in working with individuals and small groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written communication.
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently and effectively solve problems and initiate and implement projects independently.
• Ability to work effectively and meet deadlines in fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and priorities.
• Demonstrated capacity for organizational/systems thinking.
• Proficient in computer programs including Windows, Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to work some evenings and occasional weekends in addition to flexible office hours in between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Preferred Qualifications

• Academic advising experience.
• Spanish language skills.
• Experience working with diverse University students.
• Teaching experience in a higher education environment.
• Experienced in conflict management and resolution.
• Experience mentoring and coaching University students.
• Leadership and management experience.
• Experience working with adult learners.