SOTA Academic Advisor in the Arts

Northern Kentucky University is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Academic Advisor in the School of the Arts (SOTA).
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting students in Art & Design, they will advise majors and minors with a primary focus on students majoring in Pre-Art Therapy, Art History or one of the many tracks in Studio Arts, including Animation, Drawing, New Media Art, Painting, Photography, and Spatial Arts (Ceramics + Sculpture).
Summer advising responsibilities will also extend to students in Theatre & Dance as well as to Visual Communication Design with limited advisement of Music students on an as needed basis.
The chosen candidate for this role will play a key role in the planning and implementation of academic advising in SOTA.
They will assist students in charting a clear path to achieve their educational and career goals, while also bridging the skills acquired through their major with the demands of the job market.
Responsibilities will include addressing placement, transfer, graduation and other degree-related matters, and directing students to appropriate resources.
Additionally, the advisor will play an important role in recruiting students to Art & Design and SOTA.
While advising remains the primary focus, there will be opportunities for individuals with the appropriate credentials to teach in Art and Design as well.
The School of the Arts at Northern Kentucky University is pleased to invite candidates to apply for a full-time staff position as an Academic Advisor starting in the spring of 2024.
ABOUT SOTA The Art & Design, Music, and Theatre & Dance programs make up the School of the Arts which sits in the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University.
Art & Design offers an innovative and engaged opportunity for aspiring artists and designers who seek professional training in the arts.
Art & Design has 18 full-time faculty and 4 full-time staff that embrace a comprehensive hands-on approach of working with materials and techniques while developing critical thinking skills related to the various art disciplines and studio training.
ABOUT NKU Established in 1968, NKU is a 15,000-student, nationally recognized, growing metropolitan university located seven miles from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.
Greater Cincinnati has one of the most vibrant and multifaceted cultural scenes in the Midwest, with the Cincinnati Art Museum, Contemporary Arts Center, 21c Museum Hotel and a plethora of galleries such as The Weston, Carl Solway and Manifest Gallery.
Cincinnati offers an outstanding quality of life, a dynamic arts community, and an affordable cost of living.
NKU is committed to active engagement with the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region of over two million people.
We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, but especially from individuals who contribute to the diversity of our academic community.
Primary Responsibilities Advise majors and minors in the School of the Arts, primarily focusing on students in the Art & Design Program.
This encompasses advising new students, current majors, online & transfer students, international students, and prospective students.
Provide individualized academic advising to undergraduate students within SOTA, including major and minor selection, course planning, degree progression, and resource referrals for at-risk students.
Work closely with the Head of Art & Design, SOTA Director, and SOTA Advisors to help develop and assist SOTA with recruiting and retention activities.
Assist students in developing academic plans aligned with their interests, abilities, and career aspirations.
Facilitate student understanding of academic policies, procedures, and degree requirements.
Monitor and track student progress, identifying potential academic issues and providing appropriate interventions and support.
Coordinate and conduct group advising sessions, workshops, and information sessions for students.
Serve as a resource for students seeking information on internships, study abroad opportunities, scholarships, and other academic enrichment experiences.
Assist with the development and implementation of retention and student success initiatives within SOTA.
Participate in departmental and university-wide committees, meetings, and events as assigned.
Collaborate with faculty members to stay informed about curriculum changes, academic programs, and career opportunities in SOTA.
Work with the College of Arts & Sciences Advising Center and NKU offices such as Admissions, Graduate Programs, New Student Orientation, Educational Outreach, First Year Advising Center, etc.
on retention and recruitment efforts.
Maintain personal communication with and availability for students in order to assist with enrollment/registration, academic issues, etc.
This is primarily an on-campus position with digital communication and virtual meetings also required.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records, including advising notes and academic plans, and generate and disseminate student reports using the university information systems including SAP/MyNKU and Navigate.
Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Studio Arts, Art History, Design, Higher Education, Counseling, or a related field.
Experience in the visual or performing arts is highly preferred.
Professional attitude and demeanor with strong organizational and collaborative skills.
Previous experience in academic advising, within a university setting or in a related field is preferred.
Some knowledge of academic programs, degree requirements, and career opportunities in the visual or performing arts is also preferred.
Ability to handle difficult situations with care, confidentiality, and diplomacy.
Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication, and problem-solving skills required.
Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and other university stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, familiarity with student information systems and advising technology platforms and/or the ability to learn complex software systems quickly.
Ability to work with diverse populations.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Flexibility to adapt to changing student needs, academic calendars, and departmental priorities.
Minimum Education Bachelor's Degree Preferred Education MFA or MDes Minimum Experience Acceptable Equivalency Salary Minimum $40,307 annually Pay Grade S69