Spartanburg Methodist College, founded in 1911, is a private residential liberal arts institution serving a diverse student population (38% first generation, 52% minority, 59% Pell) within the United Methodist Connection. Since its founding as the first co-op school in the nation, SMC has remained dedicated to its mission to connect education and employment. After over 100 years as an Associate Degree granting institution, the college launched its first bachelor’s degree in 2019. Today, the college’s emphasis on education and employment includes a unique professional development concentration comprised of eight required courses for students seeking associate and bachelor’s degrees.

All employees of Spartanburg Methodist College are entrusted with assisting the College to achieve its vision and mission. Customer focus, college service, and a willingness to assist as needed are expectations of all employees.

Organizational Responsibilities

The Academic Advisor will report to the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs.

Job Summary:

The Academic Advisor will provide personal and group academic advising to assigned incoming first-year and transfer students as well as advising support to continuing students. Advisors will work on a team at the Pioneer Advising Center (PAC) and will report to the Associate Provost for Academic Programs. Advisors will receive training on SMC policies, procedures, and advising components prior to advising students. Advisors should be able to work with a diverse student and campus population.

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Assist students in transitioning to college
• Instruct students on degree choice, degree planning, and registration
• Assess student progress with respect to degree planning and registration
• Guide students in making transfer decisions
• Finalize graduation requirements and applications
• Provide scheduled and non-scheduled proactive advising to assigned or drop-in students
• Communicate with students through telephone, email, student portal, messaging apps, and/or social media
• Keep track of student records and student alerts provided by campus constituents
• Direct students to appropriate support services on campus
• Collaborate with faculty mentors, student success personnel, and SMC 101 instructors
• Create and update ongoing advising procedures

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to work well both individually and on a team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• High level of organization and attention to detail
• Ability to develop appropriate, welcoming, and productive relationships with students
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with college constituents
• Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills
• Ability to develop working knowledge of curriculum offerings, degree requirements, and articulation agreements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and ability to use campus advising and degree-planning software
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed

Working Conditions:

This work is normally performed in an office setting and will require significant contact with students and family members. The work will include oral presentations to students regarding advising procedures in a classroom or auditorium setting.

Physical Requirements:

• Light physical exertion including sitting, standing, or walking at will
• Ability to climb stairs
• Manual and physical dexterity and visual acuity needed to operate a computer keyboard and handle paper documents
• Sufficient near vision acuity to read information appearing on a computer monitor, in handwritten form, and printed on paper
• Adequate hearing and verbal abilities to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.

Education and Experience:

Applicants must possess the minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with work experience in education, advising, counseling, or discipline related to requirements of the position. Master’s degree preferred.

Download SMC's job application, fill out and submit to:

Director of Human Resources
Spartanburg Methodist College
1000 Powell Mill Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301.

Application materials may also be submitted electronically to dunnj@smcsc.edu.

• Application open until filled.

AA/EOE

FLSA: Exempt

Spartanburg Methodist College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any legally protected status in any personnel action regarding the recruiting, hiring, and promotion of faculty and staff members.

This job description provides a representative summary of the nature and responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities which may be modified at any time. The job description is not intended to imply or to create a contract of employment.

November 2020