Colorado Mesa University
ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
Title (Function):
IRIS Advisor Department:
IRIS Reporting To:
Lead IRIS Advisor FLSA Status:
Exempt
Compensation:
$49,000.00-50,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Open Date:
09/16/2025 Close Date:
10/05/2025 11:59 PM MST.
SECTIONI - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE
At CMU, we believein acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage toform meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in thepursuit of new possibilities. It's this courage that enables the Mavily to explorenew ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, noperfect idea.
From this place of humility and courage, we've built a culture of resilience.We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcomingchallenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change isconstant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endlesscuriosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeingopportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this communityrooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunitiesfor growth and advancement.
Inspired by the soul of the West-the spirit that our region embodies-we emergeas a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build aHuman Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our sharedvision of the world we aspire to create.
Colorado Mesa University Core Values Love -
Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self andothers Dignity -
Respecting the intrinsic value of each person andbelieving that others act from a foundation of goodwill Courage
- Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities Humility
- Suspending one's ego and pride to recognize that no ideais perfect and being open to the input of others Resiliency
- Investing in the future by adapting to changes,overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity Curiosity
- Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown Power
- The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency toachieve our goals
SECTIONII - THE SEAT
At CMU, we look atevery position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seatcontributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable andaccessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnershipsthat support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centricorganization, a priority is to ensure we have the "right seats" in ourorganization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities aredefined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding theseats.
OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS
IRIS is CMU's first year advising center and one-stop that supports students' needs relating to academic advising, registration, financial aid, financial counseling, and navigating college systems. IRIS Advisors provide these services in four ways: 1) front line customer service offered at the front desk, phone and email, 2) in-person or phone extended advising and financial counseling appointments, 3) targeted proactive advising services for students in need of additional support, and 4) events and groups sessions.
Utilizing a case management system and Appreciative Advising framework, IRIS Advisors provide holistic and student-centered advising on multiple aspects of student success, such as academic advising and registration, student finances, financial aid, personal wellness, and student success skills. IRIS Advisors support and empower students from a wide variety of backgrounds and are expected to maintain a high level of customer service with all interactions.
• Advising & Student Support Tasks o Act as an academic advisor for a diverse population of students, including but not limited to academically underprepared, undeclared, first generation, and non-traditional students. o Identify barriers that students face, suggest solutions to student challenges, and make appropriate internal and external referrals. o Provide a high level of customer service and create a welcoming environment for students. o Cultivate meaningful and productive relationships with students, staff, and leaders by initiating critical conversations, having a visible presence, and maintaining regular communication. o Assist in coordinating and providing proactive outreach efforts to assist in the retention goals of the university. o Responsible for documenting student appointments and outreach efforts. o Responsible for training other departments in relation to advising, financial counseling, and student support services. • Programming & Events Tasks o Assist with onboarding new students during new student orientation. o Organize and design departmental events, such as major exploration events, First Gen Day, financial literacy events, etc. o Assist with various campus events and lead presentations on IRIS resources when needed. o Deliver instructional coursework for supplemental courses. • Individuals in this seat support the following teams: o IRIS Advising Team (Team Black, Team Gold, and Team MAVroon) - IRIS Advisors are assigned to a team of 3-5 IRIS Advisors led by an IRIS Lead Advisor. IRIS Advising Teams are divided based on academic department. o IRIS Department - Advisors support the Director of IRIS, Assistant Director of IRIS-Advising, and IRIS department operations. o Enrollment Management - IRIS Advisors support the overall efforts of the Enrollment Management team regarding student success, enrollment, and retention. o Regularly collaborate with university partner offices, such as Financial Aid, Educational Access Services, Student Wellness Center, Student Services, Registrar, and Student Accounts. • Leadership, Management, and Accountability (LMA) Responsibilities o IRIS Advisors do not directly supervise other professional staff. o Supervision of a small student employee team (1-5) assigned to their IRIS Advising Team may be required. • Individuals in this seat are required to: o Demonstrate a high level of discretion and professional judgment in actively assessing and advising students from all backgrounds on key aspects of student success, such as academic advising and registration, student finances, personal wellness, and student success skills. o Interpret and apply institutional policies, procedures, and regulations related to academic, financial, and student support programs.
Other duties may be assigned as needed by our business.
SECTIONIII - OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FIT
For the success ofour mission and our teams, we desire to have individuals who are a "Right Fit"in our seats. We define "Right Fit" as those who embrace our culture,demonstrate our values, understand the seat and what is required. We seekindividuals who want this seat, desire to be a part of a bigger vision and havethe capacity to be a successful member of our CMU team.
CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS Capacity for this seat includes knowledge, skills and emotional intelligence and ability to commit to this seat. • Must demonstrate strong communication, active listening, and relationship building skills • Must embrace Appreciative Advising approach and student-centered customer service experience • Ability to learn quickly and stay up to date on current academic and financial policies • Ability to present complex information in an understandable manner to students, parents, and guests • Ability to manage stress in demanding customer and student-service areas • Ability to learn and adapt to new software and technology quickly • Ability to prepare and present programming to various audiences • Flexibility to juggle multiple student appointments, meetings, and duties • Ability to maintain student confidentiality and educational privacy rights (FERPA) • Ability to communication strategy, facilitate decision making and work through difficult conversations with people at all levels in the organization. • Ability to embrace change and innovation
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE FOR RIGHT FIT • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university. • Experience working with diverse student populations, especially first-generation, low-income, academically underprepared and/or groups that are underrepresented in higher education. • Experience in customer service, academic advising, success coaching, college classroom teaching and/or counseling/social work. • Must possess strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently as well as be a team player. • Strong computer skills. Proficient with MS Office. Experience with Banner student database system experience and/or Slate software preferred.
Reasonableaccommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to performthe essential functions.
DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typicalfunctions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities andareas of accountability.
DIRECT INQUIRIESCONTACT:
Wes Kosel, wkosel@coloradomesa.edu
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants will beasked to complete an online application by creating a profile and thenproviding personal and demographic information. In addition, please be preparedto upload a: • Cover letter • Resume • Include the name,phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professionalreferences who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applyingfor. Professional references should include at least one current or formersupervisor. Professional reference may also include current or formeremployers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge andcan recommend you for employment. • Copy oftranscripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a socialsecurity number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploadingthe document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
ABOUTCOLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
A comprehensiveuniversity in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptionaleducational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado'slargest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction,its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and viaonline offerings.
Colorado MesaUniversity serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of westernColorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, andinternational importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
At the heart ofthe CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to highereducation that encourages students to think differently and empowers them tochallenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars andthinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gainthe skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter inlife. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strongliberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employmentneeds, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforcedemands.
The Grand Valley ishome to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and youwill not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by theGrand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-classmountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that'sless than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-countryskiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore oneof Colorado's best kept secrets.
Colorado MesaUniversity is particularly interested in candidates who have experience workingwith students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitmentto improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented studentswithin higher education.
Colorado MesaUniversity is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and livingcommunity. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for allfinal applicants being considered for employment. Background investigationsinclude reference checks, a criminal history record check, and whenappropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be ableto verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an EqualOpportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff andstudent body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with adisability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be providedreasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete anemployment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMUHuman Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provideadditional information, including medical documentation, regarding functionallimitations and the type of accommodation needed.
Title (Function):
IRIS Advisor Department:
IRIS Reporting To:
Lead IRIS Advisor FLSA Status:
Exempt
Compensation:
$49,000.00-50,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Open Date:
09/16/2025 Close Date:
10/05/2025 11:59 PM MST.
SECTIONI - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE
At CMU, we believein acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage toform meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in thepursuit of new possibilities. It's this courage that enables the Mavily to explorenew ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, noperfect idea.
From this place of humility and courage, we've built a culture of resilience.We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcomingchallenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change isconstant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endlesscuriosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeingopportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this communityrooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunitiesfor growth and advancement.
Inspired by the soul of the West-the spirit that our region embodies-we emergeas a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build aHuman Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our sharedvision of the world we aspire to create.
Colorado Mesa University Core Values Love -
Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self andothers Dignity -
Respecting the intrinsic value of each person andbelieving that others act from a foundation of goodwill Courage
- Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities Humility
- Suspending one's ego and pride to recognize that no ideais perfect and being open to the input of others Resiliency
- Investing in the future by adapting to changes,overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity Curiosity
- Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown Power
- The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency toachieve our goals
SECTIONII - THE SEAT
At CMU, we look atevery position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seatcontributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable andaccessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnershipsthat support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centricorganization, a priority is to ensure we have the "right seats" in ourorganization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities aredefined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding theseats.
OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS
IRIS is CMU's first year advising center and one-stop that supports students' needs relating to academic advising, registration, financial aid, financial counseling, and navigating college systems. IRIS Advisors provide these services in four ways: 1) front line customer service offered at the front desk, phone and email, 2) in-person or phone extended advising and financial counseling appointments, 3) targeted proactive advising services for students in need of additional support, and 4) events and groups sessions.
Utilizing a case management system and Appreciative Advising framework, IRIS Advisors provide holistic and student-centered advising on multiple aspects of student success, such as academic advising and registration, student finances, financial aid, personal wellness, and student success skills. IRIS Advisors support and empower students from a wide variety of backgrounds and are expected to maintain a high level of customer service with all interactions.
