Professional Academic Advisor, Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics

fhsu; Hays (KS); On-site; USD 31,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Hays State University, Werth College of Science, Technology & Mathematics, invites applications for a Professional Academic Advisor. This full-time, 12-month position provides student-centered academic advising to promote student success, retention, and timely degree completion across disciplines.

The advisor will use holistic advising, collaborate with faculty and staff, and employ data-informed practices to support planning, progression, and graduation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or four years of experience in lieu of degree.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic advising through multiple delivery methods (in person, virtual, phone, email).
• Assist students in developing academic plans for degree completion and career goals.
• Support persistence and timely graduation through advising, advocacy, intervention, and data-informed decision-making.

Skills

Holistic advising

Student success

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Data-informed decisions

Time management

Collaboration

Student development theory

Education

Bachelor's degree

Four years experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Student Information Systems (SIS)

Advising technologies

Data analytics tools

Job description

Department

Werth College of Science, Technology & Mathematics

Job Posting Title

Professional Academic Advisor, Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics

Job Description

The Professional Academic Advisor provides comprehensive, student-centered academic advising that promotes student success, retention, persistence, and timely degree completion. Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and campus partners, the advisor supports students in navigating academic requirements, educational planning, university policies, and available resources. The advisor employs a holistic and developmental advising approach while utilizing student success technologies and data-informed practices to enhance student outcomes.

Enhancement for University Alignment

The Professional Academic Advisor utilizes a holistic, developmental, and student-centered approach to advising that empowers students to make informed decisions, achieve their educational goals, and develop the skills necessary for lifelong learning and career success.

Appointment: Full-Time, 12-Month Position

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or four years of experience in lieu of degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Experience in academic advising, student affairs, higher education, or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of best practices in holistic and developmental academic advising.
• Understanding of student development theory and student success principles.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to actively listen and respond effectively to student needs.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a collaborative team member.
• Proficiency in using student information systems, advising technologies, and data to support student success initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Advising and Student Success

• Provide academic advising through multiple delivery methods, including in-person, virtual, phone, and electronic communication.
• Assist students in developing academic plans that support degree completion and career goals.
• Support student persistence and timely graduation through advising, advocacy, intervention, and data-informed decision-making.
• Monitor student academic progress using reports, alerts, and other student success tools.
• Conduct proactive outreach to students regarding academic standing, registration, retention initiatives, and university resources.
• Promote student engagement and involvement in academic and co-curricular opportunities.
• Assist students with major exploration, academic planning, and navigation of university processes.

Student Support and Advocacy

• Identify student needs and connect students with appropriate campus resources and support services.
• Advocate for student success while maintaining professional boundaries and institutional standards.
• Assist with academic reinstatement and other student success initiatives as appropriate.
• Interpret and communicate university, college, and Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) policies, procedures, and academic regulations.

Collaboration and Campus Engagement

• Advise students across the disciplines and demographic populations represented within the College and University.
• Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and campus partners to support student success initiatives.
• Provide guidance to faculty and administrators regarding curriculum requirements, degree progression, scheduling, and time-to-completion considerations.
• Participate actively in new student orientation programs, retention initiatives, recruitment activities, and college events.
• Contribute to a positive and student-focused advising culture within the College.

Records, Reporting, and Professional Development

• Utilize student success and academic information systems to maintain accurate advising records and documentation.
• Prepare and maintain reports related to advising outcomes, student progress, and retention efforts.
• Maintain current knowledge of university curricula, degree requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and remain informed of emerging trends and best practices in academic advising.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission of the College and University.

Enhancement for University Alignment

The Professional Academic Advisor utilizes a holistic, developmental, and student-centered approach to advising that empowers students to make informed decisions, achieve their educational goals, and develop the skills necessary for lifelong learning and career success.

Salary and Benefits

• Bachelor's degree - $36,000 per year (12-month contract).
• Master'