Senior Academic Advisor & Student Success Coach

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Pretoria Higher Education Institution in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA is seeking a Senior Academic Advisor and Student Success Coach to guide students through their academic journeys and improve retention. You will provide counseling, intervention strategies, and support services aimed at enhancing student achievement, partnering with faculty and student services to create a cohesive support network.

The role requires a Master’s degree and at least five years in academic advising, with strong

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Student Affairs, Psychology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in academic advising, student counseling, or student success roles within a university setting.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing student success initiatives and retention strategies.
• Strong knowledge of university academic structures, policies, and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills, with the ability to build rapport with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex caseloads and respond effectively to student needs.
• Experience in facilitating group workshops and delivering presentations.
• Proficiency in student information systems and advising software.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert academic advising to a diverse student population, covering course selection, degree planning, and academic policies.
• Develop and implement proactive strategies to support student retention, engagement, and overall success.
• Conduct regular one-on-one coaching sessions with students to identify challenges, set goals, and monitor progress.
• Intervene early with students identified as at-risk, offering tailored support and connecting them with relevant campus resources.
• Assist students in navigating university systems, understanding academic requirements, and exploring career pathways.
• Facilitate workshops and information sessions on topics such as study skills, time management, and career exploration.
• Collaborate with faculty, department heads, and other student support services to create a cohesive support network.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records and track progress towards academic goals.
• Stay informed about current trends in higher education, student development, and academic advising best practices.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Active listening

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Higher Education Administration/related field

Tools

Student information systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished higher education institution located in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA , is searching for a dedicated Senior Academic Advisor and Student Success Coach. This critical role focuses on guiding students through their academic journeys, fostering their development, and ensuring their successful completion of programs. You will be responsible for providing comprehensive academic counseling, proactive intervention strategies, and support services aimed at enhancing student retention and achievement. The ideal candidate possesses a deep commitment to student welfare, excellent interpersonal skills, and a strong understanding of academic policies and student development theories. This is an excellent opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of students within a reputable academic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert academic advising to a diverse student population, covering course selection, degree planning, and academic policies.
• Develop and implement proactive strategies to support student retention, engagement, and overall success.
• Conduct regular one-on-one coaching sessions with students to identify challenges, set goals, and monitor progress.
• Intervene early with students identified as at-risk, offering tailored support and connecting them with relevant campus resources.
• Assist students in navigating university systems, understanding academic requirements, and exploring career pathways.
• Facilitate workshops and information sessions on topics such as study skills, time management, and career exploration.
• Collaborate with faculty, department heads, and other student support services to create a cohesive support network.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records and track progress towards academic goals.
• Stay informed about current trends in higher education, student development, and academic advising best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Student Affairs, Psychology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in academic advising, student counseling, or student success roles within a university setting.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing student success initiatives and retention strategies.
• Strong knowledge of university academic structures, policies, and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills, with the ability to build rapport with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex caseloads and respond effectively to student needs.
• Experience in facilitating group workshops and delivering presentations.
• Proficiency in student information systems and advising software.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary of ZAR per annum. Our client provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and generous annual leave. Opportunities for professional development and further education are encouraged. Joining our client means becoming part of a supportive and dedicated team committed to student success in Pretoria .