Academic Advisor

Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications is a leader in education and research. As the media industry experiences unprecedented change, Medill is at the forefront of innovation. Our expert teaching and thought leadership focus on enduring skills and values as well as new techniques and technologies that are changing the way stories are told and consumed in today’s digital world. In celebrating our 100th year in 2021, our experience in leading the fields of journalism and IMC is unparalleled.

Medill offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalism, and an undergraduate certificate and graduate degree in integrated marketing communications. The Medill community is tight-knit and supportive. It consists of 100 faculty, 50 staff, 1,200 students and 18,000 alumni. The diversity of the Medill community has been a source of innovation, excellence and leadership throughout our history. Today Medill continues its commitment to creating an inclusive environment and to providing equity in opportunities regarding research, teaching, administration and student services. We aim to welcome students, staff and faculty from diverse backgrounds and support them so they may thrive at Medill.

Job Summary

The Academic Advisor provides guidance and counsel to Medill undergraduate journalism 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.

Occasional travel, both domestic and international, may be required. This position will be on-site on the Evanston campus for a minimum of two days per week, while the remaining time is allowed to worked remotely. This remote working arrangement will be evaluated on a regular basis and may be changed based on business and operational needs.

Please note: The target budgeted salary for this position is $48,000 – $53,000 annually. Offers will be based on candidate experience and education, as well as equity within Northwestern University.

Specific Responsibilities

Administration

• Participates with area/unit senior staff in the conceptualization, development, and presentation of materials used in operations.

Technology

• Identifies improvement opportunities in regards to technology that will better enable the 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.
• Collaborates with colleagues across the school to help advance Medill’s strategic goals and improve the educational experience of our students.

Programs/Events

• Develops plans and arranges programs – meetings, workshops, seminars, training, events, company visits, information sessions, career fairs, etc. designed to provide information, promote resources, and build internal and external relationships.
• Identifies & obtains external expertise as needed and works with content experts for current and new programs.

Evaluation

• Analyzes program sessions and interacts with participants for purpose of gaining consumer insight, growing and strengthening program knowledge, and optimizing client satisfaction.
• Coordinates the collection, analysis & reporting of required information for surveys, review documents, public information documents, etc.
• Analyzes evaluation data from internal/external participants (students, faculty, employers, etc.) to assist in program development and updates.
• Implements corrective actions required as a result of surveys or other indicators.

Compliance

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

Miscellaneous

• Performs 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration or Counseling
• Bachelor’s degree + 1-year counseling/advising in higher education or 1 year of industry experience or similar; OR
• 3 years’ counseling/advising in higher education or 3 years of industry experience or similar.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• PeopleSoft Campus Solutions (SES) or similar

Working Conditions

Advisor’s time will be on the Medill Evanston campus, but some domestic and international travel is required.

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:

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 requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

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.