Program Specialist

Northeastern Illinois University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 46,800 - 57,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Sick and vacation days

Participation in the State Universities Retirement System

Job summary

Northeastern Illinois University is seeking a Program Specialist to assist students in educational planning and degree requirements. This role requires a Master's degree in a relevant field and two years of advising experience. Responsibilities include academic advisement, maintaining student records, and conducting orientation sessions. The position offers a salary of $52,000, with benefits including health coverage and retirement plans. This is an excellent opportunity to support student success within a diverse university community.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of academic advising experience, preferably in a college/university setting.
• Ability to plan, implement, and deliver academic advising services.
• Demonstrate exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic advisement and educational planning for students.
• Assist students via walk-ins or scheduled appointments.
• Advise students on course selection, graduation requirements, and university policies.
• Maintain accurate records of student contacts.
• Assist students with monitoring their academic progress.

Skills

Academic advisement and educational planning

Written communication skills

Interpersonal communication skills

Decision-making skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Higher Education, or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Program Specialist reports to the Director of the Advising Center. The Program Specialist assists students in learning about educational options, degree requirements, and University policies and procedures, as well as providing students with guidance in clarifying educational objectives and developing an academic plan appropriate to their educational/career goals. The Program Specialist also advocates on behalf of students and introduces students to the many support services and resources available within the university community.

Job Description

• Provide academic advisement and educational planning to newly admitted and continuing students who have not declared a major.
• Assist students on either a walk‑in basis or through scheduled appointments. Respond to, and assist, students via electronic and phone contacts in a timely manner.
• Advise and assist students with interpretation of test scores; course pre‑requisites; course selection and sequencing; registration; academic planning; general education requirements; major selection; graduation requirements; and interpretation of university policies and procedures.
• Encourage and guide students to define and develop realistic educational goals; assist them in gaining decision‑making skills and planning programs consistent with their interests and abilities.
• Maintain comprehensive, accurate records of all student contacts in electronic format.
• Maintain a caseload of assigned students: monitor student progress; recommend solutions to academic difficulties; provide probation counseling; and assist with petitions for financial aid and academic reinstatement.
• Intentionally initiate phone and e‑mail contact with advisees before fall, spring, and summer registration and at other times as appropriate, i.e., to discuss items raised in NEIUStar, probation/dismissal, declaration of major and other retention and time‑to‑degree issues and/or initiatives.
• Advocate on behalf of students when appropriate. Provide and accept referral services within the university community and conduct appropriate follow‑up.
• Participate in First‑Year and Transfer Orientation; conduct individual advising sessions with new students.
• Present Academic Planning Assignment in FYE classes during the fall and spring semesters.
• Emphasize importance of engaging in career exploration activities; provide information and referrals to various campus resources such as Office of Career Development.
• Collect assessment data and report on the academic progress and retention of assigned students, including: Academic Plan Assignment completion rates and Academic Plan for Financial Aid Appeal completion rates and follow‑up meetings.
• Foster intentional contact with other departmental and college advisors to ensure the consistency and accuracy of information transmitted to students, as well as facilitate transition of students into the major.
• Participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Advising Center services, goals, and objectives.
• Participate in program‑related meetings, including staff and committee meetings, as well as professional development workshops, conferences, and activities as time and resources allow.

Minimal Qualifications

Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Higher Education, or a related field. Two years or more of academic advising experience is required, preferably at the college/university level. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to plan, implement, and deliver academic advising services and activities directed toward facilitating the personal growth, achievement, and retention of students. Candidates must also demonstrate exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively with a highly diverse constituency.

This position requires a background check.

Salary Range

$52,000

Benefits

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Benefits include health, dental, and vision coverage, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University’s receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.