Academic & Finance Advisor I (Start Team)

Position Summary:

Serves as a student’s key point of contact, providing in-depth, quality service to students from the time they enter the first course until they graduate. Academic and Finance Advisors spend a majority of the day speaking with students on the phone, via email, text messaging, and chat providing academic and financial support while also supporting the students in overcoming challenges that could prevent progress to graduation. This position is responsible for providing policy information and assistance throughout the student's educational time with the University. In addition, also provides direct support associated with the students’ financial aid and addresses all questions regarding funding for students throughout the duration of the program. Team members must perform all duties accurately and timely. Academic and Finance Advisors provide exceptional customer service and quality responses to all student inquiries. They also serve as a liaison between each student and all other teams within the University. The position is responsible for identifying at-risk students and successful students and educating and motivating those students to increase their likelihood of progressing to graduation. Additionally, Academic and Finance Advisors are also responsible for a specific set of operating tasks, and is measured using key metrics including retention rates, healthy student account balances, and task completion rates.

Essential Functions:

• Maintain all tasks/responsibilities for student load set by Associate Director or Director of Student & Financial Advising / New & Re-Entry.
• Performs daily operating tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Associate Director, Roadrunner System, Student Portfolio Report or other task delivery methods.
• Proactively identify various "at risk" student populations and provide low level resolutions to assist student in successful program completion.
• Monitors student degree plans and course schedules to ensure students are remaining in compliance with University policy and degree plan requirements.
• Assist student with any changes to their course of study.
• Identify at-risk behaviors in students and proactively provide support and resources to students to ensure students stay on path for graduation.
• Accurately describes and advises to financial aid requirements and University policies and procedures.
• Monitors each assigned student’s academic progress, per Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines and requirements.
• Monitors receivable balances and recommends lockouts and dismissals for financial reasons.
• Responsible for maintaining reasonable outstanding balances and exercising collection efforts.
• Contribute to a positive and productive team atmosphere and working conditions.
• Attend all required team meetings and trainings, adjusting schedule as necessary.
• Deliver messages to students on behalf of the University as needed, not limited to above mentioned tasks.
• Provide professional and composed support to escalated students.
• Participates in ongoing department projects, or other special projects, as needed.
• Reasonable and consistent attendance to fulfill requirements of the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsi bilities : N/A

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in advising is preferred.
• Student services or training and development in a collegial setting preferred.
• Experience in higher education preferred.
• Experience working in a technology-driven enterprise preferred.
• All skills, abilities and education will be considered for minimum qualifications.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills:

• It is imperative that all Academic and Finance Advisors are well versed in all University policies, including policy updates.
• Knowledge of operating systems utilized by team members of the University, including, but not limited to Internet Explorer and MS Office products.
• Remain solution-focused in all interactions with students, team members, clients, faculty, and staff keeping in mind all University policies and federal regulations.
• Knowledge of available private, state, and federal financial aid programs.
• Knowledge of FDCP Act and general payment practices.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize.
• Ability to use and facilitate online communication using email and/or other technology-based communication media.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to prepare letters, reports, and business correspondence.
• Must be able to consistently display the highest level of integrity.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work well in teams, while contributing to positive and productive team atmosphere, working conditions, etc.
• Ability to advocate for student without compromising the integrity of the University.
• Ability to manage conflict with student concerns or escalations.
• Strong understanding of the University mission, vision, values, goals, and strategies.
• Strong ability to provide friendly student service on all calls and written correspondence regardless of message being delivered.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and other applications in the Microsoft Office suite priorities.

Travel: No Travel Required

The National University System is committed to maintaining a high-quality, diverse workforce representative of the populations we serve. As a network of nonprofit educational institutions, the System employs more than 3,300 faculty and staff and serves over 41,000 students. We are united in our mission to meet the global education demands of the 21st Century and are dedicated to creating a supportive academic and work environment that allows for students, faculty and staff to develop their interests and talents while experiencing a sense of community and a commitment to diversity. With programs available both online and at our many campus locations, the National University System is a leader in creating innovative solutions to education and meeting the needs of our diverse student population, including adult learners and working professionals.

National University offers an opportunity to work in an innovative environment that supports diversity.

National University (NU) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employee per applicable federal, state and local laws. At NU, a diverse mix of highly talented, innovative and creative people come together to make the impact of a lifetime for each of our student learners. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment, education, and admission at National University. We are focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, color, ancestry, age, family care status, veteran status, marital status, creed, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and other legally protected group status.