Academic Advisor

University of South Carolina

Spartanburg, Northern (SC, KY)

Hybrid

USD 50,000 - 52,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health and Life Insurance

Retirement Programs

Paid Tuition Program

Employee Assistance Program

13 Paid Holidays

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

The University of South Carolina Upstate is seeking an Academic Advisor – Grant to guide current and prospective students in Spartanburg. You will navigate degree transitions, create plans of study, and promote advisement best practices while serving assigned majors.

Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of related experience; Master’s is preferred. Strong interpersonal and computer skills, plus commitment to student success, are essential.

Qualifications

Requires bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of related experience; equivalent combination of certification/training/education considered.
Master’s degree preferred with at least 1 year of experience in higher education advising or related field.

Responsibilities

Navigate students through major transitions and design plans of study.
Provide advisement for assigned majors and monitor student registration.
Assist with OAR participation and campus recruitment events.

Skills

Student advising

Interpersonal skills

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Starfish

Job description

Position Summary

Academic Advisor – Grant

University of South Carolina Upstate

RTF00201PO26

Spartanburg, SC

Academic Advisors are responsible for advising current and prospective students, promoting good advisement practices, and assisting with academic support. Academic advisors assess students’ needs, goals, interests, and prior academic experiences to guide students in designing and implementing a successful academic plan. Advisors are also responsible for promoting student success, including academic support and career exploration. This position will serve majors as assigned by the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree required with a minimum of 1 year of experience in higher education academic advising, academic support services, first-year experience programming, career counseling, or related field.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ability to work and motivate traditional as well as nontraditional students, strong computer and interpersonal skills required.

Job Duties

Job Duty Navigate students through the major transitions of college enrollment. Provide programming for students as they enter, remain enrolled, and leave the institution. Maintains an advising load and works directly with students to accomplish educational goals. Key aspects include maintaining the integrity of academic policies while serving as a student advocate; fostering a culture of student responsibility and success; providing students with information about the possible consequences of academic decisions; and creating plans of study. Must maintain current knowledge of degree programs. Assists students during OAR and participates in open house events, FAB Friday, and other student recruitment events. Complete plans of study.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 25

Job Duty Assist students in the development of an educational plan, including choosing a program of study and/or clarifying educational goals.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 15

Job Duty Provide academic advising for assigned majors and monitor student registration. Educate students about course planning and registration processes. Refer students to campus resources to meet individual needs.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 15

Job Duty Implement targeted outreach to students with at-risk factors.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 10

Job Duty Improve students’ career readiness through major exploration and referral to appropriate campus programs and services.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 10

Job Duty Maintains accurate data for reports and informed decision-making. Keeps advising statistics, work schedules, and other reporting documents up-to-date. Monitor and respond to students using advising software (Starfish).

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 10

Job Duty Teach UNIV 101 (College Success Seminar).

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 10

Job Duty Other duties as assigned.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 5

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date 08/31/2026

Position End Date 09/30/2028

Job Open Date 08/31/2026

Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes

Location of Vacancy USC Upstate, Spartanburg, SC

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 37.5

Work Schedule Monday – Friday; 8:30am – 5pm; Some evenings and weekends as needed are required.

Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category Student Services

Anticipated Hiring Range $49,700 - $52,000; Salary commensurate with education and experience.

About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below

The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

Benefits