Academic Counselors

Saras AI Institute

About Us: Saras AI is the world's first AI-only higher studies institute based in the United States. We are on a mission to create the most student-centric higher education institution globally, offering degrees exclusively in AI for both students and working professionals. Our founding team comprises industry experts from the US and India, united by a shared vision to make high-quality AI education accessible to everyone, with a personal touch of humanity. This is an in-office role based out of Gurugram.

Overview: This position requires a strategic approach to student engagement and retention, providing guidance, leadership, and professional development for the team of academic counselors. The Lead Academic Counselor will work closely with faculty, administrative staff, and other departments to continuously improve the student experience and achieve enrollment and retention goals.

Key Responsibilities:

- Strategic Student Engagement: Develop and implement strategies to enhance student engagement, retention, and success in alignment with Saras AI's mission and goals.

- Advanced Academic Advising: Provide high-level academic advising to a select group of students, particularly those with complex academic needs or those who require specialized support.

- Collaboration Across Departments: Work closely with faculty, admissions, enrollment, and other departments to develop and refine processes that support student success and satisfaction.

- Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize student management systems and data analytics to monitor student progress, identify trends, and implement strategies to improve academic outcomes.

- Program Development and Evaluation: Design and evaluate academic support programs, including virtual workshops, webinars, and other initiatives aimed at improving student skills, career planning, and academic performance.

- Quality Assurance and Policy Compliance: Ensure that all academic counseling activities comply with institutional policies, best practices, and accreditation standards.

- Onboarding and Training: Lead the onboarding process for new academic counselors, providing comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure they are equipped to support students effectively.

- Drive Enrollment and Retention Goals: Collaborate with the leadership team to develop and achieve strategic enrollment and retention targets, including setting and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs).

- Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Keep abreast of industry developments, trends in academic counseling, and changes in academic policies to ensure the institute's practices remain current and effective.

Required Qualifications:

- Master's degree in education, counseling, or a related field is preferred.

- 2-5 years of experience in academic advising or a similar role, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership position in edtech or higher education.

- Strong understanding of academic policies, student support best practices, and the unique challenges faced by online learners.

- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to motivate and guide a team.

- Proven track record of successfully managing multiple priorities and tasks in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

- Proficiency in academic management systems, CRM software, and virtual communication tools.

- Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and strategic planning skills.

- Commitment to student success, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of academic counseling.

- Familiarity with AI and related fields is highly desirable but not required.

- Flexibility to accommodate various time zones and student needs, including occasional evening or weekend work.

Skills:

- Excellent communication and customer service abilities.

- Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

- Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.

- Experience with virtual communication and educational technology platforms.

- Ability to build rapport and provide empathetic, personalized support to students and staff.