Academic Advisor - College of Fine Arts - School of Design

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University seeks an Academic Advisor for its prestigious School of Design. This role involves advising undergraduate students, supporting their academic success, and managing various academic projects. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and relevant experience in higher education. Join a team dedicated to fostering student growth and success in a dynamic educational environment.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plans

Tuition Benefits

Paid Time Off

Childcare Support

Fitness Center Access

Qualifications

• At least two years of advising or related experience in higher education.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise undergraduate students on academic requirements and career plans.
• Support students with academic or emotional struggles.
• Create and update the School of Design Course Schedule.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education

Bachelor's degree in Counseling

Tools

Macintosh computers

Google Suite

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The School of Design at CMU is one of the country's first and most prestigious design programs. As such, it attracts very creative, talented, and driven students. We are looking for the same qualities in our next undergraduate Academic Advisor. This position, which reports to the Head of the School of Design, is a professional non-instructional advising position that primarily supports the Undergraduate Program. This dynamic person will develop extensive knowledge about our program, School, and University, and the requirements, policies, and procedures that guide student academic success. This position requires considerable contact with students through individual meetings. The Academic Advisor must be able to provide quality academic program advising, counseling, and general student life assistance to undergraduate students.

Core Responsibilities

The following list provides examples of the most typical duties of the academic advisor, but it is not an exhaustive list:

1. Advise undergraduate students individually and in groups regarding academic requirements, core and departmental requirements, appropriate class selection, ensuring they are on track to graduate, academic policies, and campus resources. This includes all Design Undergrads, BXA (interdisciplinary programs), and Design Minors.
2. Assist students with identification of long-term goals and career plans; help position students to meet graduation requirements within appropriate timeframes.
3. Support students by connecting those who are struggling academically or emotionally to services and tutors; coordinate with faculty and staff to ensure students receive necessary help.
4. Advise undergraduate students interested in Study Abroad and international students on exchange programs, collaborating with the Director of Undergraduate Studies to help select appropriate courses.
5. Work with the Director of Undergraduate Studies and track chairs to develop the School of Design course schedule, including registration and room scheduling.
6. Serve as a resource for new faculty regarding syllabi, academic policies, student information system access, and other issues as they familiarize themselves with CMU and the School of Design's protocols and systems.
7. Create and update the School of Design Course Schedule, Undergraduate Handbook, Undergraduate Course Catalog, and related materials as needed.
8. Monitor registration deadlines and ensure students register for courses on time.
9. Review student requests for funding of special projects, process these requests with the appropriate departments, and make recommendations to the business manager and the Head of School.
10. Provide website updates related to undergraduate program changes, curricular requirements, and FAQs.
11. Maintain advising records and confidential student evaluation records, ensuring familiarity with student information system software.
12. Serve on relevant department, college, and university advisory committees.
13. Recommend candidates for hiring Undergraduate Teaching Assistants and Software Tutors.
14. Organize First Year Orientation in collaboration with the First Year Chair.
15. Oversee the Pre-college Summer Program, including attending info sessions, planning, faculty and TA hires, curriculum planning, and supply orders.
16. Perform related duties as needed to meet advising goals within scope of responsibility.
17. Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Abilities

We seek an individual with strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of managing multiple projects. Key skills include:

• Building trusting relationships with students and guiding their academic and career paths.
• Communicating effectively with faculty about student needs.
• Valuing diversity and demonstrating sensitivity to students from various backgrounds and cultures.
• Understanding the skills and knowledge required for success in design careers and showing genuine interest in the field and related disciplines at CMU.
• Representing the School of Design with integrity and professionalism when interacting with prospective students and families.
• Managing multiple projects with attention to deadlines.
• Proficiency in Macintosh computers, Google Suite, and Microsoft Excel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, or a related field.
• At least two years of advising or related experience in higher education.

Additional Requirements

• Successful background check.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, apply today! Joining CMU offers access to comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, paid time off, holidays, life and disability insurance, transit passes, childcare support, fitness center access, and more. For details, visit our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value your unique skills and perspectives, considering your experience, education, and personal aspirations as part of our holistic evaluation process. Your journey with us is about more than just a job—it's about professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function: Academic Advising

Position Type: Staff - Regular

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Pay Basis: Salary

For more info, visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" and view our employee benefits. Carnegie Mellon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Disability/Veteran friendly institution.