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FIU Global First Year — Student Services Advisor

Miami , Florida
Description

About Us

The Global First Year is a partnership between Florida International University (FIU) and Shorelight Education. The Global First Year combines English language instruction and support with academic instruction and acculturation. The mission of the program is to immerse first-year international students in the academic and cultural life of the university, help them integrate into campus life, and provide the support that increases their academic successes and likelihood in obtaining their FIU degrees.

Job Overview

Student Services Advisors (SSAs) help develop and support student service programs for international students. Reporting to Student Services Director, SSAs are responsible for collaborating with the SSD to support students’ academic engagement, social integration, and cross-cultural development in their new academic and social environment.

The Student Service Advisor is an energetic team player who can successfully execute support services catered to international students. The primary responsibility of the SSA is to deliver high-quality cocurricular and extracurricular support experiences for program students, as well as hands-on academic support, guidance, and mentoring. The SSA has excellent customer service skills, and the ability to focus his/her attention on individual students as they are guided through the program. The SSA also possesses the interpersonal and intercultural skills necessary to work closely with students, parents, program staff, and university administration.

Essential Functions

Student Service

  • Guide, prepare and motivate students to a successful undergraduate or graduate experience and degree completion
  • Deliver exceptional student services, beginning with pre-arrival processes, airport transfers, orientation programming, on-going student services support, and student acculturation into the university
  • Contribute to the design and delivery of services that provide a strong foundation for the student’s academic success
  • Provide mentorship, training, and coaching to support student skill development in areas including but not limited to goal setting, strategic planning, cultural competency, problem solving, and interpersonal relationships
  • Assist in the development, promotion, and implementation of programs to support student retention and socialization/acculturation; assist in the design and implementation of orientation programming
  • Teach or coach first year transitional programming as assigned

Relationship Management

  • Support key relationships at the university and at the partnership, including Academic teams, International Student Services, Campus Housing, Dining Services, Student Development & Enrollment Services, Office of Student Involvement, Office of the Registrar, and various other departments

Technology

  • Maintain accurate records and reporting for assigned cohort of students
  • Contribute to student services operations to ensure that systems and procedures are followed and technology is used to streamline systems and procedures; as relevant, assist in the creation of new processes
  • Assist with the coordination of student satisfaction surveys and associated analysis, with an eye towards improving the student experience

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, take initiative, and maintain a high energy level
  • Demonstrated flexibility and interpersonal communication skills
  • Problem-solving, decision-making, and creative-thinking abilities
  • Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
  • Proven customer service skills
  • Ability to work evening and weekend hours as needed
  • Eligibility to work in and travel freely to and from the United States without sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree
  • Experience in higher education advising, student services, or hospitality
  • Experience working with international students or customers in an administrative or academic capacity desired
  • Experience planning and organizing events
  • Experience working successfully with non-native English speakers
  • Knowledge of Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic or Hindi is preferred 

Application Process

To apply for this position, please visit the Shorelight Careers page to submit an application with a resume and cover letter.

Background Check Required – Identity, Education, Criminal

FIU Global First Year  is an Equal Opportunity Employer