Lead Advising Specialist (Student Services Professional IV)

at  California State University

Job no: 543112
Work type: Staff
Location: San Diego
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Probationary, Full Time, Student Services, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Position Description

POSITION SUMMARY

As the Lead Advising Specialist, you will be pivotal in guiding new students through their academic journey.

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

The Office of New Student and Parent Programs (NSPP), under the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, provides students, parents and families with the preparation, information, and support necessary for student success as they enter the university community and enhance the academic and personal growth of SDSU students through a partnership between parents/families and the university.
The Office of New Student and Parent Programs accomplishes this through collaborative partnerships with the campus and external communities, while respecting student access and diversity and engaging in assessment and continuous improvement of programs. NSPP believes that SDSU parents and families are valuable partners in the transition and retention of their students.

The Office of New Student and Parent Programs, supports and enhances student success through Orientation, Transition and Retention initiatives.

• Supports new SDSU students in their transition and retention to University life through quality orientation programs and student development initiatives to set a strong foundation for all students to achieve their academic and personal goals.
• Fosters a sense of community and belonging for SDSU students through their college transition by hiring, training and providing continuous professional development of 120 student leaders, the SDSU Ambassadors, to serve as the official student representatives, tour guides, and orientation leaders of San Diego State University.
• Cultivates a philosophy of partnership with families of SDSU students through transition programs, such as Parent Orientation, New Student and Family Convocation and Family Weekend.
• Fosters a sense of philanthropy and connection for SDSU parents and families through the Aztec Parents Association, the Aztec Parents Fund, and the Aztec Parents Advisory Board.
• Responds to changing student needs and expectations through the evaluation and assessment of new student programs, parent and family programs, resources and services, communications including orientation, transition and retention initiatives.

Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity

The Division facilitates the academic and career success, personal growth and well-being of all students, and works proactively to address systemic inequities through professional learning, community building, advocacy, policy recommendations and organizational structures. We aim to foster an affirming campus culture based on the core values of excellence, equity, diversity, belonging and inclusion through:

• Recruiting and retaining faculty and staff who are reflective of the diverse student body and communities served by SDSU, and recruiting students who are representative of the rich diversity of the region and the world;
• Fostering an environment that is welcoming, affirming, and empowering for students, faculty, staff and alumni of all backgrounds;
• Enhancing the career and educational pathways of a diverse student body, the faculty and staff, including enhancing the learning environment and expanding learning opportunities for all students inside and outside the classroom, and expanding and connecting opportunities for students to participate in transformational experiences;
• Developing leaders who believe in and lead others toward supporting civility, mutual respect and diversity in our society and workplaces; and
• Cultivating relationships with the local community that advance the well-being of diverse individuals and communities.

Position upholds the Student Affairs and Campus Diversity Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, specifically:
“The Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity acknowledges and honors the inherent value and dignity of all individuals by creating and nurturing a learning and working environment that affirms and leverages our community’s diversity of traditions, heritages, perspectives, and experiences. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusive excellence designed to facilitate the personal and professional success, growth, development, and well-being of all members of our community. We manifest this commitment through our innovative, strategic and collaborative efforts to develop leaders who believe in and lead others toward practicing civility, mutual respect, and inclusion in our workplaces and society.”
For more information regarding the Office of New Student and Parent Programs, click here.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field plus upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing and conflict resolution where such are job related.
Possession of these knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent to four years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience which includes experience in advising students individually and in groups, and in analysis and resolution of complex student services problems.
A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work or a job‑related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling, guidance or a job‑related field may be substituted for two years of the required professional experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional, personal or career counseling.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in working with diverse student populations.
• Familiarity with academic advising practices.
• Ability to understand, develop and effectively monitor fiscal budgets.
• Basic experience in academic advising, orientation, transition and retention initiatives, event planning, program development of student organizations and activities, leadership programs, cross-cultural center, and student academic success centers preferred.
• Ability to effectively use software tools (e.g., EAB Navigate, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Applications) to create and analyze reports, manage data, resource materials and presentations.
• Knowledge of CSU Executive Orders, Title V California Education Code of Regulations, University policy and procedures
• Understanding of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act with regards to the maintenance of academic and judicial records of individual students.

• Lead Advising Initiatives for New Student Orientation: Develop and deliver engaging Ambassador Training programs, create student modules and presentations, and ensure a smooth transition for incoming students.
• Train Coordinated Care Advisors: Organize and facilitate comprehensive training sessions to equip Coordinated Care Advisors with the necessary skills to support students’ academic success.
• Serve as a Liaison: Foster strong partnerships with Enrollment Services, the Office of the Dean of Students, and New Student and Parent Programs to ensure a seamless student experience.
• Provide Direct Advising: Act as a Coordinated Care Advisor, offering personalized guidance and support to students as they navigate their academic path.
• Support Retention Initiatives: Contribute to the development and implementation of programs and strategies aimed at enhancing student retention and overall success.