Professional Advisor (School of Library & Information Science)

Simmons University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Simmons University in Boston seeks an Academic Advisor for the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS), supporting online and on-campus MS LIS students. The advisor builds relationships, manages program requirements, and connects students with Simmons community resources.

This full-time, 40-hour position requires flexibility, with some evenings and weekends. The role involves enrollment oversight, policies, and coordination with the SLIS MS Program Director, University Registrar, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required.
• MSLIS degree preferred.
• Two years of academic advising or equivalent experience.
• Experience with online programs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Advise students on policies, handbooks, and program requirements.
• Provide guidance for graduate program lifestyle and success strategies.
• Track and report student progress across data systems.
• Participate in department meetings and answer planning questions.
• Support admissions process as needed.
• Participate in program events and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Maintain currency of the SLIS Virtual Orientation course.

Skills

Academic advising

Online programs

Student counseling

Relationship building

Education

Master’s degree

MSLIS preferred

Tools

Adobe Connect

Zoom

Starfish system

Job description

ABOUT SIMMONS

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston’s only women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all. You’re joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six-school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high-value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You’ll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice-oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace. As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

Positon Summary:

Simmons University is looking for an Academic Advisor to join the School of Library and Information Science, including both online and on-campus programming. This position will primarily support students enrolled in the Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MSLIS) and post-master’s level students. The Academic Advisor is responsible for building supportive and personalized relationships with students, managing expectations of program requirements, and providing opportunities to help students stay connected to the Simmons community. This position is full-time on a 40-hour workweek schedule, which will require flexible hours, including occasional nights and weekends. This role is Boston-based with a hybrid work schedule. The Academic Advisor oversees student enrollment and registration, maintains accurate student data, and counsels students on course registration, leaves of absence, academic ineligibility, plans of study, policy questions, as well as other needs. The Academic Advisor oversees students in special programs, such as the Simmons Edge, 3+1, and partnership agreements with external programs. The Academic Advisor reports to the Student Services Manager and works collaboratively with the SLIS MS Program Director, University Registrar’s Office, Simmons Student Life, and the SLIS Student Services Center.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Advise students on University policies, handbooks, procedures, program requirements, practicum requirements, and all other academic matters;
• Provide students with preemptive guidance on acclimating to their new graduate program lifestyle and building supportive personal environments and best practices to facilitate their student success;
• Track and report student progress data across multiple data tracking systems shared by key stakeholders within the designated SLIS graduate program teams (e.g., Starfish system implementation and faculty training, registration audits, LOA tracking, custom plans of study tracking, end of term and degree audits, etc.);
• Participate in department meetings regarding complex student issues;
• Serve as the first point of contact for student academic plan questions and various other administrative needs of the students;
• Provide support for the admissions process as needed;
• Participate in department- and program-related events (e.g. admission webinars, admitted student events, orientation, etc.);
• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders to communicate, complete tasks, and provide input on systems in an efficient and effective manner to best support students in all stages of the program;
• Oversee and maintain the currency of the SLIS Virtual Orientation course (LIS 400) Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree required;
• MSLIS preferred Minimum of two years of academic advising or equivalent experience (i.e. roles requiring extensive student contact, or positions that entail a high level of people management);
• Experience advising and/or teaching, or general familiarity, with online programs a plus;
• Proven ability in developing strong relationships through a variety of means (including remote engagement) and experience in professional coaching/advising others required;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• The ideal candidate will possess strong time management, data and technology management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, will be adaptable to new and rapidly changing situations, will be creative and innovative and demonstrate the ability to work independently and with a team;
• Ability to successfully resolve student issues from request through resolution;
• Comfort with online webinar technology using audio, video and shared desktop applications (e.g. Adobe Connect, Zoom, Webex, GoToMeeting, Skype);
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and presentation software, with a particular emphasis on spreadsheets and data entry/analysis;
• The ability to effectively work with multiple databases and student platforms;
• Must have a strong commitment to education.

Additional Information for Applicants:

This position is full-time on a 40-hour work week schedule which will require flexible hours, including occasional nights and weekends. This role is Boston-based with a hybrid work schedule. The hourly or annual salary range for this position is: S05$39,100.00 - $63,400.00 This is a benefits-eligible position. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills, equity, and external market benchmarks that help guide compensation decisions. Our compensation philosophy is centered around a comprehensive package that includes pay, health benefits, and retirement savings offerings that can be seen here, as well as work-life balance initiatives such as flexible hours and remote work opportunities.

Required Application Materials:

Resume/CV Cover Letter Contact information for and relationship to three references

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University is a small, private, non-sectarian University which has educated students for enriching careers and purposeful lives since 1899. Working at Simmons means joining a collaborative, diverse and mission-driven community of educators and professionals. We prepare students to be leaders for themselves, their communities and the world. Our faculty and staff members lead by example — sharing a commitment to excellence and putting the students first. Simmons News