Academic Advice, Canvas, Case Management, Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution, Cross-Functional, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Dental Insurance, Diversity, Establish Priorities, Fitness, Microsoft Product Family, Music, Organizational Skills, Policy Evaluation, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Requirements Management, Retention Programs, Risk Analysis, Strategic Analysis, Student Services, Time Management, Training/Teaching, Vision Plan, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
Coordinator of Online Undergraduate Persistence & Advising
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Bourbonnais
Job Type
Full-Time Staff
Division
Academic Affairs
Department
School of Grad & Cont Studies
Opening Date
06/08/2026
Position Summary
As a Christian university, Olivet Nazarene University exists to provide an education with a Christian purpose. We value diversity as a means to enrich and deepen the educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom and online. We are committed to recruit and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. We strive to be a more inclusive community as we seek to understand and celebrate our unique experiences and perspectives.
This in-office position provides proactive, student-centered advising for online undergraduate students and leads persistence initiatives for all online students, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to improve retention and student success. They will manage a caseload of students and deliver academic advising, registration support, and virtual engagement using data-informed strategies.
This position collaborates with faculty and staff to enhance the online student experience and responds to student needs through timely, effective support. This role requires strong technological proficiency and the ability to effectively engage students through verbal and written communication.
Working knowledge of Microsoft 365, Canvas, and Colleague is preferred, along with experience in customer service or student support roles.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as a key point of contact for online undergraduate scheduling needs and persistence related initiatives.
- Provide proactive academic advising to an assigned caseload of online undergraduate students.
- Guide students in developing and updating individualized academic plans aligned with student goals.
- Deliver timely, accurate, and student-centered communication via phone, text, email, or video.
- Assist students with term-by-term course selection, registration, and schedule adjustments.
- Maintain accurate knowledge of program requirements, transcript evaluations, policies, and degree pathways.
- Monitor student progress using retention and early alert systems to support persistence initiatives .
- Identify at-risk students and implement targeted strategies to improve persistence.
- Develop and track academic improvement plans.
- Refer students to appropriate support services as needed (i.e. chaplain, library, IT, etc.).
- Assist in data collection, analysis, and reporting related to student retention, persistence, and completion.
- Coordinate and support persistence initiatives, aligning efforts with institutional retention goals.
- Collaborate with persistence team members to design, implement, and assess strategies that improve retention and success.
- Assist with scheduling and advising other online programs only as needed.
- All other duties as assigned.
NO SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
- A lifestyle in agreement with the ONU Statement of Mission, Faith, and Lifestyle Covenant.
- Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrate proficiency with CRM, LMS, or any student success platforms (e.g. Canvas, Slate).
- Ability to interpret and act on student data.
- Manage time effectively and prioritize a dynamic caseload.
- Demonstrate cultural competence and inclusive advising practices.
- Apply problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
- Utilize required technology tools effectively and efficiently.
- Demonstrate a successful work history supported by references.
- Maintain confidentiality when handling student information.
Additional Information
EDUCATION
Candidate must have earned a bachelor's degree.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Standard office environment, no major sources of discomfort. Minimal travel required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The salary range for this position is between $39,000 - $42,000. Additional considerations will be made for relevant experience and educational background.
Olivet Nazarene University offers:
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance.
- Employer retirement contribution begins on first day of full-time employment and is 100 percent vested at that time.
- Additional auxiliary coverage such as life insurance, disability insurance and AD&D insurance.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement leave and 18 days for the observance of holidays.
- Tuition remission granted to employee, spouse, and dependent children for education within Olivet's distinguished academic programs.
- Access to an active campus life with a top-notch fitness center, enriching musical performances, competitive athletic competitions, and introduction to the sciences at our Stickler Planetarium.
To learn more, see our benefits summary here.
Employer Olivet Nazarene University (IL)
Address 1 University Ave
Bourbonnais, Illinois, 60914
Phone 815-939-5240
Website https://www.olivet.edu/about/employment/