MSCAPP Academic Advisor

Department

PSD Computer Science: MSCAPP Administration

About the Department

MSCAPP, a joint program offered by the Department of Computer Science and the Harris School of Public Policy, is for students seeking to leverage the power of technology and data science within the field of public policy. Through a highly interdisciplinary curriculum and a wealth of opportunities for applied experience, students build expertise across the realms of computer science, data science, statistics, and public policy analysis, and ultimately embark on a career using modern tools to make a positive social impact. This role is housed in the Department of Computer Science, which is has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in computer science. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of theory to human-computer interaction to Data Science.

Job Summary

This role involves providing comprehensive academic advising and personal support for a caseload of MSCAPP students, ensuring strict compliance with University policies and student confidentiality regulations. Under the direction of the Associate Director, the position actively supports student recruitment by evaluating admissions applications, conducting meetings with prospective students, and coordinating campus visits. Additionally, the person in this role wil drive program outreach by maintaining the website, creating social media content, and developing marketing materials. Finally, the role involves participating in strategic planning initiatives and serving on university committees to support overall program growth.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of approximately 40 MSCAPP students, providing comprehensive academic advising on course selection, registration, degree requirements, academic policies, and completion of required academic and administrative forms, including those related to the Office of International Affairs and external funding organizations. Connect students with appropriate academic and personal support resources to help them navigate academic and life challenges.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and external regulations related to student records, academic processes and student confidentiality.
• Support student recruitment efforts under the direction of the MSCAPP Associate Director, by evaluating applications for admission, participating on the admissions committee, serving as a secondary point of contact for prospective students, conducting one-on-one meetings, coordinating campus visits, and facilitating communication with faculty, alumni, and current students.
• Support the program’s communications and outreach efforts under the direction of the MSCAPP Associate Director by maintaining and updating the MSCAPP website, writing and editing website and social media content, developing marketing materials, and producing short videos for the website and on social media platforms.
• Assist with the planning, coordination, and execution of student and program events, including orientation, admitted student programming, graduation, workshops, and other academic and community-building activities.
• Participate in annual strategic planning initiatives to support program growth, enhance the student experience, and advance MSCAPP program goals.
• Serve on departmental, divisional and University committees and working groups on an as-needed basis.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of mission and objectives of the MSCAPP program.
• Advises students with minor academic difficulties and counseling while responding to queries from faculty, staff and parents.
• Keeps records of student degree programs and notes on student conversations.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

• Experience working in a student-facing role.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Exceptional organizational and communication skills and a commitment to supporting student success.

• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

• References (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$65,000.00 - $78,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.