Graduate Program Advisor/Coordinator

About Seattle Pacific University:

Founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University has a long and distinguished history in Christian higher education. Located just minutes from downtown Seattle, SPU seeks to be a premier Christian University fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community. Seattle Pacific University seeks applicants committed to its Christian mission.

Diversity Statement

As part of our mission of cultural engagement, SPU is committed to building an excellent and diverse staff and faculty. Diversity is an ethos that is inseparable from our Christian faith. At SPU, we recognize diversity as a basic feature of God's creation and a core theme of the gospel. At the heart of our mission-centered commitment to becoming a more diverse community is a desire to represent the breadth of God's kingdom more fully.

We strive to become a workplace of choice and to recruit, develop, and retain faculty and staff who can embrace, value, and engage differences with humility and care. We invite you to join us on our journey by starting a career at SPU! Learn more about SPU's commitment to diversity and opportunities for our employees to deepen their capacity to serve our increasingly diverse student body.

Seattle Pacific University provides reasonable accommodation to applicants. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the application or hiring process please contact the Human Resources Department at (206)281-2809, or email hr@spu.edu. Notification must be given at least five (5) working days before the accommodation is needed.

General Summary:  In collaboration with the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, oversee all non-curricular aspects of SBGE's graduate programs including developing and managing a pipeline of students from admission through graduation including matriculation, advising, operations, and student life activities and engaging with graduate alumni. 

Job Description:

Graduate Student Onboarding 

• In partnership with Associate Dean for Graduate Programs actively engages in managing the pipeline of all degree-seeking, certificate-seeking, and non-matriculated students across all delivery modalities from the point of the student having received an offer of admission from the Graduate Admission Office through enrollment to best assure the conversion of admits into enrolled students; coordinates and collaborates on designing and implementing onboarding strategies, activities, events, orientations (in-person and online), materials, etc.; initial enrollment/registration advising and assistance; and, making decisions about the satisfaction of business foundation requirements. 

Graduate Student Life, Advising & Retention 

• In partnership with Associate Dean for Graduate Programs actively engages in developing and implementing strategic activities, events, resources, communications, etc. for managing and serving the pipeline of all degree-seeking, certificate-seeking and non-matriculated students (i.e., all student populations; all delivery modalities) from the point of initial enrollment to completing the requirements for their certificate or degree (i.e., graduation) including developing and implementing strategies for relationship and community building, facilitating student success, and retention. Including opportunities for current students to engage with alumni, faculty, and each other.
• Communicates with and engages all student populations through effective newsletters, social media, online communities, in-person communication, and events (e.g. new student orientation, mid-quarter social/mingle events, plenary sessions, high ceremony events, etc.).
• Reviews students' progress on requirements for program progression and develop individualized plans of study. Advises students with regard to course selection, etc. through 1:1 advising sessions using appropriate modes (e.g., in-person, text, phone, online, or video) based on the needs and diverse backgrounds of each student. Enters registration permissions as appropriate. Trouble-shoots student registration/account or other problems attempting to resolve conflicts and stakeholder dissatisfaction.
• Interprets for and advises students on policies and procedures, conduct expectations, academic petitions, complaints, discrimination, refunds, and other course-related student matters.
• Monitors, records/updates, and tracks student performance and progress in relevant university information systems.
• Is available to students on personal matters. Responds immediately to at-risk cases connecting students with university provided services and resources to enhance their student experience and meet emergent needs.
• Serves as an advocate for the students to the school and for the school to the students. Liaises and trouble-shoots with Student Academic Services, Student Financial Services, and other campus offices as needed on behalf of students. Collaborates on converting and transitioning certificates and non-matriculated students into degree-seeking students.

Life-long Learning 

• In partnership with the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs actively engages in supporting the achievement of SBGE's life-long learning (continuing education) strategic goals including developing opportunities for life-long learning (i.e., alumni updates, non-degree programs, etc.).

Operations 

• In partnership with Associate Dean for Graduate Programs oversees various information systems and tracking the pipeline of admitted and enrolled degree-seeking, certificate-seeking and non-degree seeking students including student records; database and mailing lists; quarterly registration and credit hours; and graduation processes. Reviews student status quarterly after grades are posted to handle academic probation warnings, incomplete grades, and to approve degree posting for diplomas and certificates. Analyzes program and student data for forecasting and action planning. Supports assessment efforts to gauge program performance.
• Participates in developing responses to surveys from organizations that publicize, rank or accredit the school. Participates in ensuring the accuracy of the school's portion of the graduate catalog and the development of the schools schedule of course offerings.
• Collaborates on course scheduling to ensure students' progress through the curriculum and compliance with pre-requisites and related policies. Collaborates with SAS, alumni and other related offices on scheduling non-degree seeking and life-long learning related courses and activities.
• Collaborates with various offices and services to assure successful events, etc.
• Oversees the hiring and supervision of graduate assistants that support graduate programs.

Support for SBGE Events

Assists in supporting various annual events such as SBGE's Day of Calling, Dean's Speaker Series, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Honors Reception and Social Venture Competition.

Supports the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs

Performs other duties as assigned in support of SBGE's mission

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree is preferred.
• Advising/coaching experience preferred.
• Excellent communication skills required.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products including Outlook and Word. Strong Excel skills needed.
• Experience with proprietary student information systems such as Elucian Banner, a plus. Experience with Tableau, a plus. 

Additional Information:

Position will remain open until filled.

Salary: $50,700 - $52,500 

This is a full time position with excellent benefits. SPU pays the employee premium for medical, dental, and vision insurance. SPU makes contributions to an employee HSA account and to a retirement account after one year of eligibility in the plan. Tuition discount program available for the employee and qualified immediate family members.

Application Instructions:

Please submit a cover letter and resume along with the online application.