Academic Advisor

Virginia's Community College System; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is seeking an Academic Advisor to provide comprehensive academic advising and holistic student support from onboarding through graduation.

The role focuses on career and transfer planning, timely resource referrals, and proactive outreach to ensure student success. The advisor will work both in-person and virtually, serving a diverse student body and maintaining detailed records of outreach and interactions.

Qualifications

• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships.
• Experience using student information systems to manage student data.
• Cultural competency and commitment to inclusive student support.
• Familiarity with advising best practices and institutional policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide holistic, student-centered academic advising from onboarding to graduation.
• Support career and transfer planning and identify articulation pathways.
• Refer students to college and community resources as needed and document interactions.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with advising best practices.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Student information systems

Cultural competency

Advising best practices

Career and transfer planning

Education

Counseling coursework

Tools

Technology tools

Job description

Working Title Academic Advisor Role Title Education Support Spec III Role Code 29144-SW FLSA Nonexempt Pay Band 04 Position Number 28300372 Agency J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Division J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (Div) Work Location Richmond (City) - 760 Hiring Range 45,000 - 55,000 Emergency/Essential Personnel No EEO Category 5-Paraprofessionals Full Time or Part Time Full Time Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs- Yes Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference? Work Schedule

As assigned by manager. Telework eligibility based on policy as one day per week as approved by department.

SENSITIVE POSITION No Job Description

Reynolds is one of the largest community colleges in Virginia and serves Virginia’s capital city and five nearby counties. Annually, our four campus sites serve approximately 13,000 credit students and provide training for 7,400 students through the Community College Workforce Alliance. Reynolds is committed to hiring and retaining a racially diverse, culturally competent staff at all levels of the organization who reflect the demographics of our students. We also believe in providing an ongoing investment in our faculty and staff to deepen their skills and competencies to serve the full range of our student population.

Organizational Objective

To provide exceptional, student-centered service through comprehensive academic advising that fosters student success from onboarding to graduation. This includes holistic support during the onboarding process, personalized career and transfer planning, guidance on program pathway progression, timely resource referrals, proactive outreach to at‑risk students, and meticulous documentation of all student interactions. The role also includes participating in ongoing professional development and training initiatives to ensure advisors remain knowledgeable about best practices, institutional policies, and evolving student needs, thereby contributing to a culture of continuous improvement in student success services.

The Academic Advisor will work both in-person and virtually with prospective and currently enrolled students to guide them in identifying career pathways within academic and workforce programs that align with their interests, skills, and career aspirations. Serving as a vital resource, the Advisor will help students navigate non‑academic challenges that may impact their ability to achieve their educational goals, ensuring a holistic approach to student success.

This position is dedicated to serving a diverse student body that reflects the richness of Virginia’s population, with over 40 percent of students coming from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. To support student completion of credentials or degrees, the Academic Advisor will proactively engage students, maintain comprehensive records of outreach efforts and student interactions, and connect students to a wide range of college and community‑based support services. Additionally, the Advisor will play a key role in facilitating academic interventions when necessary to foster an inclusive environment that promotes student achievement.

The Academic Advisor will leverage various technology tools to enhance advising services, participate in ongoing training and professional development, and contribute to the overall mission and strategic goals of the college including current Flight Path initiatives.

Special Assignments

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

KSA's/Required Qualifications

An Academic Advisor should possess comprehensive knowledge of curricular programs, academic requirements, career opportunities, and the enrollment services processes within a higher education setting. They should be skilled in applying student development theories to support the academic and personal growth of a diverse student body while providing exceptional, student‑centered service. Proficiency in interpreting institutional policies and procedures is crucial to ensuring students receive accurate and timely guidance. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to foster positive relationships while working independently and as part of a team. Advisors should be adept at using technology and student information systems to manage student data effectively. Additionally, they should demonstrate cultural competency, creating an inclusive environment that respects diverse backgrounds. Continuous professional development is also necessary to remain current with advising best practices and institutional goals.

Additional Considerations

Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in counseling or a related field is preferred. Progressive experience working with a variety of individuals in an advisory or counseling capacity; and, experience working in a college environment is also preferred.

Operation of a State Vehicle No Supervises Employees Yes Required Travel

May be required to travel between campuses.

Posting Number CLS_4805P Recruitment Type General Public - G Number of Vacancies 1 Position End Date (if temporary) Job Open Date 10/13/2026 Job Close Date 11/03/2026 Open Until Filled Agency Website https://www.reynolds.edu/ Contact Name Email [e-mail] Phone Number Special Instructions to Applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155

Additional Information Background Check Statement Disclaimer

The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

EEO Statement

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non‑merit factors.

ADA Statement

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.

E-Verify Statement

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.

Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/102105