Academic Advisor (FT)

Mercer County Community College; West Windsor (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition waivers

Job summary

Mercer County Community College seeks an experienced academic advisor to support matriculating students from enrollment through graduation. You will guide students in majors with professional pathways and coordinate transfer-focused workshops and enrichment activities.

The role emphasizes mentorship, collaboration with faculty and campus partners, and outreach to diverse student populations while contributing to retention efforts and student success initiatives.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of student information systems and advising technologies.
• Experience with college advising practices and diverse student populations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic, career, and transfer advising to a caseload of matriculating students.
• Coordinate and participate in transfer readiness, leadership development, and career exploration workshops.
• Develop and coordinate programming to support transfer to four-year institutions, including EOF programs, honors colleges, and selective universities.

Skills

Student information systems

Advising knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

Colleague

Student Planner

Self-Service

CRM Advise

CRM Recruit

Job description

If you're exploring new career opportunities or seeking a dynamic and supportive work environment, consider Mercer County Community College (MCCC). As a publicly supported institution committed to open access and student success, MCCC strives to attract, retain, and support a highly skilled and collaborative workforce—our most valuable asset.

At Mercer, campus culture and belonging are celebrated, and our sense of community is deeply rooted in both our mission and daily practices. With two distinct campuses—the James Kerney Campus in the heart of Trenton and our expansive 292-acre West Windsor Campus just six miles away—MCCC offers the benefits of a robust institution with the close‑knit feel of a true community.

In addition to meaningful work and a supportive culture, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes credit course tuition waivers for themselves, their spouses, and dependents—making higher education more accessible for the whole family. With 69 degree programs and 35 credit certificate options, there are countless ways to grow with us—both personally and professionally.

JOB DUTIES

• Provide comprehensive academic, career, and transfer advising to an assigned caseload of matriculating students, supporting progression from enrollment through graduation.
• Guide students in majors with a professional phase by monitoring prerequisites, GPA requirements, entrance exams, and application timelines.
• Design, implement, and assess workshops and enrichment programming focused on transfer readiness, leadership development, scholarship attainment, career exploration, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Develop and coordinate programming that supports successful transfer to four-year institutions, including EOF programs, HBCUs, honors colleges, and selective universities.
• Serve as a consistent mentor to students, providing guidance related to academic success, personal development, and life skills.
• Collaborate with faculty, Student Affairs, and campus partners (e.g., Honors, Career Services, Transfer Services, EOF) to enhance student engagement and access to resources.
• Coordinate and participate in recruitment, advising, and student success events such as Transfer Fairs, Career Fairs, Advising Days, and orientation programs.
• Provide comprehensive academic, career, and transfer advising to an assigned caseload of matriculating students, supporting progression from enrollment through graduation.
• Assist with the coordination of advising operations and provide administrative support to the Director as needed.
• Participate in institutional initiatives, committees, and professional development activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned students, providing ongoing advising and support from registration through graduation.
• Maintain accurate student records, track academic progress, and ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations, including FERPA and ADA.
• Advise students on academic standing, including probation and SAP requirements, and develop individualized academic success plans.
• Develop and implement communication and outreach strategies to support student retention, engagement, and program participation.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and assessment of program goals, retention initiatives, and student success strategies.
• Collect, analyze, and report on student data to support program evaluation, compliance, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Coordinate training and provide guidance to faculty and staff involved in academic advising processes.
• Strengthen partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to expand student opportunities and resources.
• Support initiatives that promote access, equity, and inclusion, including targeted outreach to diverse student populations.
• Refer students to appropriate academic and support resources, including faculty office hours, tutoring services, and student support centers.
• Assist with pre-advising, summer bridge/success programs, and new student orientation activities.
• Participate in academic ceremonies, including convocations and graduation events.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises part-time staff and work study.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and attendance at college events (e.g., graduation, award ceremonies, and other institutional functions).

ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Positions in this class typically require the ability to use a key board, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work:

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or an egligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated knowledge of student information systems and advising technologies, including Colleague, Student Planner, Self-Service, CRM Advise, and CRM Recruit.
• Working knowledge of higher education practices, including academic advising models, student development theory, and the needs of diverse student populations.
• Knowledge of current trends, research, and best practices in academic advising, student success, and retention strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, establish benchmarks, and support student success initiatives.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage students, faculty, and leadership.
• Ability to present information clearly and respond to questions from various stakeholders, including faculty, Deans, and senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training, workshops, and presentations in both individual and group settings.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and report on student data to support program evaluation, accreditation, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Proficiency in using technology and the ability to quickly learn and apply new systems and tools.
• Ability to create outreach and promotional materials; experience with basic graphic design tools preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive student information.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors Degree in a related field from an accredited institution in a related field.
• Experience working with diverse and non-traditional student populations.
• Two to four (2 – 4) years of experience advising students in a college environment.
• Strong knowledge of student information systems (Colleague, CRM Recruit, Self Service).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• Masters Degree from an accredited institution in a related field.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) proficiency.
• Three to five (3–5) years of experience in a community college setting.
• Demonstrated experience in program development, tutoring support, and student success initiatives.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Adaptability

Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.

Building Trust

Interacting with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization.

Customer Focus

Making customers and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive customer relationships.

Decision Making

Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.

Gaining Commitment

Using appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one’s own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations, and individuals involved.

Communication

Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.

Contributing to Team Success

Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.

Diversity & Inclusion

Working with situations involving different cultures/languages and responding to the ambiguity of unexpected/unfamiliar approaches.

Formal Presentation

Presenting ideas effectively to individuals or groups when given time to prepare; delivering presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience.

Managing Conflict

Dealing effectively with others in an antagonistic situation; using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people.

Mercer County Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, religion, age, disability, handicap or other legally protected status in its provision of employment, education, and activities, or other services. Mercer County Community College is an EEO/AAP Employer/Protected Veteran/Disabled.

Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature and key features performed by various positions that share the same job classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of all employees assigned to the job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or re-assign duties to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodations or other business reasons.