Senior Academic Advisor - Students in Transition (2 positions)

Opt For Healthy Living; California (MO); On-site; USD 61,826 - 63,243; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Opt For Healthy Living is seeking a Senior Academic Advisor for Students in Transition to support former students returning to San José State University. The advisor will provide holistic academic advising and success coaching, help with academic goals, and develop programming to enhance student retention. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience. The role offers a salary range between $5,540 and $5,667 per month, including a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience.
• Understanding of university policies and procedures related to graduation.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered service.

Responsibilities

• Provide holistic academic advising and success coaching for students.
• Collaborate with campus partners to support seamless student re-entry.
• Analyze advising data to identify trends and make recommendations.

Skills

Knowledge of student development theories

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Skill in active listening and problem solving

Proficiency in case management tools

Ability to organize and manage multiple projects

Education

Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university

Master's degree in Counseling or related field (preferred)

Tools

EAB Navigate

PeopleSoft

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Senior Academic Advisor - Students in Transition (2 positions)

Job no: 552072
Work type: Staff
Location: San José
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Full Time, Student Services

Under the limited supervision of the Managing Director for the Exploratory Student Success Center, the Senior Academic Advisor supports the enrollment, retention, and graduation of former students returning to San José State University. The position provides holistic academic advising and success coaching to students navigating the process of returning to the university, selecting or changing majors, and re‑engaging with academic life.

The Senior Academic Advisor builds rapport with students to ease their transition back to SJSU, supports persistence through academic and personal challenges, and connects students to appropriate campus resources. The incumbent develops and delivers programming, workshops, and materials designed to promote academic success and belonging, while also employing data‑driven case management strategies to track student progress and implement timely interventions. The Senior Academic Advisor plays a key role in closing equity gaps and improving outcomes for diverse student populations by fostering a supportive, inclusive, and proactive advising environment.

Completion of a background check, including criminal records, is required for employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide holistic academic advising and success coaching for former students returning to SJSU, including those previously disqualified or on academic notice.
• Assist students in creating individualized academic goals and educational plans aligned with university requirements, policies, and career aspirations.
• Guide students in navigating institutional procedures such as reinstatement, petitions, course withdrawals, and major selection.
• Monitor student progress using case management systems (e.g., EAB Navigate), track outcomes, and implement early interventions.
• Collaborate with campus partners including Undergraduate Education, Admissions, Registrar’s Office, and college advising units to support seamless student re‑entry.
• Develop and implement workshops and programming to enhance academic skills (e.g., study strategies, time management, communication with instructors).
• Design and execute communication plans that align with campus deadlines and support cycles to increase student engagement and retention.
• Analyze advising data to identify trends and make recommendations to improve advising processes and student outcomes.
• Participate in student success initiatives, orientation, and events that promote engagement and a sense of belonging among returning and continuing students.
• Identify and refer students experiencing financial, housing, or personal challenges to appropriate support services.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of student development theories, academic advising models, and best practices in student retention and success.
• Understanding of university policies, academic requirements, and procedures related to graduation, reinstatement, and change of major.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with diverse student populations.
• Skill in active listening, problem solving, conflict resolution, and decision making.
• Proficiency in case management tools (e.g., EAB Navigate), PeopleSoft, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive issues with discretion.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and student‑centered service.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with students, staff, faculty, and campus partners.

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 is 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

• Master’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Counseling, Student Affairs, or related area.
• Equivalent of 3 years progressively professional student services work experience.
• Experience working in an advising office/center, preferably a high volume and fast‑paced work environment.
• Experience working with students, staff, faculty and administrators.
• Experience with university and college advising policies and procedures.

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 available programs, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

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.