MLK Academic Advisor

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 47,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Minnesota in Minneapolis invites applications for an Academic Advisor in the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Program (MLK) within CLA Student Success. This in-person role provides holistic, culturally responsive advising to CLA students, supporting academic success, career development, personal well‑being, and a sense of belonging. Advisors work with diverse students, offering individual advising, workshops, and program activities to explore identities, majors, careers, and

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or higher required; master’s degree preferred for higher levels.
• Capacity to articulate the value of a liberal arts education and program requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a professional advising caseload for CLA students.
• Provide individualized, holistic, and culturally responsive advising.
• Lead workshops and programming related to civil rights, social justice, and MLK legacy.
• Assist students with major/minor selection, career exploration, and degree planning.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and committee work.

Skills

Equity & inclusion mindset

Communication skills

Intercultural competence

Independent work

Education

BA/BS degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Web-based advising software

Job description

About the Job

Job Title: Academic Advisor - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Program

Department Name: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Program

This is an in-person, on-campus position advising students in Appleby Hall on the Twin Cities East Bank Campus. Remote work may be available during academic breaks, as determined by the supervisor based on operational needs.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Salary Range depending on candidate's qualifications and experience:

Academic Advisor Level 2: (9702AA): $47,345 – $58,190

Academic Advisor Level 3: (9703AA): $53,993 – $64,453

Academic Advisor Level 4: (9704AA): $59,433 – $78,550

Job Description

Located within CLA Student Success, the Rev. Dr. Martin LutherKing, Jr. Program (MLK) is an opt-in academic advising and student life program that provides a welcoming community for CLA students.

The program offers individualized, holistic, and culturally responsive advising that supports students’ academic success, career development, personal well-being, and sense of belonging.

MLK advisors work with students from diverse and historically excluded communities and support students as they explore their identities, academic interests, and goals. Through individual advising, workshops, and specialized programming, the program helps students navigate their academic journey, connect with majors and career opportunities, and engage with issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, advocacy, and civic engagement.

The MLK Program is one of several academic advising offices within CLA Student Success. Together, these offices support students’ academic progress, connection to the College of Liberal Arts, and preparation for life and careers beyond the University. The MLK Program contributes to this work by fostering an inclusive advising community and helping students develop the knowledge, confidence, and agency to pursue their goals and contribute to a more just and equitable world.

Responsibilities

Academic Advising (Level 2: 80% | Level 3: 75% | Level 4: 70%)

• Maintain a professional advising caseload of CLA students (with a mix of students in all four years of progress, and in a variety of majors/minors)
• Utilize the operative model positioned at the intersection of development and learning, drawing on multiple theoretical perspectives in the professional literature (promising practices in higher education academic advising, identity and social learning development, self-agency, and social responsibility) to provide appropriate challenge and support to each assigned student as needed to facilitate the student’s having a successful academic experience. This includes helping students get progressively more sophisticated in their decision-making about current academic plans and eventual post-graduation plans, including careers. Assist students in assessing program options in relation to their strengths, interests, and abilities.
• Incorporate interpersonal, intercultural, communication, and equity-mindedness skills to build rapport with students to create a productive working relationship between the student and the advisor.
• Demonstrate and advance the value of a liberal arts education. Articulate comprehensive knowledge about the curriculum, academic programs (majors, minors, and certificates), degree requirements, and engagement options (study abroad, service learning, internships, and research). Apply this knowledge and understanding to student interactions with the goal of furthering student success.
• Encourage students’ utilization of the college’s and the university’s academic support and engagement resources to maximize their undergraduate experience.
• Support and engagement resources to maximize their undergraduate experience.
• Conduct timely outreach to students as needs arise, utilizing the college’s electronic alert system. Generate individual student outreach strategies to foster students’ retention and degree progress.
• Conduct analytic review of student records to certify students’ academic standing in relation to academic probation, suspension, and degree completion.
• Uphold the integrity of academic and curricular policies established by the University and the College. To best uphold the integrity of the degree and serve the values these policies are meant to advance, exercise informed judgment to apply exceptions when warranted.
• Be responsive to College and University goals in a dynamic environment, including outcomes related to retention, timely degree completion, support to students in academic difficulty, diversity, equity, inclusion, race equity and social justice initiatives, and participation in key engagement opportunities.

Participation in Programs and Initiatives (Level 2: 15% | Level 3: 15% | Level 4: 15%)

• Level 3: Conduct programs related to civil rights education, social justice education, and programs related to Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.
• Level 3 and 4: Collect, summarize, and evaluate data related to trends and make recommendations for improved student service.
• Level 4: Develop and conduct unit programs, including orientation, recruitment, commencement, workshops, parent programming, and student employment.
• Level 4: Develop and conduct programs related to civil rights education, social justice education, and programs related to Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.
• Serve as an instructor for MLK 1001 & 1002 First Year Experience course.
• Conduct unit programs, including orientation, recruitment, commencement, workshops, parent programming, and student employment.
• Participate in unit, collegiate, and university events i.e., Golden Events for BIPOC students with intersecting identities, and other initiatives, such as review of scholarship applications, prospective student programming, and career and internship events.
• Identify and report on issues that may impede student progress, such as concerns about course availability or lack of appropriate academic programs to match student interests. Suggest recommendations for changes to academic programs, policies, and procedures that would enhance students’ progress and satisfaction.

Service and Engagement in Academic Advising (Level 2: 5% | Level 3: 10% | Level 4: 15%)

• Level 3: Serve on unit, College, or University committees as requested
• Level 4: Lead and serve on unit, College, or University committees as requested
• Stay abreast of current trends and philosophies in academic advising and student support.
• Engage in scholarly or creative activities in the professional relevant areas by one or more of the following: membership in professional associations; attendance at workshops, seminars, and conferences; writing and publishing articles for internal newsletters and professional journals.
• Participate in professional development events and activities in the unit, College, University, and/or broader community.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications for Academic Advisor:

• Level 2: BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant advising work experience, or master’s degree.
• Level 3 (Academic Advisor): BA/BS degree plus at least four years of advising or higher education experience, or master’s degree plus at least two years of relevant experience.
• Level 4 (Senior Advisor): BA/BS degree plus at least five years of relevant academic advising work experience, or master’s degree plus at least three years of academic advising work experience.
• Capacity to articulate the nature and advantages of a liberal arts education
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice

Preferred Qualifications for Academic Advisor:

• Level 3: Master’s degree plus at least two years of relevant experience.
• Level 4: Master’s degree plus at least three years of academic advising work experience at the University of Minnesota.
• Demonstrated background and experience working with students of color, first-generation college students, and students from various diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of leading theories of academic advising and student support development theories
• Familiarity with liberal arts programs and university-wide student support services.
• Additional relevant higher education advising experience or experience working with college students in other capacities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Experience with web-based advising software or other technologies used to support student success

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range:

Academic Advisor Level 2: (9702AA): $47,345 – $58,190; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Academic Advisor Level 3: (9703AA): $53,993 – $64,453; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Academic Advisor Level 4: (9704AA): $59,433 – $78,550; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Priority Application Deadline: 10/14/2026

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and advising philosophy statement for consideration.

This position will remain open until filled.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.