• Advising & Student Support Tasks o Act as an academic advisor for a diverse population of students, including but not limited to academically underprepared, undeclared, first generation, and non-traditional students. o Identify barriers that students face, suggest solutions to student challenges, and make appropriate internal and external referrals. o Provide a high level of customer service and create a welcoming environment for students. o Cultivate meaningful and productive relationships with students, staff, and leaders by initiating critical conversations, having a visible presence, and maintaining regular communication. o Assist in coordinating and providing proactive outreach efforts to assist in the retention goals of the university. o Responsible for documenting student appointments and outreach efforts. o Responsible for training other departments in relation to advising, financial counseling, and student support services. • Programming & Events Tasks o Assist with onboarding new students during new student orientation. o Organize and design departmental events, such as major exploration events, First Gen Day, financial literacy events, etc. o Assist with various campus events and lead presentations on IRIS resources when needed. o Deliver instructional coursework for supplemental courses. • Individuals in this seat support the following teams: o IRIS Advising Team (Team Black, Team Gold, and Team MAVroon) - IRIS Advisors are assigned to a team of 3-5 IRIS Advisors led by an IRIS Lead Advisor. IRIS Advising Teams are divided based on academic department. o IRIS Department - Advisors support the Director of IRIS, Assistant Director of IRIS-Advising, and IRIS department operations. o Enrollment Management - IRIS Advisors support the overall efforts of the Enrollment Management team regarding student success, enrollment, and retention. o Regularly collaborate with university partner offices, such as Financial Aid, Educational Access Services, Student Wellness Center, Student Services, Registrar, and Student Accounts. • Leadership, Management, and Accountability (LMA) Responsibilities o IRIS Advisors do not directly supervise other professional staff. o Supervision of a small student employee team (1-5) assigned to their IRIS Advising Team may be required. • Individuals in this seat are required to: o Demonstrate a high level of discretion and professional judgment in actively assessing and advising students from all backgrounds on key aspects of student success, such as academic advising and registration, student finances, personal wellness, and student success skills. o Interpret and apply institutional policies, procedures, and regulations related to academic, financial, and student support programs.
Other duties may be assigned as needed by our business.
SECTIONIII - OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FIT
For the success ofour mission and our teams, we desire to have individuals who are a "Right Fit"in our seats. We define "Right Fit" as those who embrace our culture,demonstrate our values, understand the seat and what is required. We seekindividuals who want this seat, desire to be a part of a bigger vision and havethe capacity to be a successful member of our CMU team.
CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS Capacity for this seat includes knowledge, skills and emotional intelligence and ability to commit to this seat. • Must demonstrate strong communication, active listening, and relationship building skills • Must embrace Appreciative Advising approach and student-centered customer service experience • Ability to learn quickly and stay up to date on current academic and financial policies • Ability to present complex information in an understandable manner to students, parents, and guests • Ability to manage stress in demanding customer and student-service areas • Ability to learn and adapt to new software and technology quickly • Ability to prepare and present programming to various audiences • Flexibility to juggle multiple student appointments, meetings, and duties • Ability to maintain student confidentiality and educational privacy rights (FERPA) • Ability to communication strategy, facilitate decision making and work through difficult conversations with people at all levels in the organization. • Ability to embrace change and innovation
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE FOR RIGHT FIT • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university. • Experience working with diverse student populations, especially first-generation, low-income, academically underprepared and/or groups that are underrepresented in higher education. • Experience in customer service, academic advising, success coaching, college classroom teaching and/or counseling/social work. • Must possess strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently as well as be a team player. • Strong computer skills. Proficient with MS Office. Experience with Banner student database system experience and/or Slate software preferred.
Reasonableaccommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to performthe essential functions.
DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typicalfunctions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities andareas of accountability.
DIRECT INQUIRIESCONTACT:
Wes Kosel, wkosel@coloradomesa.edu
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants will beasked to complete an online application by creating a profile and thenproviding personal and demographic information. In addition, please be preparedto upload a: • Cover letter • Resume • Include the name,phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professionalreferences who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applyingfor. Professional references should include at least one current or formersupervisor. Professional reference may also include current or formeremployers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge andcan recommend you for employment. • Copy oftranscripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a socialsecurity number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploadingthe document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
ABOUTCOLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
A comprehensiveuniversity in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptionaleducational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado'slargest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction,its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and viaonline offerings.
Colorado MesaUniversity serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of westernColorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, andinternational importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
At the heart ofthe CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to highereducation that encourages students to think differently and empowers them tochallenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars andthinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gainthe skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter inlife. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strongliberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employmentneeds, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforcedemands.
The Grand Valley ishome to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and youwill not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by theGrand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-classmountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that'sless than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-countryskiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore oneof Colorado's best kept secrets.
Colorado MesaUniversity is particularly interested in candidates who have experience workingwith students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitmentto improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented studentswithin higher education.
Colorado MesaUniversity is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and livingcommunity. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for allfinal applicants being considered for employment. Background investigationsinclude reference checks, a criminal history record check, and whenappropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be ableto verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an EqualOpportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff andstudent body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with adisability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be providedreasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete anemployment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMUHuman Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provideadditional information, including medical documentation, regarding functionallimitations and the type of accommodation needed.