Academic Counselor

American University; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC invites applications for an academic counselor in the School of Public Affairs. The role advises graduate and BA/MA students on degree requirements and course selection, monitors progress, and supports program directors and recruitment efforts.

The incumbent coordinates orientation activities, reviews applications, and participates in degree audits. A Bachelor's degree is required; a Master’s is preferred, with 3–5 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal communication and problem‑solving skills with appreciation for diverse perspectives.
• Excellent attention to detail with demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to develop productive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others.
• Experience guiding students through degree programs, policy, admissions, and scheduling processes.

Responsibilities

• Advise prospective graduate and BA/MA students on degree requirements and course selection.
• Coordinate recruitment, orientation, and conversion activities for new students.
• Review applications for graduate and BA/MA programs and provide recommendations.
• Assist with degree audits, course scheduling, and other advising processes as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Independent work

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree (preferred) in advising/counseling

Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American UniversityDepartment:School of Public AffairsTime Type:Full timeJob Type:CasualFLSA Status:ExemptWork Modality:Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)Union:SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment DivisionThis position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.Job Description:Summary:This position serves as academic counselor for graduate students in the School of Public Affairs. Academic advisees may include students in one of several graduate programs or in combined BA/MA programs, other combined programs (such as the JD/MA or LLM/MA), joint degree, dual degree, and certificate programs, as well as non-degree students. The individual in this position provides quality academic support services to new and continuing students regarding their academic, professional, and career goals. The individual may also advise and counsel undergraduate students interested in pursuing a combined BA/MA program prior to their completing their BA.The individual in this position provides guidance on academic progress and other issues that affect academic performance, monitoring student progress. The individual coordinates closely with and supports Graduate Program Directors and Department Chairs on matters related to degree programs including policy, recruitment, admissions, course scheduling, student issues, etc. The individual reviews all applications for assigned prospective students applying to graduate degree programs, including combined BA/MA programs. The individual participates in campus activities related to the recruitment, conversion, and retention of these students. The individual represents SPA counselors on university-wide committees and working groups as assigned by the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the Director of Graduate Advising.Essential Functions:1.) Academic Advising and Academic ReviewAdvises prospective graduate students, and undergraduate students interested in BA/MA programs, about meeting degree requirements; assists new and continuing students with course selection and registration; addresses issues that affect academic performance; makes appropriate referrals to and works with other university student services offices as needed; communicates with faculty and program directors regarding students in academic distress or facing other issues. Monitors and evaluates each student’s academic progress throughout the year; provides updated advising worksheets each semester to all students and maintains advising worksheet files in designated platform; maintains and regularly updates other elements of each student file; assists students with the resolution of problems that arise after periodic degree audits, changes of major, graduation and other issues related to graduate academic affairs; conducts degree clearance for graduating students. Includes working with undergraduate students applying for BA/MA degrees to include reconciling joint undergraduate and graduate course credits in conjunction with undergraduate counselors. Provides recommendations and solutions to streamline advising processes to improve students’ academic performance and increase student success and graduation.2.) Recruitment and Orientation Activities for New StudentsMeets with prospective students. Participates in on-campus and virtual recruitment and conversion events. Attends orientation activities for new students.3.) Application ReviewReviews applications for graduate and BA/MA programs and provides a recommendation to the program director.4.) Other Duties as AssignedPerforms other duties as assigned by the Senior Associate Dean, Director of Graduate Advising, and Graduate Program Directors. Provides office coverage on in-office days such as responding to walk-in students or applicant questions. Assists with ad hoc projects related to support of students and constituents.Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:Full-time.35 hours per week.Hybrid 1 work modality (3 - 4 days per week on campus).This position assists students during commencement activities and other special student events as required.Salary Range:$61,000.00 - $65,000.00 annually.Required Education and Experience:Bachelor's degree.3 - 5 years of relevant experience required.Preferred Education and Experience:Master’s degree with study of academic advising, counseling, student development or other relevant academic educational fields preferred.Additional Eligibility Qualifications:Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills with appreciation for diverse perspectives.Excellent attention to detail with demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask in fast-paced, high-pressure environment.Demonstrated ability to develop productive working relationships with multiple constituencies (students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others raising questions regarding programs in the department).Demonstrated understanding of a university environment including the organizational, governance, and regulatory structure of major colleges and universities.Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.BenefitsAU offers a competitive benefits package.Other DetailsHiring 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.Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.American University is an E-Verify employer.Current American University EmployeesAmerican University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.Contact UsFor more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [e-mail] 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.