Academic Advisor - Term Appointment

Department: School of Professional Studies
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Job Summary:

Provides guidance and counsel to students designed to assist them in making decisions associated with their academic and/or career experiences. Assesses individual situations and circumstances and creates, implements and monitors recommendations that meet student needs. Ensures compliance with all associated policies, rules and regulations.

This position is an academic term appointment through March 31, 2026.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Implements strategic plans and contributes to process by reviewing existing practices and recommending enhancements and improvements.
• Participates with area/unit senior staff in the conceptualization, development and presentation of materials used in operations.

Technology

• Identifies improvement opportunities in regard to technology that will better enable advising program to achieve its goals and objectives.
• Reviews processes and recommends changes to incorporate state-of-the-art technology as appropriate into administrative, resource, service, etc. components.
• Recommends changes and enhancements to leverage technology to best serve the greatest number of students as effectively as possible.

Advising/Counseling

• Provides customer service oriented, student centered guidance and counsel based on individual circumstances, preferences, etc. and in compliance with all associated policies, rules and regulations.
• Identifies service improvement opportunities that will enhance guidance/counsel delivered.
• Academic advising & counseling may include: degree planning and management (qualifications for enrollment; major/minor selection, double majoring, interschool transfer; course planning, sequencing, alternatives, waivers, etc.); monitoring academic progress; graduation preparation; application and/or referrals to graduate schools, etc.
• General advising & counseling may include: time management, study skills, test-taking strategies, etc.

Relationships

• Partners internally with admissions and faculty to provide information regarding interfacing academic and career resources and services.

Programs/Events

• Develops plans and arranges programs - meetings, workshops, seminars, trainings, events, company visits, information sessions, career fairs, etc. designed to provide information, promote resources, and to build internal and external relationships.
• Identifies & obtains external expertise as needed and works with content experts for current and new programs.
• Reviews programs and recommends changes to increase value, resources and participants.
• Manages speaker selection, communication, and topic development.
• Leads program/project updates and improvements.
• Ensures that program/event details including communication, venues, presenters, travel arrangements, materials, refreshments and technology are arranged and completed in an appropriate and timely manner.

Compliance

• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, local & NU laws, regulations, policies & procedures.
• Prepares documentation as required.

Miscellaneous

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 1 year career counseling/advising in higher education or 1 year of industry experience; or other relevant experience required; OR
• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or JD or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• PeopleSoft Campus Solutions (SES) or similar

Target hiring range for this position will be between $57,500 to $61,500 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.