Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
The Center for Access and Academic Success at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore invites applications for a full-time, twelve-month, exempt position. This position requires flexibility to attend, and schedule events and meetings, as well as promoting campus activities.

Benefits: UMES offers exciting opportunities for professional growth. Generous benefits include health benefits (medical, prescription, dental, flexible spending accounts), Retirement (State or Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA), Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance), Tuition Remission, Employee Assistance Program, paid holidays, paid leave (Exempt positions start at 22 days annual, sick leave 15 days per year, personal leave 3 days per year).

The Academic Advisor-Future Outstanding Cohort of University Students (FOCUS) ensures that all elements of CAAS's FOCUS program are completed and delivered. The Academic Advisor for FOCUS will primarily work with students on probation and provide proactive, student-centered advising and support to undergraduates.

This position ensures that students receive consistent guidance, resources, and accountability to promote academic recovery, retention, and progression toward degree completion. The FOCUS Advisor will conduct one-on-one meetings with probation students to develop individualized Academic Improvement Plans (AIP); review academic records to identify contributing factors to probationary status; monitor students’ progress and implement interventions as needed; collaborate with faculty, tutors, and support offices to connect students with appropriate resources; maintain detailed advising documentation; provide academic coaching on time management, study skills, and goal setting; facilitate workshops and group advising sessions; prepare progress reports for the Director of CAAS and stakeholders; and support data collection and assessment activities related to student retention and success initiatives.

A successful candidate will have experience and demonstrated success in working with college level students, and in developing and coordinating student academic programs and activities. In this role, it is vital to take initiative in coordinating and planning in order to provide relevant platforms for student learning and success. Providing creative and resourceful solutions to complex challenges in a way that engages and motivates students is a key function of this position. The successful candidate will demonstrate student leadership skills, collaborative and participative team building skills, and effective interpersonal communication. This includes paying attention to detail, problem-solving capabilities, and respectful customer service. The Academic Advisor-Future Outstanding Cohort of University Students reports to the Director/ Assistant of CAAS or as directed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•Coordinate communications plans, logistics and marketing for FOCUS
Students.
•Track, prepare written reports on FOCUS students’ Satisfactory Academic
Progress (SAP) participation and progress reports.
•Creating Academic Improvement Plans (AIP) with students on academic
probation.
•Help to plan and organize courses via pre-advising or (block scheduling as
needed).
•Group and one-on-one student advising.
•Coordinate and planning for FOCUS programming and activities.
•Creates and analyzes student surveys, evaluate program success and track
student progress.
•Collaboration across the university to connect students to campus resources.
•Teach ARSS-188 courses for FOCUS students on-line or in-person as needed.
•Perform recruit back efforts at end of first year.
•Program planning for student engagement.
•Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:
•May require extended periods of standing, bending, stooping, sitting at desk.
•May require lifting up to 25 lbs.
•Requires communication with a variety of constituents externally and internally.
•Requires operation of a variety of office equipment.

Preferences:
•Master's degree in a relevant discipline, working in Higher Education, K-12
system, Counseling/Human Services, or related field.
•A minimum of two years of experience.
•Experience and demonstrated knowledge of student advising and program
coordination and teaching.
•Skills in the use of computers and a variety of academic software applications
such as Peoplesoft systems, Starfish, ALEKS testing systems, as well as
features of the Microsoft office suite, etc.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
•Strong organization, interpersonal, and planning skills.
•Strong verbal and written communication skills.
•Ability to work as a team and flexibility to work with others in a variety of
circumstances. Ability to solve problems and manage multiple projects in
addition to working with students.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Two (2) years of experience providing counseling or advising services.

Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education. Knowledge of best practices in organization and administration.
Knowledge of public relations and marketing techniques.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service and sensitivity to a culturally and ethnically diverse community.

Additional Job Details

Department

UMES-VPSA-Access & Success

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$44,948 - $62,000

EEO Statement

UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship.

Diversity Statement

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an equal access, equal opportunity institution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and the campus community at UMES are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation.

Title IX Statement

It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) based on sex in the University's educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discriminations or harassment.