Academic Advisor, Outreach Coordinator

Position Summary

The Academic Advising Department at the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) invites applications for a full-time (0.96 FTE), benefit-eligible position of Academic Advisor, Outreach Coordinator.

Under the supervision of the Director of Academic Advising, the Academic Advisor, Outreach Coordinator is part of an integrated team that provides academic advising and support to students at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University (CSB and SJU). 
 
The primary responsibility of this role is to coordinate both proactive and reactive outreach efforts to students, in collaboration with faculty and staff, to address academic challenges. This individual will design, implement, and document timely, cohesive, and accessible communication strategies aimed at promoting student success and retention. Utilizing student success software and other platforms, the role ensures that students receive effective support throughout their academic journey. This highly collaborative position works across multiple divisions to facilitate outreach and intervention efforts, supporting students through coordinated care as well as making referrals to student services that enhance the student experience.
 
Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement
The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visit CSBSJU.

Responsibilities

Coordinate Academic Advising Outreach (30%) 

• Monitor and review tracking items for appropriate follow-up.
• Conduct targeted outreach to students facing academic challenges, ensuring communication is timely and effective.
• Collaborate with campus support services to identify, triage, escalate and assign tasks to those who can provide outreach and support directly to students.
• Communicate with faculty/staff regarding unresolved tracking items and provide guidance on closing them.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance the use of student success software in relation to Student Academic Success (e.g., progress surveys, flags, response protocols, and communication).
• Integrate new software developments into Academic Advising workflows.
• Serve on institutional committees related to student success and retention, leveraging student success software to coordinate care, address issues, and support student outcomes.
• Help refine outreach processes based on data and feedback to improve student success and retention.

Provide academic advising (30%)

• Advise students on academic majors, general education, and four-year academic plans.
• Evaluate course substitution requests for general education, when applicable.
• Refer students to support services and collaborate with other departments as needed to ensure student needs are met.
• Serve as liaison between students, faculty, and student services to encourage resource utilization.
• Employ a variety of advising approaches to guide students through exploration and discernment of academic majors.

Data and Reporting (10%) 

• Generate reports from student success software to support decision-making and program assessment.
• Assist with reporting for student intervention and program reviews.

Register first-semester students. (10%)

• Develop a strong knowledge of CSB/SJU academic programs.
• Register incoming students for appropriate first semester courses.
• Respond to student inquiries regarding course schedules and facilitate course changes as necessary.

Provide registration support for continuing students. (10%)

• Guide students in prioritizing course selections in line with their academic goals.
• Assist students and faculty understand the registration process.
• Facilitate timely registration by reaching out to under-enrolled or inappropriately registered students, resolving registration holds, and collaborating with campus partners.

Advise students on academic probation or exhibiting academic difficulty. (5%)

• Work with probationary students to identify performance issues and develop improvement plans.
• Monitor academic progress for students on probation and assist with mid-term feedback and registration.
• Respond to student academic concerns raised by faculty, staff, or other members of the CSB/SJU community.
• Participate in departmental reviews and decisions regarding students' academic standing.

Institutional Representation and Special Projects (5%)

• Serve on campus committees, deliver workshops, and contribute to academic advising initiatives.
• Maintain student records in compliance with confidentiality standards.
• Contribute to the team effort to continuously improve academic advising at CSB/SJU.
• Work on special projects as assigned by Director of Academic Advising.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:                                                   

• Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree in related field preferred. 
• Three years of experience in Academic Advising, Residential Life, Counseling, Student Success, or other related area of student support services; preferably in higher education. 
• Critical thinking skills and demonstrated innovation in support of student success.  
• Demonstrated skills in the following areas: problem-solving, decision-making, attention to detail, understanding and utilizing data, organization/prioritization, and adaptability
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information.
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills to positively interact with a variety of constituents
• Commitment to developing intercultural competence and desire to contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment
• Advanced computer proficiency including strong technical and analytical skills with data management software and reporting including proficiency with the Microsoft office suite; academic technology experience preferred (e.g. Banner, Degree Works, Starfish)
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn about, current academic advising theories and techniques

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Significant keyboard and computer use, prolong sitting, and occasional standing. 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Regular travel between the campuses of CSB and SJU.
• Occasional travel to conferences may be required. 

To Apply

Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply." Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume.
  
If you require an accommodation to participate in the CSB and SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5501 or [email protected].
 
It is the policy of CSB and SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.