Academic Advisor, Mechanical Engineering

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)
In addition to being located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, MSOE offers a competitive compensation package including base pay; PTO; 13 paid staff holidays per year; medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance plans; 403(b) retirement plan
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, 403(b), retirement plan
United States, Wisconsin, Milwaukee
1025 North Broadway (Show on map)
Jun 09, 2025
Who We Are Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is an academic institution intrinsically tied to the real world - a confluence of industry knowledge, work ethic and an enduring desire to know more. The university offers Bachelor's and Master's degrees in engineering, computer science, machine learning, user experience, construction management, actuarial science, business and nursing. With about 3,000 students, faculty and staff, MSOE is large enough for big opportunities and small enough for personal attention. A Small University Dedicated to Achieving Big Things MSOE is a supportive environment where everyone is valued. Our method of learning by doing is our distinction: it is how we teach, how we learn and how we serve. MSOE's top priority is serving our students. By joining our community, you are building the leaders of tomorrow. Our Mission MSOE is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. We are united by our six values - collaboration, excellence, inclusion, innovation, integrity and stewardship - which represent the core of our campus culture. Under the leadership of Dr. John Walz, MSOE has embarked on an ambitious strategic plan, Extraordinary Together, that propels the institution forward. At MSOE, we are dedicated to promoting an academic environment marked by an unwavering respect for every individual. Summary MSOE invites applications for a full- time limited term Academic Advisor to join our Academics team. Under the direction of the Project Coordinator, the Academic Advisor (Academic Support Specialist) is responsible for supporting the Mechanical Engineering (ME) Department during a Curriculum Integration Grant Project to integrate development of the entrepreneurial mindset, as defined by the KEEN framework, into MSOE's new semester curricula. The primary responsibility of the ME Department Academic Support Specialist will be serving as the primary academic advisor to first-year undergraduate students in the Industrial Engineering and Mechanical Engineering programs. This is a limited-term appointment set to expire June 30, 2026. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Serve as the primary academic advisor to first-year undergraduate students in the ME Department at MSOE. Duties of an academic advisor include, but are not limited, to: Providing comprehensive, individualized academic advising to ME first-year undergraduate students Monitoring student academic progress; identifying retention milestones; aiding in understanding degree requirements, course selection, major and career discernment, and graduation planning, assuring continued progress on a pathway to graduation Communicating and meeting regularly (phone, virtual, in-person) with all advisees Maintaining accurate records (i.e. advising notes, necessary files, etc.) Liaising with program directors and department chair to facilitate accurate and effective academic processes such as degree planning, course substitution, and student academic standing Serving as an effective referral agent for advisees to appropriate student support and success resources when necessary (i.e. tutoring, success coaching, wellness services, etc.) Participate in the transfer evaluation process for undergraduate coursework in the ME Department in collaboration with ME Department program directors and staff Support the MSOE CLO (Common Learning Outcomes), MSOE Mindset, and Entrepreneurial Mindset (EM) integration and assessment in the ME Department through interaction with advisees; engage with students through advising interactions on the significance of the MSOE Mindset in their academic programs and future professional success Other Duties and Responsibilities Work collaboratively with all university personnel to promote MSOE's shared purpose (mission, vision, values, and mindset) Contribute to the writing and compiling of required annual reports and updates to the Kern Family Foundation (KEEN grant) as relates to academic advising duties Other duties as assigned by the Project Coordinator and/or the ME Department Chair This above list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time. Qualifications Bachelor's degree. Master's degree is preferred. Minimum three years of experience within higher education is preferred, i.e., academic advising, academic affairs administration, student affairs administration, registrar's office, etc. Working knowledge of higher education Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills Ability to demonstrate empathy through effective listening, caring, and coaching Proven commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging Outstanding project management and organizational skills Exemplary skills in independent decision-making and critical thinking Developed presentation, public speaking, and training and development skills Proven technology proficiency Knowledge of undergraduate engineering program and education requirements is preferred Knowledge and experience with higher education career exploration and discernment is preferred Experience with student information systems (i.e. Jenzabar, Banner, PeopleSoft, etc.) and student success management systems (i.e. Navigate, Starfish, etc.) is preferred An understanding of the Entrepreneurial Mindset and KEEN Framework is preferred Skills and Abilities Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems Ability to situationally adapt and demonstrate flexibility of thought and behavior Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple competing tasks and demands Ability to work efficiently and effectively in an open office environment Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before others. Ability to effectively communicate in both written and oral form. Ability to use numbers to solve problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out written or oral instructions. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job the employee is largely sedentary, the ability to move is required. The employee is occasionally required to traverse within their work area as well as other areas on campus. Work Environment This job operates in a professional office environment. This role uses standard office equipment, including but not limited to, computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Why Join MSOE? At MSOE, we invest in our employees' professional and personal growth. MSOE offers competitive, fully comprehensive benefit plans to all full-time employees including medical, dental, life, disability and vision insurance, 13 paid holidays, Paid Time Off, and paid parental leave, as well as a 403(b) retirement plan with company matching of up to 6% of employee earnings and immediate vesting. Educational benefits are available for employees and family members. Plus, employees have access to our state-of-the-art fitness center at no charge. Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, MSOE is just blocks away from the beautiful lakefront, the theater district, museums, sports and music venues, parks and shopping. To view more detailed information about MSOE, please visit www.msoe.edu/hr. The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. It is the policy of MSOE to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, marital status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. This policy applies to all jobs at the University and to all the terms, benefits, and conditions of employment/enrollment. Job Code: 222