Title: Academic and Career Advisor/Sr. Academic and Career Advisor

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Education

Department: Dean - College of Education

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Undergraduate Academic & Career Advisor or Senior Academic & Career Advisor supports the social justice mission of the College of Education and works collaboratively with other advising staff to provide comprehensive academic and career advising for students in (1) the Education Exploratory Track, (2) pre-licensure, and (3) the undergraduate education concentrations. The Advisor is responsible for developing and maintaining advising resources and systems related to one or more of these academic pathways. Both levels ensure a high level of advising and academic services for all students with emphasis on student success and the programmatic needs for first-year, first-generation, and historically marginalized students.

Essential Functions

Provides comprehensive individualized and small group academic and career advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, including peak registration, pre-registration, and new student orientation.

Utilizes and makes recommendations regarding College of Education good practices for the use of University student records systems such as EAB Navigate and SPIRE to document advising services.

Responds to common issues such as registration-related matters including fulfilling the University’s general education requirements, interpreting major and college requirements, and providing guidance for dual degrees, double majors, and minors.

Manages complicated or problematic advising cases—including aiding with complex matters that involve prior misadvising, goal setting related to unusual career outcomes, planning and decision-making such as establishing an academic and career plan, resolving conflicts between two or more majors and/or concentrations and independently evaluating credit for study-abroad and other off-campus programs.

Responds to at-risk students experiencing academic and often critical personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to University resources. Serves as a resource to faculty members related to at-risk advising cases.

Facilitates program planning related to the growth and development of the undergraduate population within the College of Education fostering a “cohort” model and feeling of belonging for students.

Participates in admissions, alumni weekend, orientation, and other University events as appropriate.

Represents the College of Education at University-wide meetings dedicated to the further development of student success resources and practices within the University context as directed by the Associate Dean for Student Success.

Responds to and manages challenging, time-sensitive, or high-stress inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA and in a highly professional and respectful manner/tone.

Performs complex graduation clearance processing for Education majors. Approves curricular exceptions and manages problems related to graduation clearance in accordance with established policies and/or practices.

Maintains current knowledge of the College of Education’s current undergraduate offerings as well as changes in licensure requirements and/or the employment landscape that might shape student decision-making. The Senior Academic and Career Advisor will also be responsible for developing and/or maintaining advising resources and systems related to one or more of the College’s academic pathways.

Provides training, guidance, and supervision to the undergraduate student staff, including Peer Advisors.

Senior Academic Advisor additional essential functions:

Three (3) years of documented experience in academic advising, student support, or other related student-facing roles. A master’s degree in education or an education-related field may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

Mentors less experienced Undergraduate Academic and Career Advisors with advising best practices and in addressing complex advising challenges.

Responsible for complex college graduation clearance process. Maintains familiarity with all changes in degree programs and execute college curricular exceptions.

Other Functions

Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements.

Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.

Works in partnership with colleagues within the College of Education community and campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Student Affairs and Campus Life to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Education.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree.

One year of advising experience.

Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communications skills.

Strong organizational skills.

Intermediate level computer proficiency.

Ability to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively. 

Demonstrated commitment to continued learning or professional development on diversity, equity and justice issues.

Documented experience in academic advising, student support, or other related student-facing roles.

Able to manage a high volume of complex and varied client needs.

Able to recognize at-risk individuals and provide appropriate support and direction.

Able to manage a high volume of complex and varied student needs.

Able to recognize at-risk students and provide appropriate support and direction.

Computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.

Available to work on occasional nights and weekends.

Experience working with students with a range of academic abilities.

Senior Academic Advisor additional minimum qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of documented experience in academic advising, student support, or other related student-facing role or a Master’s degree in education or an education-related field and one (1) year of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience with education licensure requirements.

Working knowledge of relevant University academic policies and regulations.

Additional Details

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Academic and Career Advisor

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 25

Senior Academic and Career Advisor

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, a resume and cover letter are required. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.