Graduate Academic Advisor

Who We Are:

National Louis is a 135+ year old university that has been grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity from its inception. As an institution, we believe in providing access to educational opportunity and that education is our greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community that is committed to continuous improvement and superior student service.  We believe that through education we are able to empower change and build healthy communities. Our hard-working community is based on collaboration and respect for all team members and students.

What You Will Do:

The Graduate Academic Advisor provides holistic support and services to guide graduate students in achieving success at NLU and advises students on academic programs, curriculum, college and university academic policies and procedures. This position is the main support person for an assigned population of approximately 250-300 graduate students during their enrollment at the institution and has primary responsibility for resolving barriers to retention and providing proactive support. The Graduate Academic Advisor will assist students individually and in groups through different modalities. This position is under the supervision of the Executive Director of Advising & Learning Support and is a member of the Provost division, working closely with faculty and with staff from other student service units as Student Finance, Admissions and Registrar, serving as the student's primary point of contact for questions and assistance.

• Provide single point of contact advising service to an assigned group of students from admission through graduation to retain students. In addition, students should be supported to access wraparound supports available as needed and through academic and personal challenge areas.
• Effectively communicate the curriculum and graduation requirements for program, college and university academic policies and procedures.
• Build collaborative relationships with academic program faculty, Department Chairs and staff to ensure a cohesive student experience. Participates in department and college meetings as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records in Banner and use data tools and retention systems, including EAB Navigate, to work with at risk students proactively and assist students on SAP/SAR.
• Provide student with general information on the university that students need to be successful and collaborate with other student service areas to support students.

• Bachelor's Degree required, Master's Degree preferred.
• One-three (1-3) years related experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Knowledge of student and adult development theories and current trends in academic and student affairs.
• Word processing skills, database management, spreadsheets and web forms and Banner.

Work Environment/Physical Demands/Travel Requirements:

Office environment with varied duties requiring multi-tasking. Most of the day are required to use skills requiring motor coordination with finger dexterity.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued.  We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time staff benefits can be found here.

The salary range of the grade for this position is $42,671.00 to $59,740.00 annually.  Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.  Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to: budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity. 

Please Include the following along with your application:

• Resume (Required)
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Current NLU employees please also submit an Internal Posting Form