Nexford University (NXU) is seeking Learner Affairs Specialists (LAS) who will serve a critical advising and support role in promoting learner success. LASs are learners' primary sources of information about Nexford’s academic programs, and about university policies and procedures. LASs help learners understand their rights and obligations as members of Nexford’s learning community and assist them in overcoming obstacles to their success. LASs are responsible for providing highly engaged, learner-centered support to a caseload of undergraduate and/or graduate learners who are assigned to them as their advisees, as well as to all Nexford learners (on an as-available basis). The position requires significant contact via email, instant messaging, live video, and other forms of communication.
Reporting to the Learner Success Manager (LSM), LASs are expected to take a deep personal interest in learners’ academic progress and to demonstrate a strong commitment to learner success. To fulfill their duties, LASs must be thoroughly versed in the details of Nexford’s academic programs, policies and procedures, and be able to answer or obtain answers to any questions learners may pose.
Key Responsibilities:
Forming productive advising relationships with assigned advisees
Mentoring Nexford learners
Helping learners remain engaged in, and successfully complete, their academic programs
Providing direct, comprehensive program guidance to learners
Monitoring learners' academic progress and intervening as appropriate
Providing exceptional customer service by responding to learner communications within established timeframes
Helping learners to resolve any misunderstandings or confusions that might arise in the course of their studies
Competencies
Innovative, constructive-critical thinking
Team-playing, collaboration
Progressive attitude, growth mindset
Effective communication
Detail and quality-oriented
Problem solving
Able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Capacity for independent work
The ideal candidate:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
2 years of related professional experience
1 year experience in higher education, either in a teaching, advising or admin role
Higher education teaching and/or curricular experience is a plus
Strong customer service orientation and exceptional communication skills (written and spoken)
Technological proficiency, (Microsoft Office skills a plus)
Prior personal experience with online education (as a provider and/or a learner) highly desired
Ability to spend significant time working at a computer and on the telephone
Very strong organizational skills
Very strong collaboration skills, ability to work as a member of a team
Willing to work on shifting schedules including weekends (on a quarterly basis)
A successful candidate must also be comfortable working in a multinational startup environment that is very different from both traditional universities, and other online universities, and that will also be evolving over time.
Nexford University
