Academic Adviser

The Pennsylvania State University; Abington (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State Abington is seeking a Proactive Adviser/Academic Success Coach to provide high-touch advising to a cohort of at-risk students in their first and second years of college.

The role emphasizes early intervention, goal clarification, course selection, and development of individualized academic plans to support degree completion. A strong emphasis on communicating with diverse student groups and connecting them to campus resources is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience advising or mentoring students preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Initiate early and regular contact with students in the cohort
• Help students clarify and plan educational goals
• Assist students with course selection
• Advise students in developing an academic plan to complete a degree
• Meet with students on a scheduled basis to keep them on track
• Connect students to resources for academic, personal, and professional success
• Promote experiential learning opportunities and student life offerings
• Continue targeted outreach to ensure student engagement and progress

Skills

Advising

Interpersonal skills

Diversity awareness

Education

Master's Degree

Tools

CRM systems

MS Office

Job description

Position specifics

Penn State Abington invites applications for the position of Proactive Adviser/Academic Success Coach. This role will provide targeted, high-touch advising to a cohort of at‑risk students in their first and second years of college.

Responsibilities

• Initiate early and regular contact with students in the cohort
• Help students to clarify and plan for their educational goals
• Assist students with the selection of appropriate courses
• Advise students in the development of an academic plan to facilitate the completion of a degree program
• Meet with students on a scheduled basis to help keep them on track
• Connect students to resources critical to their academic, personal, and professional success (e.g., learning support, financial aid, career services, etc.)
• Promote experiential learning opportunities, student life offerings, and extra‑curricular activities
• Continue targeted outreach to ensure students are engaged and making positive progress

The successful candidate must be able to interact effectively with students of diverse socio‑economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds and understand campus and community resources. They will promote success by empowering students to take ownership of their education and by partnering with students to identify and achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals – thus leading to increased student retention and overall success.

This is a limited‑term position funded for an initial two‑year period. Employment is offered through one‑year appointments that may be renewed annually. Continued funding beyond the initial period is contingent upon university need, availability of funding, and program effectiveness. (e.g., demonstrated positive outcomes in student retention, academic performance, and progression toward degree completion).

This individual will have the ability to listen, understand and be flexible and open‑minded in responding to student needs and concerns. Respect for diversity and a willingness to learn about others is essential. A strong attention to detail, and a desire to work with students in a high‑volume center are necessities for success in this position. This individual will have the ability to function independently while operating effectively within a team environment; and a demonstrated ability to balance numerous complex tasks in a professional and efficient manner.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are critical as this position requires interaction with students, parents, faculty, and various college staff members. A working knowledge of computer applications is helpful. Experience and comfort with group presentations is desirable. Written and verbal fluency in a second language is a plus.

Education and experience

Master's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Certifications

Required Certifications: None

Background checks and clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Contract type and hours

This is a limited‑term position funded for an initial two‑year period. Employment is offered through one‑year appointments that may be renewed annually.

Salary

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.

Benefits

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

Campus security statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO statement

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.

We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Company values

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.