About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

 

Job Summary

Based on qualifications, the Isenberg School of Management is hiring an Academic Advisor and/or a Senior Academic Advisor. The position works closely with other advising personnel to ensure high quality advising and academic services for all students, with particular emphasis on programmatic needs for first-year, transfer, and at-risk students and uses computer-based registration and academic records technology, such as SPIRE and Educational Advisory Board (EAB). The position is also responsive to the needs of a large number of highly-diverse students and works in a high volume and fast-paced work environment.

 

Academic Advisor additional job summary

Under the direct supervision of the Managing Academic Advisor, this position provides entry-level advising for Isenberg students, as well as university undeclared and exploratory students.

 

Senior Academic Advisor additional job summary

Under the direct supervision of the Managing Academic Advisor, this position provides comprehensive advising for Isenberg students in seven majors, double majors, dual degrees, minors, as well as University undeclared and exploratory students.

 

Essential Functions

• Responds to at-risk students experiencing academic and often critical personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to university agencies.
• Advises a diverse incoming (first-year and transfer) population in a fast-paced, high-volume, individual advising format during New Student Orientation in January, June, July and September.
• Responds to and manages inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA and in a highly-professional and respectful manner/tone.
• Regularly hold information Sessions for current Isenberg students in both the BBA and B.S. degree programs, as well as for prospective undeclared students and students in other majors wanting to transfer into Isenberg.
• Participates in evening and weekend activities including Open Houses, Senior Barbeque, Isenberg Senior Celebration, Undergraduate Commencement, and other activities and additional events that may be developed.
• Executes special projects as needed to support the mission of the Undergraduate Programs Office.
• Assists in training the front desk staff including undergraduate student workers.

 

Academic Advisor additional essential functions

• Provides entry-level, individualized and small group advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, including peak registration, pre-registration, freshmen & transfer orientation/registration periods.
• 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.
• Assists students with matters that involve goal setting, planning and decision-making such as establishing an academic plan, choosing a major within and outside of Isenberg, selecting courses, and evaluating courses for study-abroad experiences. Conducts one-on-one advising sessions for several hundred undeclared students who will ultimately work toward and apply for admission into the Isenberg School.
• Assists with graduation clearance processing for more than 1,000 students per year. Maintains familiarity with changes in the eight degree programs and assists in determining any curricular exceptions.

 

Senior Academic Advisor additional essential functions

• Provide comprehensive, individualized and small group advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, including peak registration, pre-registration, freshmen & transfer orientation/registration periods including responding to common issues such as registration-related matters such as fulfilling the university's general education requirements; interpreting major and college requirements; and provide guidance for dual degrees, double majors, and minors.
• Assisting students with complex matters that involve goal setting, planning and decision-making such as establishing an academic plan, choosing a major within and outside of Isenberg, selecting courses, and evaluating courses for study-abroad experiences. This includes one-on-one advising sessions for several hundred undeclared students who will ultimately work toward and apply for admission into the Isenberg School.
• Responsible for complex graduation clearance processing for more than 1,000 students per year, being familiar with all changes in the eight degree programs and determining any curricular exceptions.
• Represent Isenberg Undergraduate Advising on university-level committees and councils.
• Assist in training new professional and graduate student advisors by providing them with and helping them understand the most current information about requirements in Isenberg and other majors of prospective Isenberg students.

 

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.
• 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 collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Student Affairs and Campus Life

 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Intermediate level computer proficiency.

 

Academic Advisor additional minimum qualifications

• Able to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively with various university personnel.
• Able to manage varied client needs.

 

Senior Academic Advisor

• Three (3) years professional experience in the areas of academic admissions, advising, recruiting, or counseling.
• Experience in serving a large, culturally-diverse population is also required.
• Skilled in small group presentations, aware of confidentiality issues and able to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively with various university personnel. 
• Able to manage a high volume of complex and varied client needs.
• Able to recognize at-risk individuals and provide appropriate support and direction.
• Highly-knowledgeable with respect to FERPA, Title IX, and all University Academic Rules and Regulations.

 

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Academic Advisor preferred qualifications

• Professional experience in the areas of academic admissions, advising, recruiting, or counseling.
• Experience in serving a large, culturally-diverse population.

 

Senior Academic Advisor preferred qualifications

• Master's degree in business, social sciences, counseling, education or liberal arts.

 

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

 

Work Schedule

• Required to work some nights and weekends.
• 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 Advisor: Level 25

Senior Academic Advisor: Level 26

PSU Salary Ranges

 

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

 

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.