Advisor and Academic Programs Administrator

Advisor and Academic Programs Administrator
Job Code: 9704AA

Advise undergraduate and graduate students regarding art degree requirements,
the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), off-campus experiential opportunities, and
career planning. Create and provide student services focused specifically on
academic success and careers related to the visual arts, including academic
planning and major exploration.

Contribute to the day-to-day administrative and liaison functions of the
Department of Art academic programs and advises on curricular development,
revisions, and additions to the department's academic programs, including the
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Fine Art (MFA),
Honors Program, Project Information Literacy (PIL), Inter-College Program (ICP)
major, bachelor of individualized studies (BIS), and individually designed
interdepartmental major (IDIM) programs.

Collaborate with the department chair, administrative director, director of
graduate studies (DGS), director of undergraduate studies (DUS), curriculum
scheduler, student ambassador, CLA advising team, and other staff and faculty to
assess the curriculum and align program outcomes with best practices and
educational and professional trends.

Serve as liaison for faculty and students with the wide variety of services and
units belonging to CLA and the university, including: the graduate education
office, university advising offices, and admissions; and represent the department
at advising forums, professional associations, conferences, and arts community
events.

Job Duties:

Undergraduate Advising and Academic Programming (50%)

• Provide 1-1 undergraduate student academic program advising and maintain
  regular walk-in advising hours. Coordinate appointments with students for
  assistance and faculty mentoring. Quickly evaluate and resolve student requests,
  concerns, and questions; refer to appropriate UMN resources when necessary.
• Manage internship opportunities for art majors according to CLA
  requirements. Host internship and professional development events in
  coordination with the DUS and other CLA departments. Consult with students to
  identify and secure internship opportunities.
• Interpret and disseminate policies related to the undergraduate curriculum and
  program requirements.
• Communicate deadlines and policy changes to faculty, staff, and students.
• Manage files on undergraduate students who major in art (BA and BFA), art
  minors, and students in specialized degree programs.
• Develop and maintain undergraduate recruitment strategies and efforts. Initiate
  and manage on-campus recruitment events for students interested in art majors.
  Work with the CLA Office of Admissions to identify and recruit new first-year
  undergraduate students and transfer art majors.
• Provide orientation for students interested in an undergraduate art major or
  transferring into UMN as an art major. Meet with transfer students to evaluate
  their transfer credits as they apply to the department of art major and minor
  programs.
• Organize and maintain outreach programs for high school students. Host or visit
  secondary schools and other organizations to promote undergraduate academic
  programs.

Undergraduate Program Administration (25%)

• Manage undergraduate academic programming in partnership with the DUS.
• Initiate and coordinate the review of applicants to the BFA program. Prepare
  student application materials, facilitate faculty BFA reviews, and maintain and
  archive committee meeting materials and notes.
• Present student perspectives at the department's undergraduate committee
  meetings. Maintain committee materials and minutes.
• Manage the undergraduate scholarship program.
• Identify new course proposals in collaboration with faculty and the undergraduate
  committee. Work with faculty to develop a comprehensive, sustainable curriculum
  based on faculty teaching and research strengths.
• Identify and develop new minors within the Department of Art.
  Facilitate study abroad opportunities with the DUS, faculty, staff, and the Study
  Abroad Program.
• Assist faculty with identifying undergraduate teaching assistants.

Graduate Program Administration (25%)

• Manage graduate academic programming in partnership with the DGS.
• Maintain graduate program materials, records, and meeting minutes; manage
  files on MFA candidates from application through graduation. Schedule MFA
  annual academic reviews; assist MFA candidates in processes and procedures
  for oral defense and graduation scheduling.
• Coordinate teaching assistantships with faculty and graduate students.
• Collect graduating MFA students' thesis papers, CVs, artist statements, and
  thesis exhibition documentation, and retain and/or publish per UMN data
  retention and archive policies.
• Initiate and oversee the annual MFA application processes. Create and manage
  SlideRoom and UMN application sites annually, process new MFA admission
  forms, and guide DGS in writing and sending acceptance letters.
• Initiate and oversee the fellowship program. Collect nominations for MFA student
  fellowship applications. Work with the graduate committee and the DGS in
  awarding annual graduate fellowships and writing/sending graduate fellowship
  award letters.
• Work with MFA faculty advisors and MFA candidates on program planning.
  Attend meetings and advise the committee on UMN graduate program
  processes, policies, and procedures.
• Organize and conduct fall semester MFA program information sessions and MFA
  orientation with the DGS.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least five years of relevant experience or Master's degree plus at least three years of relevant experience.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Prior experience working with art majors, and/or undergraduate or graduate
  coursework in art or a similar arts area.
• Experience in working in an administrative team toward common goals.
• Experience with problem-solving and working through complex issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation
  skills.
• Experience in program planning and implementation.
• Experience with career enrichment programming for undergraduates.
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent organization, and project coordinating
  abilities.
• Experience in interpreting complex policies and the ability to learn and
  disseminate detailed information.
• Demonstrated commitment to equal opportunity and diversity issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• MFA degree and at least 3 years of related experience, or an MA degree in an
  arts-related field with 3 years of related experience.
• Direct experience with university software and curriculum development and
  registration systems.
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and under supervision in a
  fast-paced environment.
• Experience supervising students and working with a large, diverse student, staff,
  and faculty population.
• Senior individual contributor who is an experienced leader.
• Affiliation with professional advising organizations.
• Familiarity with National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
  accreditation processes and policies.

Pay Range: $59,000 - $70,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

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