Carnegie Mellon University

Academic Advisor - CMU Africa


PayCompetitive
LocationKigali/Umujyi Wa Kigali
Employment typeFull-Time

This job is now closed

  • Job Description

      Req#: 2022401

      Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

      CMU-Africa’s vision is to educate and empower the next generation of African leaders and innovators by delivering a world-class educational experience. Our mission is to produce creative and technically strong engineers, who have been trained in the African context and prepared to make a transformative impact in their communities and the world.

      We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated individual to join our team as an Academic Advisor. In this role, you will play a crucial part in enhancing the academic experience and success of our students through proactive advising and support. As an educational partner, you will provide essential services designed to assist students throughout their journey, helping them navigate the path to successfully completing their degree programs. You will guide them in making informed decisions to achieve their educational goals. This position reports to the Associate Director of Student Affairs and offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives.

      Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued proficiencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can optimally collaborate with a diverse population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values, thrives in an exciting and complex environment, and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

      Core Responsibilities:

      As an Academic Advisor, you will primarily be responsible for advising and counseling students concerning academic issues. This position collaborates with a wide range of colleagues to develop programs, policies, and procedures to enhance and expand student retention and graduation. The Academic Advisor also works closely with other members of the student affairs team to coordinate support and ensure a holistic student experience. Specific duties will include, but not be limited to the following:

      • Educate and empower students to understand their degree program requirements, including degree audits, course prerequisites, and available opportunities, while encouraging them to take ownership of their academic success and fostering self-advocacy in their educational journey.
      • Provide comprehensive advising to students across all degree programs, utilizing in-depth knowledge of curricula and academic audits to facilitate informed course selections that fulfil the different degree plan requirements.
      • Collaborate with the registrar’s office to assist students with course registration and resolve any course conflicts, while staying informed of current and evolving rules, regulations, and program requirements.
      • Assist students in navigating any changes to their course of study, offering guidance tailored to their individual academic goals and needs.
      • Proactively engage with students on warning status for satisfactory academic progress, collaborating with them to develop and implement tailored academic success plans.
      • Coordinate the graduation academic process that includes certifying students have fulfilled the degree requirements for their master’s program, confirmation of students on the graduation list and sharing with various stakeholders, ordering and coordinating the delivery of diplomas with the CMU Pittsburgh Registrar’s Office.
      • Facilitate positive interactions among students, faculty, and staff by leveraging a thorough knowledge of available institutional resources and effectively referring students to relevant campus services tailored to their individual needs.
      • Partner with various university support services to support students that would benefit from counseling services to ensure their persistence toward degree completion.
      • Ensure the maintenance of accurate student records in line with CMU data privacy policy.
      • Collaborate effectively as a vital member of the student success team to ensure that students receive an exceptional experience while adhering to essential institutional policies.

      Qualifications:

      Education And Experience

      • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
      • Minimum of 3 years of experience in higher education or equivalent relevant experience in a people-facing capacity preferred
      • Fluency in both spoken and written English and French a bonus
      • A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

      Skills And Competences

      • Passion for Education: Deep commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and developing leadership capacity in Africa.
      • Emotional Intelligence: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to connect effectively with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
      • Analytical Thinking: Proficient in synthesizing data to provide strategic insights and informed recommendations.
      • Agile Learning: Quick to adapt and thrive in dynamic and evolving environments, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges.
      • Innovative Problem-Solver: Self-starter with a proactive mindset, capable of developing creative solutions to academic advising and administrative challenges.
      • Sound Judgment: Proven ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality in sensitive situations.
      • Composure Under Pressure: Skilled at managing difficult situations with professionalism and maintaining focus during high-pressure scenarios.
      • Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accurate and organized reporting and record-keeping.
      • Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills, particularly in the Microsoft Office suite, with a demonstrated ability to leverage technology for improved administrative efficiency.
      • Continuous Learner: Eager and able to quickly master new software systems, including CRM and SIS platforms, to support organizational goals.

      Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

      Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays . Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance.

      Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access , and so much more!

      For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page .

      At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

      Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

      Location

      Kigali, Rwanda

      Job Function

      Academic Advising

      Position Type

      Staff – Regular

      Full Time/Part time

      Full time

      Pay Basis

      Salary

      More Information:

      • Please visit Why Carnegie Mellonto learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

      • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

      • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .

      • Statement of Assurance

  • About the company

      943583 Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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