Student Success Advisor - College of Performing Arts/Drama

Join The New School 

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to approximately 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design and the College of Performing Arts (Mannes, Jazz, and Drama), Lang College and the New School for Social Research, and Parsons Paris. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.
 

The Student Success Academic Advisor (SSA) is responsible for providing academic advising to an assigned population of undergraduate and/or graduate students pursuing degree(s) in the School of Drama within the College of Performing Arts.

Reporting to the Director, Student Success Advising - Parsons/Performing Arts, this position provides holistic support to students through building an understanding of degree requirements and university policies and systems, supporting registration and academic achievement, and connecting students to appropriate support services at the institution as needed. Academic Advisors are active participants in university-wide programs and initiatives that promote student persistence, community building, and staff development. The Academic Advising unit is an integral part of the university’s Student Success division.

This position is a Local 1205 Professional Unit position covered by a collective bargaining agreement between Local 1205 Teamsters and The New School.
 

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Developmentally advise students with the goal of supporting their academic/artistic progress via scheduled and drop-in appointments, both in-person and remote.

• Maintain and update student records and data, including documentation of student interactions, in relevant institutional systems (Banner, DegreeWorks, Starfish) accurately and in a timely manner.

• Use critical and creative thinking skills to exercise decision-making and insightful judgment in order to help students chart potential paths to reach academic and professional goals.

• Assist students in defining and navigating obstacles to achieving academic goals through timely intervention and support.

• Establish and cultivate relationships with administrators and faculty to ensure accurate and timely communication of student needs, obstacles, and questions.

• Partner with program directors, department chairs and/or faculty in assigned programs regarding academic planning; attend and participate in regular meetings held by programs and schools.

• Provide guidance regarding University, school-specific, and program-specific policies with respect to student status, transfer credit evaluations, advanced placement and advanced standing requests, exceptions to degree requirements, degree audits to determine student eligibility to graduate, probationary status, and dismissals.

• Maintain strict compliance with all mandated policies and procedures, including but not limited to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Title IX.

• Coordinate and collaborate on initiatives, events, and programs that promote student persistence, retention, and academic development.

• Maintain an accurate, up-to-date body of knowledge about curricula across the institution, particularly those relevant to the assigned population of students, and provide referrals to other departments or areas within the institution as needed.

• Exercise professional discretion and judgment to escalate student questions or concerns appropriately when necessary. 

• Participate in orientation, academic, career services events, recruitment, student life and engagement initiatives, and graduation. 

• Represent Student Success at programs and functions outside of normal business hours as needed.

• Stay apprised of national developments in the field of academic advising and engage in ongoing training and development opportunities.

• Incorporate tools and assessments into advising to help students understand their personal preferences, strengths, and weaknesses as they pertain to academic decision-making.

• Possess intercultural competency skills that promote a culture of equity, inclusion, social justice, and community engagement.

• Assist students in navigating co-curricular and student life opportunities within the University.

• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience with a focus on student engagement and advising.

• Demonstrated experience via study or employment working in or with programs in the dramatic arts, i.e acting, playwriting, directing.

• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal skills, including sensitivity to cultural differences. 

• Proven abilities in personal judgment and critical thinking skills to help others make values-based decisions regarding academic, career, and other success paths.

• Strong presentation, written and verbal communication skills. 

• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to work on multiple projects both independently and as part of a team. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn new computer applications. 

• Able to lift and carry objects, less than 40 pounds, on occasion.

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement.
 

Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee. #LI-ONSITE

SALARY

$66,300 per annum

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:
 

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
   

Financial Wellness 

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA

• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan
   

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day

• Paid holidays and floating holidays

• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)
   

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities

• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations

• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents
   

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.