Academic Counselor (13908)

Get to Know American University

At American University we value open and honest inquiry, servant leadership, and the affirmation of the human dignity of all. We envision a thriving AU community where individuals of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included, and where equitable treatment, opportunities, and outcomes prevail.

Our diverse community of students, faculty, and staff represent every state and more than 150 countries. Our internationally recognized faculty are today's thought leaders in the areas of public policy, law, the arts, communications, international development, and more. Our staff are innovative, service-oriented, and dedicated to moving the university towards achieving its strategic goals. We are committed to an excellent experience for all of our students, faculty and staff and share a passion for creating change through our knowledge and our work.

Learn more about American University by clicking here .

Summary/Objective

This position provides professional academic support services to undergraduate students, advises and counsels new and continuing undergraduate students on academic, social and personal development including academic, professional and career goals, with referral to campus partners as appropriate. This position assists in planning and actively participates in on and off campus activities related to the recruitment, conversion, and retention of new and continuing undergraduate students. This position develops, coordinates, facilitates, and/or presents workshops and programs for undergraduate students, staff, faculty, and administrators.
This position represents SPA undergraduate advising on university-wide committees and working groups as assigned by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Director of Undergraduate Advising. The Academic Counselor reports directly to the Director of Undergraduate Advising. This position works under general supervision and is expected to exercise professional judgement in all aspects of the position and has broad decision-making authority subject to review by the Director of Undergraduate Advising.
The position requires a high level of interaction with students and families; faculty; Department Chairs; Associate and Assistant Deans in SPA and across the university. This position has regular interaction and maintains contact with campus and external constituencies including the SPA Associate Director for Undergraduate Recruitment and Retention, undergraduate and graduate academic counselors within SPA and university-wide, Dean of Students, Registrar’s Office, AU Central, International Student & Scholar Services, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, New Student Programs, AU Abroad, Academic Support and Access Center, Counseling Center, Athletic Academic Support Service, Honors, the Office of Enrollment, and the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies.
This position serves in an advisory role to School of Public Affairs sponsored student organizations and serves as the school representative to designated university committees.

Essential Functions

1. Academic Advising: Advise and counsel undergraduate students in meeting degree requirements and understanding academic regulations and policy; support and teach students to develop decision making skills; address issues that affect academic performance; make appropriate referrals to other University student services; communicate with faculty regarding students in academic distress; assist students with selection and registration of courses; liaison with other University departments that support athletes, international students, first generation students, students of color, learning disabled students, honor students, and other unique populations of students.
   
   
2. Academic Review: Monitor and evaluate each student’s academic progress throughout the school year; assist students with the resolution of problems that arise after periodic degree audit updates, change of majors, graduation, and other issues that come up in undergraduate academic affairs; Conduct degree clearance for graduating students; Maintain accurate record of advising meetings for student files; Make recommendations to the Associate Dean regarding exceptions to academic regulations, academic warnings, probations, and dismissals.
   
   
3. Recruitment and Orientation Activities for New Students: Assist new first year and transfer students with their selection and registration of courses; participate in on-campus recruitment and conversion events; create and conduct academic workshops for new students.
   
   
4. Co-curricular Programming and Special Projects: Work collaboratively with the Associate Director for Undergraduate Recruitment and Retention, the advising team, and other University staff to identify and develop experiential education programs and other special initiatives that enhance the professional, intellectual, career, leadership, and personal development of undergraduate students.
   
   
5. Represent SPA on university committees and serve as resource for faculty and other members of the university community: This position is expected to remain informed on and contribute to literature in fields relevant to student affairs, higher education, and student development. This position is expected to engage in professional organizations and professional development activities including but not limited to: attending and presenting at annual conferences, assuming leadership roles and taking part in regional activities.
   
   

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full-Time.
• Coordinator/Analyst B.
• Exempt.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree.
• 2-4 years of relevant work experience.
• Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills with multiple demonstrated cultural competencies (LGBTQ, International, first-generation, socioeconomic class differences, students of color) to serve a diverse student population is required.
• Excellent attention to detail with demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask in fast-paced, high-pressure environment is required.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as part of a team and develop productive working relationships with multiple constituencies (students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents) including across levels of institutional positions is required.
• Demonstrated public speaking ability and excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree in student development/affairs, higher education, or counseling.
• Exposure to academic advising or other relevant, transferrable professional experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with a university environment including an understanding of the organizational and governance structure of major colleges and universities is preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive .

Others

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Current American University Employees

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Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC