The University of Washington’s Information School is seeking an MSIM Academic Advisor to support students across all MSIM degree options in an energetic and highly fast-paced environment where we rely heavily on current technologies to meet the demands of the School and our constituencies. The Information School’s Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM) program has robust residential and online degree program options, supported by a Program Team composed of the Program Chair, Program Manager, Academic Advisor and Program Coordinator.

This position is the primary advisor for the Information School’s MSIM degree program students in both our online and residential modalities. This position is responsible for developing and implementing information sessions, orientations, records management systems, academic advising support and support structures, community development, and student services for the MSIM program.

Additionally, this position works closely with the Information School’s Student Services staff to provide support for the School's joint activities as well as assist with supporting other degree programs (i.e., Bachelor of Science in Informatics (INFO), Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) and PhD in Information Science). The Academic Advisor works closely with faculty, staff, students, as well as prospective students, alumni and employers. The Academic Advisor for our MSIM program is expected to meet with executive level individuals both internally and externally.

In the iSchool there is an expectation that all faculty and staff will step up where they see an opportunity to apply their special expertise or talents, speak up when they identify opportunities or concerns, and lead by taking actions that exemplify the iSchool’s core values.  Leadership within the iSchool is expressed in diverse ways reflecting the variety of styles and cultures that are represented by our faculty and staff.

What you’ll be doing

Provide academic advising and support for the MSIM program. Provide general support for programs and activities in the Office of Student Services.

General Academic Advising for the MSIM Program:

• Advise students through their graduate degree program. Respond to and answer questions in person, on the phone, by email and via online chat related to all tracks and modalities of the MSIM program, iSchool and University Academic policies.
• Coordinate with the external online program manager (Noodle Partners) staff working with MSIM students in the online modality.
• Distribute information on MSIM registration processes.
• Counsel MSIM students experiencing academic difficulty, regarding options and resources.  Refer students as necessary to appropriate campus or community resources.
• Participate in student conduct proceedings, if requested.
• Assist MSIM students with completion of graduation processes, and related program and Graduate School policies and procedures.
• Provide input on curriculum and course scheduling. Support Program Chair in communicating changes in program curriculum, policy or procedures to appropriate stakeholders including students, iSchool staff, and necessary UW offices.
• Keep MSIM students advised on financial resources available, including but not limited to scholarship and conference travel.
• Coordinate MSIM New Student Orientations in collaboration with the Program Manager and Noodle Partners.
• Coordinate iSchool International Student Orientation.
• Work with student organizations (e.g., AIMS, ISACA, etc.) in matters of mutual interest and to enhance communication. Support and provide assistance to their activities and initiatives as appropriate.
• Manage peer facilitator program.
• Lead virtual and in person community development activities for MSIM students across all tracks and modalities.
• Keep informed of resources both on and off campus to assist MSIM students in their academic and personal pursuits.
• Keep informed of policies and resources related to international students in collaborations with International Students Services at UW.
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

Recruiting and Admissions for MSIM Programs:

• Meet and advise potential MSIM applicants on the program and discipline, and the application process. Refer applicants to appropriate faculty for advanced discipline-based questions/inquiries, as required.
• Participate on the MSIM Admissions Committee and liaise with Information School Assistant Director for Admissions in facilitating the MSIM admissions process.
• Coordinate and conduct information sessions for prospective MSIM students (including on-campus and web-chat sessions) in correlation with the MSIM Program Chair, MSIM Program Manager, and the iSchool Admissions staff.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director for Admissions, MLIS Advisor, MSIM Program Manager, and Director of Student Services in scheduling information sessions and events for all iSchool Graduate Programs. 
• Participate in recruiting and outreach in the community and information management related conferences and organizations.
• Participate in review and edits of promotional materials for all aspects of the MSIM programs. Make recommendations to the Program Manager and Communications Director for new publication projects that might benefit the MSIM programs.
• Support collaborative iSchool graduate recruitment efforts as requested.
• Support iSchool events such as Capstone and the Research Fair as requested.

MSIM Internship Coordination and Career Development Support:

• Coordinate with Career Services Advisors to disseminate host site information to MSIM students pursuing internships.
• Prepare paperwork and documentation for internships, such as curricular practical training letters.
• Collaborate with iSchool Career Services staff to develop career workshops and activities supporting the MSIM programs.
• Encourage students to participate in career related activities and refer them to on- and off-campus resources.
• Refer MSIM students to appropriate faculty, as necessary, for answers to advanced career development questions related to the field/discipline.
• Support administration of MSIM Career Support in Canvas in coordination with the Program Manager and Assistant Director for Career Services.

Event Planning:

• Host quarterly town halls in collaboration with program chair.
• Assist in planning and support Student Services Activities including Open Houses, all iSchool Welcome, iWelcome Week, Employer Connections Fair, Student Leadership Retreat, Study Breaks, and Convocation.
• Act as lead and take primary role for facilitating the planning of at least one school-wide Student Services event per academic year.
• Schedule relevant information sessions for current MSIM students on topics such as capstone or degree requirements.
• Develop programs to support the needs of the MSIM students.

Communication and Information Dissemination:

• Administer the various MSIM email listservs, used to disseminate information to MSIM students, as well as contribute to the other Student Services communication medias such as the blog and Facebook site.
• Oversee content of MSIM Canvas resource pages in collaboration with Program Manager. 
• Oversee Virtual Student Community in MS Teams. Oversee MSIM website content to assure for accuracy. Coordinate with iSchool Communications Director for updates/edits/additions to the MSIM web pages.
• Interpret University and School policies and regulations to students, faculty, and staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• An advanced degree in Higher Education Administration, Information Management or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in student counseling or teaching, or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience in program planning and management, preferably student services.
• Must demonstrate excellent communications, planning and information technology skills. 
• Must be able to work independently, as part of a team, and to lead others. 
• Must be articulate and able to present well in writing, verbally, and via technology.
• Demonstrated success in working with diverse populations.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience coordinating internship programs.
• Experience using UW systems such as MyGradProgram (MGP) and Student Database (SDB).
• Experience working with international students.
• Familiarity with fee-based programs and Continuum College.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products including SharePoint and Access.
• Familiarity with Canvas or equivalent learning management systems.
• Familiarity with a CRM.
• Familiarity with video/web conferencing technology such as Zoom, Adobe Connect or Skype for Business.

What’s in it for you

• Full benefits, including medical and dental insurance and retirement plan.
• Paid vacation and sick leave, as well as 10 paid holidays a year and one personal day.
• Subsidized transit.
• Work for an exciting, cutting-edge school within the University of Washington.