Academic Advisor

Biblical Principles and Expectations: All employees proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through their employment, and thereby further Malone’s mission to provide students with an education based on biblical faith in order to develop men and women in intellectual maturity, wisdom, and Christian faith who are committed to serving the Church, community, and world. 

I. University Overview

Malone strives to provide an education that produces graduates with a love of truth and a vibrant, mature faith. Our intent is that students attain the wisdom, knowledge, and skills necessary to serve, engage, and transform the communities in which they live and work. To this end, we provide the curricular and co-curricular context in which to pursue the following educational goals: Understand and critically engage those bodies of knowledge and cultural influences that have shaped the world; Understand the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of the Christian faith; Think critically and creatively and communicate effectively in multiple contexts; Attain expertise in at least one profession or academic discipline and lay the foundation for meaningful work or further studies at the graduate level; and explore the implications of the Christian faith for all areas of living, including intellectual, spiritual, and community pursuits. 

II. University Expectations

• Maintains a personal, active relationship with Jesus Christ and is a consistent witness for Jesus Christ 
• Faithfully upholds Malone in prayer 
• Participates in community worship as schedule permits 
• Demonstrates behavior aligned with Malone’s Mission, Foundational Principles, Doctrinal Statement and its Community’s General Principles 
• Effectively represents Jesus Christ to those within both personal and professional spheres of influence 

III. Job Summary

• To participate in the planning and delivery of academic advising services and programs that promote comprehensive educational opportunities for all students. Cooperates and coordinates with academic departments and faculty members in providing for the academic and career preparation needs of students. Responsible for understanding and interpreting the academic requirements, and academic options in each area of study and in other campus departments to facilitate the student’s declared major. This position requires working closely with faculty and staff to provide support to students as they navigate through the educational process and job placement. The priority for this position is to ensure quality, consistent student support that will prepare and sustain a diverse student body. A focus on student well-being and enrollment, persistence and graduation trends is essential. 

IV. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborates and communicates with two academic areas and individual instructors to address the requirements of students. 
• Advises, schedules and maintains files for the First Time Traditional students including freshmen, transfer, international, readmit and College Credit Plus students. 
• Develops and implements advising policies in collaboration with admissions, university registrar and academic departments. 
• Provides in-person individualized advising meetings to appropriately schedule students for their first year. 
• Collaborates with admissions to support students entering Malone University as traditional undergraduate students and graduate students. 
• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate academic success workshops in collaboration with academic departments and Center for Student Success colleagues to promote student achievement, persistence, and academic skill development. 
• Communicates regularly with academic deans and faculty advisors in order to provide timely information on course/degree options, general education requirements and university policies regarding academic advising. 
• Evaluates the effectiveness of university advising practices through data analysis and recommends changes based on findings. 

V. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a wide range of people and cultures 
• Ability to problem-solve and initiate/implement projects independently 
• Ability to master new computer-based systems 
• Thorough understanding of local, state, and federal funding sources and the ability to locate potential sources of funding 
• Thorough understanding of grant funding policies and procedures and applicable local, state, and federal regulations 
• Expertise in conflict resolution 
• Ability to collaborate with a wide range of people 
• Ability to handle sensitive issues with confidentiality 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Effective grant writing techniques 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software 
• Extremely organized and detail-oriented 
• Excellent project management skills and ability to prioritize work and resources 
• Ability to meet deadlines 
• Ability to coordinate multi-faceted projects with minimal supervision and high initiative in a deadline driven environment 
• Effective relational and collaborative skills 
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism 

VI. Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree 
• 2-3 years’ experience in higher education working in academic support is preferred. 

VII. Working Conditions / Physical Demands

• Work is typically performed in a conventional office environment 
• A current, valid driver’s license is required 
• Some local/regional travel will be required 
• Occasional evening and weekend work is required when necessary