Academic Success Advisor or Senior Academic Success Advisor

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking an Academic Success Advisor or Senior Academic Success Advisor in Amherst, MA. The role provides comprehensive advising for undeclared and exploratory-track undergraduates, coordinates programs to promote student success, and supports first-year and at-risk students with 4+1 pathways into graduate study.

The position emphasizes collaboration with departmental advisors, campus partners, and SPHHS leadership, and requires strong communication,

Qualifications

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a large, fast-paced, and culturally diverse environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately manage sensitive student information.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic advising to incoming first-year, transfer, undeclared, exploratory track, and continuing undergraduate students across SPHHS programs.
• Assist students with academic planning, registration, interpretation of major and university requirements, major exploration, course selection, goal setting, and academic recovery planning.
• Collaborate with departmental advisors, campus partners, and SPHHS leadership to support advising initiatives, student engagement activities, recruitment programs, and student success efforts.
• Co-plan and implement recruitment and transition programs, including Open Houses, Destination Days, and New Student Orientation.
• Respond to parent and family inquiries in accordance with FERPA regulations.
• Maintain current knowledge of university policies, procedures, and initiatives affecting advising and student success.
• Facilitate referrals and coordinate support for students through campus resources and support services.
• Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and student-centered environment that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Collaborate with leadership on program administration and student success initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Confidentiality

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Title: Academic Success Advisor or Senior Academic Success Advisor

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Public Health/ Health Sciences

Department: Dean - Pub Health & Health Sci

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Director of Advising and Academic Success in the School of Public Health & Health Sciences (SPHHS), this school level position provides comprehensive advising for university undeclared and exploratory track students; implements and coordinates programs and services to promote the academic success of undergraduate at-risk students; works closely with departmental advisors with particular emphasis on first-year and at-risk students; provides 4+1 advising for undergraduate students moving into graduate study; and is responsive to the needs of a large number of highly diverse students.

Essential Functions

Academic Success Advisor

• Provide comprehensive academic advising to incoming first-year, transfer, undeclared, exploratory track, and continuing undergraduate students across SPHHS programs.
• Assist students with academic planning, registration, interpretation of major and university requirements, major exploration, course selection, goal setting, and academic recovery planning.
• Collaborate with departmental advisors, campus partners, and SPHHS leadership to support advising initiatives, student engagement activities, recruitment programs, and student success efforts.
• Co-plan and implement recruitment and transition programs, including Open Houses, Destination Days, and New Student Orientation.
• Respond to parent and family inquiries in accordance with FERPA regulations.
• Maintain current knowledge of university policies, procedures, and initiatives affecting advising and student success.
• Facilitate referrals and coordinate support for students through campus resources, including the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH), Disability Services, Learning Resource Center, Registrar's Office, Dean of Students Office, and other support services.
• Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and student-centered environment that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Academic Success and Career Planning and the Director of Advising and Academic Success on program administration and student success initiatives.

Senior Academic Success Advisor

• In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the Senior Academic Success Advisor will:
• Guide prospective and current students interested in SPHHS 4+1 accelerated master's degree programs.
• Conduct targeted outreach and provide support for students experiencing academic difficulty, including those on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, or returning from Suspension.
• Develop and implement proactive intervention strategies that support student retention, persistence, and academic success.
• Create and maintain advising resources that assist students with academic planning, decision-making, and career exploration.

Other Functions

• Participate in departmental, school, and university initiatives as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Academic Success Advisor

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a large, fast-paced, and culturally diverse environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately manage sensitive student information.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree.

Senior Academic Success Advisor

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in academic advising, counseling, student support, higher education administration, or related student-facing roles.
• Demonstrated experience supporting students experiencing academic difficulty or navigating complex academic situations.

Preferred Qualifications

Academic Success Advisor

• Demonstrated ability to identify students in need of additional support and provide effective intervention, referral, and follow-up services.

Senior Academic Success Advisor

• Experience working with diverse student populations in a higher education setting.
• Familiarity with university advising systems, student success initiatives, and academic support services.

Additional Details

• Reports to the Director of Advising and Academic Success within SPHHS.
• May supervise up to three (3) student employees.
• This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday through Friday

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: Academic Advisor: PSSAP Grade 25 or Senior Academic Advisor: PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.