Title: Next Steps Advisor
Institution: Jackson State Community College
Job Summary
The Next Steps Advisor is a staff position designed to provide holistic advising and support services targeting adult learners to ensure student retention and success. Additionally, students are assisted with navigating next steps after their certificate or degree completion at Jackson State Community College should they wish to transfer to a four-year institution. The Next Steps Advisor will report to the Director of Advising and collaborate with other advisors, administrative staff, and faculty to oversee the college’s effectiveness in meeting the needs of students.
Job Duties
- 55% - Help Assigned Students: Monitor, coach, and advise an assigned caseload of students each fall and spring semester through progression metrics Provide academic advising to adult learners for all student majors via in-person, email, telephone, or Zoom appointments Refer students to on and off campus resources to meet their needs outside of the classroom (i.e. tutoring, food pantry, housing assistance) Reach out to students based on a faculty-driven early alert system Work with students on Program of Study requirements Assist students with degree planning for both Jackson State and their desired four-year institution Assist students in creating Academic Plans for financial aid appeals and Fresh Start applications Advise students on the university transfer process; assist in hosting annual transfer fair Assist students with developing strategies to aid in success in the classroom to promote student retention and success (i.e. time management, study skills tips, one-on-one tutorials of commonly used platforms for class) Instructing students on how to be prepared for an advising session (i.e., accessing degree works, course choices, graduation planning, time management) Track relevant student data using excel and Argos - (Essential)
- 25% - Help Other Students: Assist with planning and facilitation of orientation Creation/implementation of nudging campaign utilizing email and text software for fall and spring semesters Promote innovative and high impact practice policies and procedures that result in improving student success and retention Assist with the maintenance of records for assigned students Provide the Director of Advising with the information necessary for monitoring project effectiveness as required - (Essential)
- 10% - Other Grant-Specific Duties: Work closely with designated faculty to proactively reach out to an assigned caseload of students based on class attendance, participation, grades, and other issues concerning the successful completion of a course Work with a statewide team to implement the Tennessee Coaching Project, an effort led by the Tennessee Board of Regents Attend and engage in professional development opportunities as part of the Tennessee Coaching Project In partnership with JSCC’s IR Office, collect and submit data for the Tennessee Coaching Project Communicate and collaborate with other statewide team members in the Tennessee Coaching Project Attend and engage in bi-weekly calls with the leadership team for the Tennessee Coaching Project - (Essential)
- 10% - Other Campus Duties: Actively participate in professional development opportunities to close the equity gap and increase student success Actively participate in professional development opportunities pertaining to advising and success coaching in order to stay up to date on best practices and research in the respective fields Participate in various committees on campus and in the community at large in order to promote professional development Help provide regular advising training opportunities Perform other duties as assigned - (Marginal)
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education involving programs and services that focus on advising or increasing enrollment, retention, and graduation.
Experience working in education with a focus on equity, adult learners, and students of diverse backgrounds.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of equity and diversity issues in communities and education
Knowledge and understanding of College organization, goals and objectives, and policies and procedures
Program management and negotiating skills, including ability to establish a schedule and budget and work within the same
Knowledge and proficiency in computers, especially Microsoft Office applications
Possess strong oral and written communication skills
Strong knowledge of student support programs and ability to make proper referrals
Possess excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
Ability to meet deadlines with attention to detail
Ability to work independently and take initiative and responsibility for scheduling individual sessions with students
Ability to asses and provide recommendations for additional assistance as needed for student well-being
Ability to work a flexible schedule to include occasional evening and weekend assignments
Ability to work in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural environment with students, faculty and staff
Ability to establish and maintain good relations on and off campus.
Pay Rate: $43,888 - $51,120 Annual salary depending on eligible experience which is defined by the current compensation plan.
Exempt
Open Until Filled: Yes. For best consideration apply by August 22, 2024.
Note: This position is part of a grant-funded project titled, “Pathways to Success for Adults with Some College but No Degree.” This project is funded through a grant by Ascendium Education Group to the Tennessee Board of Regents.Grant funding has been approved through June 2025.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
To be considered for this position we require an attached resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts.
A completed satisfactory background check will be required before hire.
