MnSCU Academic Professional 2 - Academic & Financial Aid Advisor

mnstate.edu; Rosemount (MN); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost insurance and benefits

Pension plan and retirement options

Tuition waivers for you and dependents

Paid holidays and vacation time

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Dakota County Technical College is seeking an Academic & Financial Aid Advisor to provide holistic, student-centered guidance. You will advise on academic planning, course registration, transfer pathways, and financial aid, while collaborating with Inver Hills Community College and other departments.

The role may lead a team, oversee programs, and support at‑risk students with proactive case management to promote persistence and success. Telework and flexible scheduling may be available.

Qualifications

• Two years of full-time professional experience in student support services, academic advising, financial aid, or related role.
• Bachelor’s degree may substitute for 1 year of experience; associate’s degree substitutes for 6 months.
• Understanding of college policies, course planning, and financial aid rules (FAFSA, SAP, scholarships).
• Experience using student information systems or educational technologies (ISRS, D2L, Transferology).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain complex information clearly.
• Commitment to inclusive and supportive environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic advising to prospective and current students in-person or virtually.
• Advise on financial aid and scholarships, ensuring sound administration of programs.
• Proactively support at-risk students through case management and retention efforts.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to share pathway information and train new team members.
• Support enrollment, retention, and student success initiatives and processes.
• Perform other duties supporting student success and institutional goals.

Skills

Academic advising

Student support

Communication

Diversity & inclusion

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ISRS

D2L

Transferology

CRM platforms

Job description

Job Title and Details

Working Title: MnSCU Academic Professional 2 - Academic & Financial Aid Advisor

Institution: Dakota County Technical College

Classification Title: MnSCU Academic Professional 2

Bargaining Unit / Union: 214: Minnesota Association of Professional Employees

City: RosemountInver Grove Heights

FLSA: Non Job Exempt Full Time / Part Time: Full time

Employment Condition: Unclassified - Unlimited

Academic Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91

Job Description

As part of a collaborative advising team, this position provides holistic, student-centered support through a proactive, case-management approach. The Academic and Financial Aid Advisor offers timely and accurate guidance on academic planning, course registration, transfer pathways, financial aid, college policies, and student resources to promote persistence and success. This role may serve as a team lead, oversee specific programs of study, and support designated student populations. The advisor collaborates closely with Student Affairs, faculty, and academic departments at Inver Hills Community College and Dakota County Technical College to align advising efforts with institutional goals and ensure comprehensive student support.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic advising services to prospective, current, and returning students in-person, virtually and during drop hours.
• Provide financial aid advising assisting with the sound administration of the federal and state aid programs as well as college scholarship programs.
• Provide proactive advising and case management to assigned at-risk students to support retention and persistence.
• Collaborate with college stakeholders to share essential Pathway/program information and actively support the ongoing training and onboarding of new team members.
• Support college-wide enrollment, retention, and student success initiatives and processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned related to student success, quality improvement, student affairs initiatives, strategic planning for the advancement of the mission, vision, and values of the College.

Salary

Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91/Hour; $54,539 - $79,156 /Annually

Minimum Qualifications

• At least two years of full-time professional experience in student support services, academic advising, financial aid, or a related role within higher education or nonprofit setting.
• A bachelor’s degree may substitute for 1 year of professional experience, an associate's degree may substitute for 6 months experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of college academic policies, course planning, and/or financial aid regulations (e.g., FAFSA, SAP, scholarships, grants).
• Experience using student information systems, CRM platforms, or educational technologies (e.g., ISRS, D2L, Transferology, or similar systems).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience working with diverse populations and a demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualification

• Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education or related field.
• Previous experience in academic advising.
• Previous experience in financial advising.
• Previous experience in a community or technical college setting.
• Previous experience in a Minnesota State College or University.

Additional Requirements

In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State's vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Some evening hours required.

Telework

May be eligible for one day of telework per week, based upon the need of the department.

Benefits

• low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option.
• employee assistance program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling.
• 12 paid holidays
• generous vacation and sick time
• six weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
• a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options.
• professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents.

Contact

Contact: If you have questions about this position or are in need of a reasonable accommodation during this search process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or at 651-423-8411.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are a proud equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and we seek applicants with deep connections to the cultural communities to which our students belong. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Application Deadline

Desired Start Date: 09-10-2026 Position End Date: Open Date: 08-31-2026 Close Date: 09-10-2026

Posting Contact

Posting Contact Name: Julia Glenn Posting Contact Email: [e-mail]

About

About: Dakota County Technical College is focused on outstanding education for employment that emphasizes hands-on learning, serving students with a wide variety of diploma and degree programs. Many graduates enter the workforce right away, while others continue their education by transferring to four-year colleges or universities. DCTC is also a leader in noncredit and customized training, working with businesses to improve the skills of their employees. DCTC serves the local community by enhancing economic prosperity for students, their families, and regional businesses. DCTC is aligned with Inver Hills Community College. Located nine miles apart, Inver Hills offers a broad range of liberal arts and professional programs that complement programs at DCTC. Both Dakota County Technical College and Inver Hills Community College are recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon employers offering support for veteran and military employees and students. Inver Hills Community College is an accredited 2-year college in the Southeast suburbs of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota. We offer nearly 40 programs and hundreds of classes for students of all ages and backgrounds. At Inver Hills, we are dedicated to advancing the power and promise of education. This vision guides our daily work and captures the spirit of our campus. Through career exploration and professional preparation, our graduates leave Inver Hills fully prepared to launch their careers or pursue further education at a four-year institution.