Position Summary

Provides comprehensive academic advising to undergraduate students in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (HRS), supporting academic success, retention, timely progression, and career development through proactive, student-centered strategies. Monitors academic progress, communicates requirements and policies, and connects students to appropriate campus resources to promote success.

In addition to direct advising responsibilities, the Academic Program Specialist (HRS Advising Lead) serves as a lead within the HRS Office of Academic Affairs, coordinating and overseeing key advising and student services operations. Leads initiatives that support undergraduate HRS advisors, conducts new major student orientation, end-of-term academic action processes, and graduation. Serves as the office liaison for the Buckeye Degree Planner, oversees undergraduate student record maintenance, and manages the HRS student services website to ensure accuracy and accessibility of information.

Further extends impact through participation in recruitment, student engagement efforts, and signature school events. Mentors new advisors and provides leadership within the HRS Office of Academic Affairs and the broader Ohio State advising community. Contributes to committee work, leads and supports complex projects, and engages in ongoing professional development, including conference presentations. Upholds the mission and values of the university, college, school, and HRS Office of Academic Affairs, with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities as required.

Job Requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Advanced degree in relevant field may be desirable. 6 years of relevant experience required. 8-12 years of relevant experience preferred.

50% Provides and documents comprehensive, one-on-one academic advising to HRS in person and online undergraduate students enrolled in the Health Sciences Academy, undergraduate certificate, and major students on the Columbus and regional campuses, except Health Sciences. This role ensures alignment of academic pathways with career and personal goals and oversees all aspects of curriculum planning, including general education, prerequisite and major requirements, course selection and sequencing, minors, dual degrees, and certificates. Monitors student progress and implements timely interventions to support academic success, helping students integrate diverse interests and explore appropriate academic and career options. Advises and supports students experiencing academic, probationary, and financial concerns by providing guidance and consistently connecting them to appropriate academic, career, financial, and wellness resources. Reviews and processes student requests, including add/drop petitions, withdrawals, transfer credit, and program changes, in accordance with university policies and timelines, and identifies complex or unresolved issues for consultation with or escalation to senior staff as appropriate. Builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders, including high schools, regional campuses, community colleges, and educational professionals, to support student engagement and effectively communicate information about HRS programs.

30% Serves as a lead academic advisor providing consultative support and coordination for advising staff within the unit. Offers regular one-on-one guidance to advisors and supports the day-to-day functioning of the advising cluster, ensuring consistency in advising practices and student support. Assists with the coordination of professional development, onboarding, and orientation for new HRS advising staff, and helps manage undergraduate advising rosters and student advisor assignments.

Addresses and helps resolve front-line advising issues, including PeopleSoft and Buckeye Degree-related concerns, student concerns regarding curricular, registration, and advising scheduling, and other matters impacting student success. Elevates complex or exceptional situations to the Director of Student Services as appropriate. Works closely with the Director to support initiatives that improve the effectiveness of the Academic Advising unit. May represent the Director at advising administrator, college, HRS, or university-level meetings when needed.

10% In the role of lead advisor, coordinates quarterly meetings and provides ongoing support to HRS undergraduate program directors and regional campus advisors regarding HRS curriculum revisions, student issues, policy updates, and advising inquiries. Facilitates timely communication and ensures consistent dissemination of information across stakeholders to support aligned advising practices and promote student success across all campuses.

5% Under regular direction, participates in and supports special and advising-related projects as assigned, while proactively identifying and recommending new project opportunities to management. Performs administrative tasks that support advising and student services functions, as guided by the Director, including other duties as assigned. Actively engages in ongoing professional development and participates in school, college, and university-level initiatives and opportunities.

5% Mentors and supports new advisors while providing leadership within the unit and broader advising community. Serves as a resource for complex academic advising cases by identifying and leveraging appropriate institutional supports and best practices.

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