Academic Advisor

Waukesha County Technical College; City of Pewaukee, Evanston Township (WI, IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution seeks an Academic Advisor to empower students in achieving their academic goals. The role involves providing proactive advising, developing strategic programming for retention, and collaborating with faculty. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and advising experience, along with strong communication and leadership skills. This position supports a diverse student population and contributes to college-wide initiatives for student success.

Qualifications

• Two years of advising experience in higher education or similar student services experience.
• Knowledge of academic advising theory and assessment.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive proactive advising and case management.
• Lead and engage in college-wide initiatives to support student success.
• Collaborate with academic professionals to develop best practices.

Skills

Customer Service

Leadership

Interpersonal Communication

Critical Thinking

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education

Bachelor's Degree in Communication

Bachelor's Degree in Social Science

Bachelor's Degree in Social Services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Provide students with academic guidance in a collaborative partnership that empowers students to achieve their academic goals in a supportive environment that fosters lifelong learning. Promote student success and increase student enrollment and retention by utilizing a proactive advising model to provide timely and targeted interventions designed to support students from program entry to graduation.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities (include, but not limited to)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of the job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated on this description.
1. Provide comprehensive proactive advising and case management to address program advising, orientation, dispute resolution, auditing, monitoring and evaluating advisee academic progress. Utilize strategic and intentional intervention methods with an emphasis on providing support to targeted student populations with lower retention levels.
2. Teach and advise students regarding areas including, but not limited to: programs of study, curriculum requirements, policies, procedures, course sequence, prerequisites, placement scores, scheduling, credit load, career pathways, credit for prior learning, graduation requirements, articulation agreements, alternative delivery methods and transfer options.
3. Lead and engage in college-wide initiatives (i.e. training, committees, campus events) to create innovative strategies to support enrollment, retention, completion and overall student success.
4.Empower advisees to develop and maintain a current academic plan by incorporating coaching strategies to build meaningful professional relationships that address individual needs, a completion plan, and success strategies that support academic, personal and career goals of a diverse population of students.
5. Create, develop, and implement strategic programming that supports student retention. Programming may include trainings, workshops, classes, etc. Evaluate effectiveness for continuous improvement.
6. Collaborate, lead and partner with academic professionals (i.e. Deans, Associate Deans, and Faculty and other personnel) to develop best practices as it relates to the retention and graduation of students.
7. Analyze data and identify students at risk for persisting and completing their program. Contact and communicate with students who are at risk for not completing courses and/or programs.
8. Educate and train advisees to utilize academic tools and technology related to retention and completion.
9. Maintain and assist with the development of advising operating procedures and keep up to date on college policies. Maintain required records and documentation while conducting student sessions in compliance with FERPA regulations.
10. Support and engage in college-wide diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
11.Maintain current professional/ technical knowledge through professional education and activities.

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of academic advising theory and assessment.
• Knowledge and understanding of functions in a higher education setting including but not limited to admissions, financial aid, counseling services, academic support and academic standards.
• Knowledge and experience identifying the needs of students with multiple educational barriers.
• Strong customer service and leadership skills, working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, connecting and building rapport with students and the community.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills - oral, written and listening.
• Ability to manage time and organize work.
• Ability to attend closely to detailed work, completing and maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to work processes.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team and/or with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and work cooperatively and collaboratively with internal (staff, management, faculty, personnel) and external contacts ( students, parents , business/community leaders).
• Ability to prioritize work and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficient with current operating systems and computer software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentations.

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Education, Communication, Social Science, Social Services, or related field.
2. Two years of advising experience in higher education or similar student services experience.

Supplemental Information

The Academic Advisor works in the Student Affairs division, and supports the Academic Advising and Testing department. The position is available on/or before July 7, 2025.

All applicants both (internal and external) must attach the following to the online application. Applications that do not have the required attachment may not be considered.

1. Resume(required)
2. Cover letter(required)

Hours
Hours are generally Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evenings may be required to support the needs of students/campus events.

SalarySalary is determined based on experience and internal equity.

InterviewSelected applicants will be invited to a preliminary zoom interview scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2025. Selected candidates will be invited for an onsite interview held Thursday, June 12, 2025.