Academic Advisor

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is seeking an Academic Advisor to assist prospective and current students in identifying career pathways and planning academic programs. The role combines in-person and virtual advising to support student success from onboarding to completion.

The position emphasizes holistic guidance, timely referrals, and documentation of student interactions while contributing to ongoing professional development and inclusive services.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of curricular programs, academic requirements, career opportunities, and enrollment services.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to work independently and in a team.
• Proficiency in interpreting institutional policies and procedures.
• Experience using technology and student information systems to manage student data.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to foster an inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic advising to prospective and current students, in-person and virtually.
• Guide students to identify career pathways within academic and workforce programs.
• Support students with non-academic challenges impacting their education.
• Maintain comprehensive outreach records and document interactions.
• Connect students to college and community-based support services; participate in professional development.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Independent work

Cultural competency

Technology proficiency

Education

Counseling-related college coursework

Tools

Student Information System

General technology tools

Job description

Title: Academic Advisor

Agency: J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Location: Richmond (City) - 760

FLSA: Nonexempt

Hiring Range: 45,000 - 55,000

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

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.

Purpose of Position: 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.

Minimum 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.