Graduate Senior Advising Specialist

About the University

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) enrolls over 16,000 students, where nearly 60% are first generation and over 55% are students of color. Located in downtown Denver, we are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado. As the third largest institution of higher education in Colorado and the only institution with an open access mission, MSU Denver is a model university for today's students. The University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

About the Department of Social Work

The Department of Social Work at MSU Denver is a growing academic unit consisting of undergraduate and graduate education and includes the Master of Social Work Program, Bachelor of Science in Social Work Program, grants and contract services, the Office of Social Work Internships, and the Office of Social Work Student Services, Operations and Finance (OSWSS-OF). The mission of MSU Denver's Department of Social Work is to prepare social workers to engage in skillful, ethical, justice-oriented, and effective practice in their communities.

We accomplish this by:

• Educating and training students to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, including those who are members of historically excluded populations.
• Building community centered and strategic partnerships with organizations, co-creating relationship-centered learning and working environments to foster growth and collaboration.
• Utilizing the NASW Code of Ethics to inform teaching and practice, while adapting to changes in the field and world, drawing from a vast knowledge base informed by multiple perspectives.

Position Summary

MSU Denver is seeking applicants for a Graduate Senior Advising Specialist. The Graduate Senior Advising Specialist in the Department of Social Work provides academic advising and coaching support to 300-500 graduate students in the Master of Social Work program, as well as providing support for prospective MSW program students.

Responsibilities

Graduate Student Advising - 30%

• Provide academic advising to MSW program students in person, by phone or online.
• Use Navigate360 and other advising-related systems to document student interactions, and facilitate communication.
• Maintain an advanced understanding of the MSW program curriculum and degree completion options to maximize student progression and retention.
• Coordinate closely with the Office of Social Work Internships to ensure students are receiving critical information regarding internship placement and support.
• Facilitate student enrollment and solve registration problems and errors.
• Work with a diverse population of graduate students who are at various levels in their careers and lives.
• Analyze Degree Progress Reports (DPRs) at the conclusion of every semester and provide students with an individualized Academic Progress Report (APR) that includes an attainable path to graduation.
• Identify students who are out of academic standing compliance and design a customized resolution plan that adheres to programmatic course sequencing rules as well as Departmental and University policies and procedures.
• Conduct outreach activities that impact retention such as Early Alert campaigns, drop and withdraw support, and leave of absences.
• Initiate students' applications for graduation and determine who is eligible for graduation in partnership with the Registrar's Office.
• Design and participate in University and departmental advising campaigns.
• Ensure individual advising services are accessible to all students, to include both fully online and on campus students.
• Engage in assessment practices to continually improve and develop advising services.

Graduate Student Coaching - 30%

• Meet regularly with the MSW Program Director to discuss student support needs and attend MSW faculty meetings.
• Coach students through academic and administrative barriers to connect them with resources and provide additional check-ins with students as needed.
• Coordinate Student Support Reviews (SSR), as needed, that involve feedback from all instructors and faculty advisor.
• Work collaboratively with program faculty to identify student support needs on a cohort or individual basis, and to foster a network of support for students between the student, advisor, and faculty.
• Communicate with the Office of Social Work Internships on student support issues.
• Engage with University student support resources such as CARE reports, Office of Graduate Studies, the Counseling Center and other areas.
• Participate in the Student Support Process, through attendance in formal resolution focused meetings.
• Engage in assessment of the Student Support Process to ensure the student perspective is considered.

Student Engagement and Post Graduate Success - 25%

• Lead information sessions for prospective MSW students and offer individual prospective student support.
• Maintain and regularly assess the MSW Program Student Orientation in Canvas.
• Participate in the MSW Program Fall Assembly and MSW Pinning and Hooding Ceremony and any other departmental events.
• Educate MSW Program students on licensure options, requirements, and policies, including how licensure varies from state to state, with a focus on Colorado.
• Liaise with the National Association of Social Workers, Colorado (NASW-CO) to stay informed about licensure requirements or policies.
• Work with the Social Work Assessment Committee to faciliate exit and alumni surveys.
• Explore a mentorship program or other means of connection for MSW alums and current students.

Departmental and University Engagement - 10%

• Serve on at least two departmental committees.
• Actively participate in the MSU Denver advising community including attendance at regular meetings, providing feedback, and participating in workgroups as needed.
• Serve as a point of contact for MSU Denver Graduate Studies including attendance at regular meetings, providing feedback, and participating in workgroups as needed.

Other duties as assigned - 5%

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Exceptional organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Ability to build strong relationships with students, faculty, and colleagues
• Demonstrated ability to relate effectively with a diverse university community

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of 3 years of academic advising experience or work in a similar student success role
• Detail-oriented; ability to consistently and accurately track and maintain data

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education, social work, or other related field
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency
• Experience assisting with developing and/or leading trainings, workshops or presentations

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to our department, our mission, and the University.

Schedule Information

• Full Time
• Exempt
• Days of Week: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Evenings and Weekend Work: Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekend hours as needed
• Schedule: Hybrid with required in person, on campus work as well as some remote schedules
• Travel: Rarely

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The anticipated hiring range that the university reasonably expects to pay for this position is$50,000 - $61,800.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply

Please apply by visiting our career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers/ and searching for JR104033.

For full consideration, the following documents must be submitted:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received through Monday, July 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM MST.

Open Until Filled

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.