Academic Advisor - #005189

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition waivers

Paid parental leave

Training and development programs

12 paid holidays

Job summary

Western Carolina University seeks an Academic Advisor to support undergraduate success in Cullowhee, NC. This permanent, full-time position requires comprehensive advising and guidance for students in course selection, academic policies, and career pathways.

The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s Degree in Education or a related field and possess strong communication and counseling skills. Benefits include health insurance, tuition waivers, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree required; relevant experience may substitute.
• Knowledge of career counseling techniques preferred.
• Strong communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive, relationship-based advising.
• Guide course selection and career exploration.
• Maintain accurate advising records and develop materials.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff for student success.
• Teach academic success courses as assigned.

Skills

Relationship-based advising

Counseling techniques

Strong written communication skills

Strong oral communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Master’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work

Tools

Microsoft Office

Banner

Job description

Academic Advisor – #005189

Position Summary

Academic Advisors support undergraduate student success by providing comprehensive, relationship‑based advising that promotes academic progress, personal development, and timely degree completion. Advisors guide students in selecting appropriate courses, exploring majors and career pathways, understanding university academic policies and procedures, and navigating the transition to and through college. Serving as a primary resource for academic information, the Advising Center advances a coordinated, student‑centered advising model in collaboration with campus partners.

Advisors serve as the first point of contact for incoming students—including first‑time, transfer, and re‑entering students—and continue as primary advisors through the completion of 45 credit hours, transitioning to a secondary advising role through 60 credit hours. They provide developmental advising to undeclared students, collaborate with Career Services to support career exploration, and contribute to recruitment efforts by representing the Advising Center. Advisors also teach academic success courses as assigned and maintain strong partnerships across the institution by serving as liaisons to academic departments, working with department heads and associate deans, and supporting faculty and staff through advising‑related workshops and consultation.

In support of institutional goals, advisors work collaboratively to enhance student quality and yield, reduce time to degree, and improve retention and completion rates. They contribute through their knowledge of academic programs and student support services, application of student development theory, and active participation in the continuous improvement of advising practices.

This includes maintaining accurate advising records, assisting with the development and revision of Advising Center processes and materials, participating in assessment and evaluation efforts, and engaging in ongoing professional development. Advisors may also perform other duties as assigned in support of students and the Advising Center.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive, relationship‑based advising to undergraduate students.
• Guide students in selecting appropriate courses, exploring majors and career pathways.
• Help students understand university academic policies and procedures.
• Serve as the primary academic resource for incoming and continuing students.
• Develop and revise advising programs and materials, maintaining accurate records.
• Participate in assessment, evaluation, and continuous improvement of advising practices.
• Teach academic success courses as assigned.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and external partners to support student success.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• For candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities related to the delivery of student advising and counseling or student personnel services, a relevant undergraduate degree and three or more years of relevant experience may be accepted as a substitution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of counseling techniques, including career counseling, is preferred. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Experience with Microsoft Office is preferred; knowledge of Banner is preferred. Additional computer skills are helpful.

Position Details

• Position Type: Permanent Full‑Time
• Number of Hours Per Week: 40
• Number of Months Per Year: 12
• Location: On‑site in Cullowhee, NC (Extensive on‑site presence)
• Exempt Status: Designated as exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA)

Benefits

• Dental, vision, and health insurance plans, with eligibility beginning the first of the month following the date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions, including employer contributions for defined contribution or defined benefit plans.
• Optional disability plans available.
• Tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year.
• Free group exercise classes, discounted membership to the campus recreation center, and free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus.
• Pre‑tax flexible spending accounts.
• 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave per year.
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
• Access to training and development programs, certifications, workshops, and conferences, many offered free of charge.

Background Verification and E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Proper documentation of identity and employability is required at the time of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].