Advisor - Academics

South Dakota State University; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Tuition reduction

Job summary

South Dakota State University is seeking an Academic Advisor who will support undergraduate students in the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering. The role involves guiding students from orientation through degree completion, explaining degree requirements, and coordinating advising appointments.

The position is located in Brookings, SD, is 12-month, full-time, and benefits-eligible. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree and an ability to travel; a master’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required by start date.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a student-centered environment.
• Effective verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic advising and student support for undergraduate students within the College of Engineering.
• Meet with students at least once per semester to guide course selection and progress toward degree completion.
• Monitor academic performance and identify at-risk students, recommending interventions and tutoring.
• Explain university policies and engineering college requirements to students.
• Maintain advising records, conduct degree audits, and communicate important deadlines.

Skills

Student advising

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

South Dakota State University is seeking an Academic Advisor who is passionate about helping students succeed. In this role, you will be a trusted resource for students as they explore their academic goals, navigate degree requirements, and prepare for graduation. You’ll also play a key role in welcoming new students, creating meaningful first impressions, and sharing the opportunities our programs offer. By connecting with prospective students and supporting current students throughout their journey, you’ll make a lasting impact on their experience at SDState. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

The Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering has a rich history of success in fulfilling its land-grant mission in teaching, research, and outreach. Our thousands of graduates in Engineering, Mathematics, Science, and Technology have helped change the world and improve our quality of life. Our programs emphasize problem-solving, research, and collaboration with industry and government partners. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment and access to cutting-edge resources, while faculty have opportunities to engage in applied research and industry-focused projects that make a real-world impact.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position will provide comprehensive academic advising and student support for undergraduate students within the various programs in the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Advising students on academic planning, career exploration, and graduation requirements to support their success from orientation through degree completion.
• Meeting assigned students at least once a semester to guide them for course selection, prerequisites, and registration to ensure timely progress toward degree completion.
• Monitoring student academic performance, identifying students who may be at academic risk, recommending appropriate interventions, tutoring, academic support services, and success strategies.
• Explaining university policies, academic regulations, and engineering college requirements.
• Assisting students with registration, schedule adjustments, withdrawals, and academic petitions when appropriate.
• Maintaining accurate advising records and documentation and conducting degree audits to verify progress toward graduation.
• Serving as a primary point of contact for undergraduate students and communicating important academic deadlines, policy changes, and program updates.
• Providing proactive outreach to students experiencing academic difficulties and developing strategies to improve retention, persistence, and graduation rates.
• Leading orientation sessions and college events that create a welcoming and engaging experience for new students.
• Connecting with prospective and admitted students through campus visits, outreach, and follow-up communication to support recruitment and retention goals.
• Developing and employing recruitment strategies, including school visits, college fairs, and community engagement, to share opportunities within the college.
• Collaborating with faculty, staff, and external partners to enhance the student experience and strengthen program outreach.

BENEFITS:

• SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave.
• We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays.
• Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.
• Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned bachelor’s degree by the position start date.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with students in a student-centered environment.
• Effective verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• A valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire and a willingness to travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An earned master’s degree in education, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Prior experience in academic advising, or similar role.
• Experience in recruiting undergraduate students.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes August 20, 2026.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact Suzette Burckhard at [e-mail].

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [e-mail]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: [phone]