Academic Advisor - Higher Education

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid role

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting an Academic Advisor for a respected university in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on guiding students through degree planning, course selection, and career exploration, ensuring alignment with academic policies and student development.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, or related field with at least 3 years of advising experience, and demonstrates strong communication, empathy, and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Student Affairs, or related field required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in academic advising or student support in higher education.
• Strong knowledge of university policies, curriculum structures, and degree requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to listen actively and show empathy.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic advising on degree requirements and course selection for undergraduates.
• Help students develop educational plans aligned with career goals and personal objectives.
• Monitor progress and identify students needing extra support.
• Refer students to tutoring, counseling, and career services as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Active listening

Empathy

Caseload management

Education

Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Student Affairs, or related field

Tools

SIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected university in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape , is seeking a dedicated and empathetic Academic Advisor to guide students through their higher education journey. This role is crucial in supporting student success by providing personalized academic planning, course selection assistance, and career exploration resources. The Academic Advisor will work closely with students to understand their academic goals, address challenges, and connect them with relevant campus resources. This position requires a strong understanding of university policies, academic programs, and student development theories, contributing to a vibrant and supportive campus community in Port Elizabeth .

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic advising to undergraduate students regarding degree requirements, course selection, and academic planning.
• Assist students in developing educational plans that align with their career aspirations and personal goals.
• Monitor student academic progress and proactively identify students who may need additional support.
• Refer students to appropriate campus resources such as tutoring services, counseling, and career services.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records using the university's student information system.
• Stay current with university policies, procedures, and academic program updates.
• Conduct workshops and information sessions on topics such as academic success strategies, course registration, and career planning.
• Serve as a liaison between students, faculty, and university administration.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of advising programs and initiatives.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Student Affairs, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in academic advising or student support services within a higher education setting.
• Strong knowledge of university academic policies, curriculum structures, and degree requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in using student information systems (SIS) and other relevant technology.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to student success.
• Ability to manage multiple caseloads and prioritize effectively.
• Experience in developing and delivering student workshops.
• Understanding of student development theories and their application in advising practice.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• This hybrid role provides a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing for a more adaptable work-life balance.
• Employees benefit from opportunities for professional development, including workshops, conferences, and further education support.
• Join a dedicated team committed to empowering students in their academic and personal growth in the beautiful coastal city of Port Elizabeth.