Academic Advisor

American University; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

American University is seeking an Academic Advisor to provide professional academic support to undergraduate students across majors, including new, continuing, transfer, and non‑degree students. You will counsel on degree requirements, assist with course selection, and refer to campus partners as appropriate.

The role monitors progress, conducts records review, participates in recruitment and orientation activities, and collaborates with faculty and staff to enhance student success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and relevant professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Advise undergraduate students on degree requirements and academic planning.
• Monitor and review students’ academic progress and degree audits.
• Participate in recruitment, orientation, and events for new and transfer students.
• Collaborate with faculty and campus partners to support student success.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team player

Public speaking

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Colleague

CRM Advise

YouCanBook.Me

SharePoint

Qualtrics

Job description

Summary

This position provides professional academic support services to undergraduate students (including new, continuing, non‑degree, transfer, and students pursuing minors from other academic units). Advises and counsels new and continuing students on academic, social, and personal development including academic, professional and career goals, with referral to campus partners as appropriate. This position assists in planning and actively participates in on and off campus activities related to the recruitment, conversion, and retention of new and continuing undergraduate students. This position monitors the academic progress of each assigned student and conducts records review. This position works under general supervision and is expected to exercise professional judgment in all aspects of the position and has broad decision‑making subject to review by their supervisor. This position is union‑eligible and eligible for a hybrid work modality.

Essential Functions

• 1.) Academic Advising – Advise and counsel undergraduate students in meeting degree requirements and understanding academic regulations and policy. Support and instruct students to develop academic decision‑making skills. Address issues that affect academic performance; make appropriate referrals to other university student services. Communicate with faculty regarding students in academic distress; assist students with selection and registration of courses. Liaise with other university departments that support unique populations of students; provide recommendations and solutions to streamline advising processes that improve students’ academic experience and address their developmental needs.
• 2.) Academic Records Review – Monitor and evaluate each student’s academic progress throughout the academic year – including transfer credit, assist students with the resolution and understanding of degree audit, change of majors, graduation, and other related issues. Conduct degree clearance for graduating students. Maintain accurate record of advising meeting for student files. Make recommendations to the Associate Dean regarding exceptions to academic regulations, academic warnings, probations, and dismissals.
• 3.) Recruitment, Orientation Activities, and Special Projects – Participate in on‑campus, off campus, and virtual recruitment and conversion events as assigned by supervisor, leadership team, and/or Dean. Create and deliver content as needed for new students. Assist new first‑year and transfer students with course selection and registration support. Represent unit on university committees, serve as a resource for faculty and other members of the university community. Identify and develop programs or initiatives that enhance the professional, intellectual, career, leadership, and personal development of undergraduate students.
• 4.) Other Duties as Assigned – Other duties as assigned by supervisor, leadership team, and/or Dean.

Competencies

• Championing Customer Needs.
• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
• Supporting Coworkers.
• Prioritizing and Organizing.
• Displaying Creativity.
• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

Position Details

Position Type: Full‑time. 35 hours per week. Salary Range: $55,000 – $60,000 annually.

Education and Experience

Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree required. 1–3 years of professional experience, preferably in higher education and student support. Excellent attention to detail with ability to prioritize and multi‑task in a dynamic and high‑pressure environment. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and develop productive working relationships with multiple constituencies (faculty, students, staff, alumni, parents). Outstanding oral, written, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. Understanding of the organizational and governance structure of a major university. Ability to provide high‑level customer service, tact, and diplomacy when interacting with students, faculty, staff, and peers. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision is required.

Preferred Education and Experience: Master’s degree in student development/affairs, higher education, or counseling with exposure to academic advising or other transferable skills. 2–4 years of professional experience advising undergraduate students. Experience managing academic enterprise software applications such as Colleague, CRM Advise, YouCanBook.Me, SharePoint, Qualtrics preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Standard business hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00am–5:00pm. Occasional weekend or evening work may be required. This position is eligible for a hybrid work modality.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package.

Other Details

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on‑site at the university.

Equity and Diversity

American University is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative‑action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.