Graduate Advisor

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech in Blacksburg is seeking a Graduate Advisor to support master’s programs in Mechanical Engineering. The role involves advising master's level students and coordinating program activities. Candidates should possess a Master's degree in a relevant field and experience in higher education advising. Proficiency with toolsets like Banner and Salesforce is preferred. The position offers a salary of $50,000 commensurate with experience and requires a commitment of 40 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Bachelor's with significant related experience required.
• Experience in academic program coordination or advising in higher education needed.
• Competency with technology tools like Canva, SharePoint necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate advising services for master's students.
• Maintain program resource documents and assist with recruitment.
• Coordinate special events related to graduate programs.

Skills

Advising in higher education

Technology proficiency

Academic program coordination

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Banner

Salesforce

Qualtrics

Canvas

Job description

Job Description

The Graduate Advisor is a member of a student support team that works closely with faculty, staff, and students, functioning both independently as the lead for master’s programs and as a team member supporting other priorities. This position will work with master’s level students in the Department of Mechanical Engineering with special emphasis on accelerated student advising. The advisor will provide accurate, timely advising services related to degree requirements, satisfactory academic progress, and academic course options for master’s students through individual and group advising sessions offered in‑person and online. Duties will include maintaining program resource documents, assisting the Graduate Director with recruitment and retention activities, program assessment, student and program data management, coordination of special events, and other duties as assigned. The Graduate Advisor will also work closely with the Undergraduate Advisors to collaborate and coordinate on aspects of the undergraduate and graduate programs that overlap.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university; or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field and significant related experience.
• Academic program coordination, advising, and/or student affairs experience in a higher education setting.
• Competency with technology tools (word processing, file and database management, basic website maintenance, visual communications such as Canva, SharePoint, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with student information systems (Banner, etc.) or customer relationship management systems (Slate, Salesforce, etc.).
• Experience creating and analyzing surveys or qualitative data, and using survey instruments (Qualtrics, etc.).
• Experience administering a learning management system (Canvas, Blackboard, etc.).

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$50,000 - Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

May 18, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

EEO Statement

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Amanda Collins at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.