Senior Academic Advisor - 7 Positions

San José State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 61,826 - 63,243; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

San José State University is seeking a Senior Academic Advisor to enhance student success through effective advising at the Jack Holland Student Success Center. The role involves supporting upper-division undergraduate students in their academic journey by providing personalized coaching and intervention strategies.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field, at least three years of relevant experience, and strong skills in academic advising, communication, and problem-solving. This full-time position offers an anticipated hiring range of $5,540 to $5,667 per month, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Graduate from a four-year college or university in a related field.
• Three years of progressive student services work experience.
• Master's or doctorate degree may substitute for experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic advising and success coaching.
• Develop individualized academic plans for students.
• Monitor student progress and implement interventions.

Skills

Academic advising best practices

Strong counseling and advising skills

Effective communication

Organizational and time management skills

Understanding university policies

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree in Counseling or related field

Tools

PeopleSoft

EAB Navigate

Job description

Job no: 557502

Work type: Staff

Location: San José

Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Probationary, Full Time, Student Services

Senior Academic Advisor

The Senior Academic Advisor supports the enrollment, retention, engagement, and graduation of upper-division undergraduate students within the Jack Holland Student Success Center. Working under limited supervision, the role provides holistic academic advising, success coaching, and targeted interventions to help students navigate academic requirements and institutional processes. This position plays a key role in fostering student success through relationship‑building, program development, and proactive outreach. The advisor independently manages a student caseload while contributing to broader student success initiatives and institutional goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic advising and success coaching to upper‑division students using a case management approach
• Develop individualized academic plans and guide students in understanding degree requirements, policies, and procedures
• Monitor student progress using data tools and implement timely interventions to support retention and completion
• Design and deliver workshops, programs, and resources that promote academic success and student engagement
• Build strong relationships with students to support transition, persistence, and connection to the university community
• Advise students on navigating institutional processes, including petitions, schedule changes, and academic standing issues
• Connect students to appropriate campus resources and advocate for their academic and personal needs
• Develop and execute communication strategies aligned with academic milestones, deadlines, and student needs
• Participate in orientation, campus events, and student success initiatives to reduce equity gaps
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and campus partners to enhance student support services

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of academic advising best practices, student development theory, and retention strategies
• Understanding of university policies, degree requirements, and higher education systems
• Strong counseling and advising skills, including problem‑solving, conflict resolution, and decision‑making
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with diverse audiences
• Ability to build rapport and establish trust with students from varied backgrounds
• Proficiency in student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, EAB Navigate) and productivity tools
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to interpret complex policies and communicate them clearly and accurately
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student‑centered practices
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team environment

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from a four‑year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution, where such are job‑related
• Three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience.
• A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience.
• A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in educational counseling or a related field
• Experience providing academic advising or student support services to college students in a post‑secondary institution
• Experience utilizing advising, case management, or intervention strategies to support student academic progress
• Experience coordinating programs, initiatives, or projects within a college or university setting

Compensation

Classification: Student Services Professional III

Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,540 /month - $5,667/month

CSU Salary Range: $5,540/month - $7,893/month

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Employment Terms

• Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.
• Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background.
• SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.