Description

MDiv Program Manager and Academic Advisor (PMAA)

DEPARTMENT: Academic Advising

HOURS: 40 per week

STATUS: Nonexempt

FT/PT/TEMP: Full Time

REPORTS TO: Director of Academic Advising

WORK MODE: Hybrid (Pasadena) (to be re-evaluated for AY26/27)

Position Summary
The MDiv Program Manager and Academic Advisor (PMAA) is responsible for developing and implementing plans that increase student retention, student success, and degree completion in Fuller's Master of Divinity Program consistent with headcount and units enrollment goals that are set for the degree program. The PMAA provides academic assistance and individualized attention to students in the MDiv Program by sharing knowledge, experience, and insights that are beneficial to students as they evaluate and realize educational opportunities and professional goals. This requires the PMAA to:

I. Program Management Responsibilities

• Manage the MDiv Program as it relates to student success, student retention, and degree completion.

• In partnership with the Director and Associate Director of Academic Advising, represent the MDiv Program institutionally on programmatic aspects pertaining to student success, student retention, and degree completion.

• Provide detailed updates and insights about the MDiv Program, students enrolled in the degree program, registration and retention trends, and student success information at the weekly Retention and Enrollment Conversations.

• Serve as a strategic liaison between Academic Advising and the faculty, dean of SMT (School of Mission and Theology), and CEEI (Center for Educational Excellence and Innovation) in support of student success, student retention, and degree completion.

• Initiate and facilitate conversations with a team of program advisors who support students in the MDiv Program on a regular basis.

• Update program advisors on changes to degree requirements, substitutions, scholarship and retention initiatives, and other topics pertaining to student success, retention, and degree completion.

• Meet regularly with the Associate Director of Academic Advising to align on matters pertaining to the curriculum, substitutions, and procedures.

• Work closely with the advising team to address student concerns and proactively provide solutions.

• Partner with Concentration Leads, Cohort Leads, Ecclesial Liaisons, Office of Student Engagement (student groups and other extracurricular activities), Apprenticeships, and Fuller Careers and Personal Development (professional formation) to maximize student success, retention, and degree completion.

• Collaborate with the SMT Dean's Office on topics related to proofreading the course schedule, seat designation for cohorted programs, and scheduling needs, demand, and caps, before and during the registration process.

• Partner with Enrollment Data Science and the Director of Academic Advising to set program-specific retention plans and goals. Track and work toward program-specific retention goals during the registration season.

• Develop program-specific retention strategies to support retention and unit goals.

II. Academic Advising Responsibilities

• Manage a student load of 250 +/- MDiv students. Responsible for matriculation, retention, and degree completion of assigned students.

• Collaborate with students to develop a plan of study toward graduation that matches their personal interests and goals with Fuller's course offerings.

• Learn and maintain a working knowledge of Fuller's curricula, academic policies, and accreditation standards as they apply to advising responsibilities.

• Provide accurate and consistent information to students.

• Clarify program requirements, policies, deadlines, and procedures to students.

• Assist students in identifying appropriate institutional resources, and counsel students on or near academic probation.

• Inform students on adding, dropping, and withdrawing from courses, and Satisfactory Academic Progress.

• Work in conjunction with the Apprenticeships Department to provide counsel and guidance for students regarding the apprenticeship process.

• Respond to student inquiries promptly (24 business hours) and track all interactions in Fuller's SRM. Maintain accurate records of students' progress toward degree completion, and prepare student files for final graduation clearance.

• Successfully complete the weekly advising tasks.

• Uphold the academic standards of Fuller.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Recipient of, or in the progress of, a Master's degree in theological education, psychology, higher education, or a related field, and in good academic standing.

• Three to five years of experience in advising and student retention preferred

• Highest level of integrity and confidentiality.

• Strong interpersonal skills, multicultural sensitivity, and good conflict-resolution skills

• Ability to work within a diverse team and communicate effectively with culturally and ethnically diverse populations.

• Excellent oral, written, and critical thinking skills.

• Initiate, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks with accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail.

• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with staff, faculty, and students, maintaining a warm and professional manner with a positive employee relations and customer service mindset.

• Good computer skills: including Apple, Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Banner, and Google applications.

• Conversational Korean or Spanish preferred.

Additional Remarks:

• Must be willing to abide by Fuller Community Standards

• Must be willing to sign Fuller's Statement of Faith

• This is a hybrid position, required to work from the Pasadena, CA campus when needed. 

Pay Scale

• Hourly rate the seminary expects to pay for this position: $32.00 - $33.00 per hour USD

Fuller Theological Seminary is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. To the extent required by law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.  As a religious institution, Fuller Theological Seminary is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees or prospective employees for certain positions on the basis of religion.

5, E5, 21-0000

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