Graduate Business & Education Online Advisor

Olivet Nazarene University; Bourbonnais (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL is seeking an in-office Graduate Education Advisor to provide proactive, student-centered guidance for the graduate business and education programs. You will manage a caseload, coordinate with program directors, and ensure a positive student experience through timely communication and detailed advising.

You will work with students on course selection, degree planning, and persistence initiatives, including SEVIS responsibilities for international

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with CRM/LMS platforms (e.g., Canvas, Slate) preferred.
• Ability to interpret student data and maintain confidentiality.
• Cultural competence and inclusive advising practices.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key point of contact for graduate business and education scheduling needs and persistence related initiatives.
• Provide proactive academic advising to an assigned caseload of graduate students.
• Guide students in developing and updating individualized academic plans aligned with their educational and career goals.
• Serve as point of contact for international students as a university SEVIS representative.
• Deliver timely, accurate, and student-centered communication via phone, text, email, or video.
• Assist students with term-by-term course selection, registration, and schedule adjustments.
• Maintain accurate knowledge of program requirements, policies, and degree pathways.
• Monitor student progress using retention and early alert systems.
• Develop and track academic improvement plans.
• Support graduate business and education program directors with student communication, planning, and student success initiatives.
• Refer students to appropriate support services as needed (i.e. chaplain, library, IT, etc.).
• As needed, assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting related to student retention, persistence, and degree completion.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft 365

Canvas

Colleague

CRM

Slate

Job description

As a Christian university, Olivet Nazarene University exists to provide an education with a Christian purpose. We value diversity as a means to enrich and deepen the educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom and online. We are committed to recruit and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. We strive to be a more inclusive community as we seek to understand and celebrate our unique experiences and perspectives.

This in-office position provides proactive, student-centered advising for graduate education and business students and collaborates with cross-functional teams to support persistence and student success. The advisor will manage a caseload of students across both programs, providing academic advising and registration support.

This position will work closely with graduate business and education program directors to support program needs, coordinate student communications, and facilitate a positive student experience. This role requires strong technological proficiency and the ability to effectively engage students through verbal and written communication.

Working knowledge of Microsoft 365, Canvas, and Colleague is preferred, along with experience in customer service or student support roles.

1. Serve as a key point of contact for graduate business and education scheduling needs and persistence related initiatives.
2. Provide proactive academic advising to an assigned caseload of graduate students.
3. Guide students in developing and updating individualized academic plans aligned with their educational and career goals.
4. Serve as point of contact for international students as a university SEVIS representative.
5. Deliver timely, accurate, and student-centered communication via phone, text, email, or video.
6. Assist students with term-by-term course selection, registration, and schedule adjustments.
7. Maintain accurate knowledge of program requirements, policies, and degree pathways.
8. Monitor student progress using retention and early alert systems.
9. Develop and track academic improvement plans.
10. Support graduate business and education program directors with student communication, planning, and student success initiatives.
11. Refer students to appropriate support services as needed (i.e. chaplain, library, IT, etc.).
12. As needed, assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting related to student retention, persistence, and degree completion.
13. All other duties as assigned.

NO SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES.

1. A lifestyle in agreement with the ONU Statement of Mission, Faith, and Lifestyle Covenant.
2. Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
3. Demonstrate proficiency with CRM, LMS, or any student success platforms (e.g. Canvas, Slate).
4. Ability to interpret and act on student data.
5. Manage time effectively and prioritize a dynamic caseload.
6. Demonstrate cultural competence and inclusive advising practices.
7. Apply problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
8. Utilize required technology tools effectively and efficiently.
9. Demonstrate a successful work history supported by references.
10. Maintain confidentiality when handling student information.

EDUCATION

Candidate must have earned a bachelor’s degree.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Standard office environment, no major sources of discomfort. Minimal travel required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The annual salary for this position is $40,000. Additional considerations will be made for relevant experience and educational background.