Position Summary

Academic Advising at the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit-eligible position of Academic Navigator. The Academic Navigator (Academic Advisor) empowers our undergraduate students to develop meaningful educational plans that support their academic, personal, and professional goals. Navigators use strong interpersonal skills; background in advising theory and strategies; knowledge of academic opportunities, policies, and procedures; and referral to other departments to support students in meeting their goals, a component of the True North Journey (CSB+SJU’s signature four-year experience).

Academic Navigators strive to meet students at their point of need, understanding the context in which they make academic decisions, challenging students to become self-advocates, responding promptly to requests, and maintaining attention to detail. The Academic Advising Office is highly collaborative and collegial within the department and in connection to other departments across both campuses.

Why Join Us?

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 18 Paid Holidays Annually
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Remission for Eligible Dependents
• Employer Contributions to a Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program with access to free or discounted counseling, legal guidance, financial coaching, and more

Join a committed team dedicated to safety, community, and service in a supportive and values-driven work environment. To learn more about our benefits, visit csbsju.edu/jobs. CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visit CSBSJU.

The posted wage represents CSB and SJU's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills, and may fall outside of the range indicated.

Inclusive Excellence

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural differences and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems to best meet the needs of our community as we educate students to address the most urgent needs of society. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

Responsibilities

Academic Navigation (40%)

Collaborate with students in short- and long-term goal setting, decision-making, problem-solving, and planning related to their educational journey. Engage students in conversations about their educational experiences, identity, and goals. Connect students to opportunities allowing them to explore interests, strengths, values, and skills related to academic major(s) and career choices. Facilitate individual student’s understanding of integrated learning (general education, programs of study, co-curricular and non-academic experiences). Guide students in prioritizing course selections in line with their academic goals. Assist students in navigating higher education structures, processes, technologies, and cultures. Recognize each student’s need for specialized support and provide a bridge between students and those resources. Pay ongoing, proactive and data-informed attention to the individual student’s unique academic journey, including their degree progress, course selection, and academic outcomes. Support the education and training of departmental student employees. Respond to student inquiries regarding course schedules and facilitate course changes, as necessary. Facilitate timely registration by reaching out to students who are not registered by guiding students in resolving registration holds and working with campus partners. Monitor academic progress for students including mid-term feedback and registration assistance. Respond to student academic concerns raised by faculty, staff, or other members of the community. Engage in dialogue with students placed on probation to identify causes of poor academic performance and develop a plan of action with them. Partner with sophomore through senior students and their faculty advisors, Career Navigators and other campus partners to guide the completion of the student’s academic plan. Maintain student records according to professional standards, including confidentiality of information.

First-Year Advising (40%)

Serve as the First Year Advisor for approximately 100 new students. Assist assigned students in creating registration plans for succeeding semesters. Facilitate a purpose-driven new-student registration process. Employ various advising approaches to guide students through exploration and discernment of academic majors. Advise students regarding general education requirements and developing four-year academic plans.

Teach INTG 105: College Success (10%)

Teach up to two sections of the CSB+SJU College Success Course: a 55-minute weekly course designed to support first-year students’ transition to college, including academic skills, goal setting, campus connections, and personal/professional development. Introduce students to key CSB+SJU resources, support services, and campus engagement opportunities to increase belonging and confidence. Facilitate reflective activities and discussions that help students build foundational habits for success and connect their academic experience to long-term purpose and well-being. Collaborate with Career Navigator team to best support students in their academic planning and first year experience.

Institutional and Departmental Engagement (10%)

Work in alignment with designated career navigators, department chairs, and faculty advisors to support students in specific areas of academic and career interest. Participate in the department’s review and decision-making process regarding students’ academic standing. Serve on selected campus committees as requested. Develop and facilitate workshops or presentations on academic issues. Work on special projects assigned by the Director of Academic Advising. Contribute to the team effort to continuously improve academic advising at CSB+SJU. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field of study.
• Critical thinking skills and demonstrated innovation in support of student success.
• Demonstrated skills in the following areas: problem-solving, decision-making, attention to detail, understanding and utilizing data, organization/prioritization, and adaptability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and empathy to positively interact with a variety of constituents.
• Commitment to developing intercultural competence and desire to contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Advanced computer proficiency including strong technical and analytical skills with data management software and reporting including proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in Academic Advising, Residential Life, Counseling, Student Success, Career Services, teaching or other related area of student support services, preferably in an education setting.
• Experience in higher education.
• Knowledge of current academic advising theories and techniques.
• Proficiency with academic technologies: (e.g., Banner and Degree Works).
• Experience with case management systems.

Physical requirements:

Requires working at a computer for extended periods, including typing, reading from a screen, and using various software programs essential for the role. Occasionally required to lift or move items up to 10-15 pounds.

Travel requirements:

Regular travel between the campuses of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. Occasional travel to conferences may be required.

To Apply

Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply." Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume. If you require an accommodation to participate in the CSB and SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5501 or employment@csbsju.edu. It is the policy of CSB and SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.