Online Professional Studies Program Assistant and Academic Advisor

Western; Gunnison (CO); Hybrid; USD 46,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Dependent tuition

Job summary

Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time, remote position of Online Professional Studies Program Assistant and Academic Advisor. The role reports to the Director of Online Professional Studies and collaborates with the Online Professional Studies team to provide administrative and enrollment support for Adult Degree Completion and Western Flexible Learning programs.

The advisor will deliver individualized academic guidance to approximately 75-120 students, help

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with 1–2 years in academic advising or student services.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong skills in communication, organization, and time management, with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate course scheduling and support faculty communication, including creating schedules and syllabi tracking.
• Assist with purchasing and budget tracking, including processing invoices and reconciling expenses.
• Support scholarship processes by tracking awards and coordinating with students and the Foundation.
• Organize program events (e.g., graduation) and manage day‑of coordination.
• Update program materials and digital content, including website and social media, and maintain student records.
• Provide individualized academic advising for ~75–120 students and assist with registration and policy navigation.

Skills

Academic advising

Administrative support

Microsoft Office

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree

1-2 years experience in advising or student services

Tools

Workday

Canvas

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary: Job Description: Position: Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time, remote position of Online Professional Studies Program Assistant and Academic Advisor. The position reports to the Director of Online Professional Studies, works closely with the Online Professional Studies team, and is responsible for providing administrative and operational support to the Online Professional Studies department as well as providing academic advising and enrollment support for new and continuing students in the Adult Degree Completion and Western Flexible Learning programs.

Responsibilities

• coordinating course scheduling and supporting faculty communication, including creating and updating course schedules, payment to faculty, syllabi tracking and faculty support.
• assist with purchasing and budget tracking, including processing invoices and reconciling expenses in accordance with university procedures.
• support scholarship processes by tracking awards, maintaining records, and coordinating communication with students and the Foundation.
• organize and execute program events (e.g., graduation), including logistics, communication, and day‑of coordination.
• maintains and updates program materials and digital content, including website updates and social media and provides general administrative support such as meeting scheduling, note‑taking, data tracking, and maintaining accurate student and program records in university systems.
• provide individualized academic advising support for approximately 75‑120 students, helping to interpret degree requirements, monitor academic progress and provide proactive support and academic success strategies.
• The advisor role assists students with registration and navigating academic policies and systems (e.g. Workday and Canvas) and refers students to appropriate campus resources.
• This position maintains accurate advising records and participates in advising‑related trainings and meetings to support best practices for adult learners.
• perform other related duties as assigned. (Since every duty associated with this position may not be specifically spelled out, employees may be required to perform additional duties considered incidental in the performance of this job.)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 1‑2 years in academic advising, student services or administrative support.
• Must have the ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and maintain confidentiality.
• Must have proficiency with Microsoft Office and have strong communication, organization, and time management skills, as well as attention to detail in managing records, documents, and program logistics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in program operation or administrative support.
• Experience working with adult or non‑traditional student populations.
• Familiarity with systems like Workday and Canvas and have an understanding of academic advising principles and practices, particularly for adult and non‑traditional leaners.
• Familiarity with higher education administrative systems, policies and procedures is preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range is $46,000 - $48,000.
• The position is FLSA exempt.
• Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options.
• After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university. Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight‑knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy in skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross‑country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre‑K‑12 students are served by the highly‑ranked Gunnison Watershed School District.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS

It is the ongoing policy and practice of Western Colorado University to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law.

ADDAA ACCOMMODATIONS: Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at [e-mail] or [phone].

At Western Colorado University our faculty members and staff share a strong commitment to an inclusive and personalized education and take pride in following a set of values that form our vision as a university. Our shared values of courage, growth, inclusivity, integrity and stewardship provide the foundation for our culture and our work. Our faculty and staff are student‑oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. With the Rocky Mountains as our laboratory, Western is a premier public provider of rigorous, immersive education for our undergraduate and graduate students. The curriculum provides professional flexibility where experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches are valued. Employees have chosen Western because of the quality of life combined with rewarding careers.