Academic Advisor; HR Advisor

Job Description - Academic Advisor (HR

Title:

Advisor I) (PRO)

Job Description

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

This position serves as an academic advisor for pre-major and declared undergraduate students within Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Simmons School of Education and Human Development and/or Meadows School of the Arts.

In this student-focused role, the advisor provides personalized guidance on academic planning, degree progression, and university resources, helping students achieve their educational goals.

The advisor collaborates closely with college partners and actively contributes to advising initiatives that enhance the student experience and support academic success.

Essential Functions:

Guide students in selection of courses, assist students in major exploration and selection, monitor progress of advisees towards the fulfillment of academic goals and requirements, maintain knowledge of academic programs, regulations, and procedures. Counsel students who need additional support and connect students to campus resources.

Serve on UAC and SMU Committees/working groups. Assist with departmental events. Serve as a resource/liaison to other campus offices and academic departments.

Advisors may be required to work some evenings and weekends during summer Orientation.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s is preferred.

A degree in Communication, Higher Education, K-12 Education, or a related field is preferred.

A minimum of two (2) years of experience is required. Some experience in academic advising, teaching, higher education, and/or counseling is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate with parents and families, students, and team members. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. A strong customer service orientation is essential.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills. Strong project management skills and a focus on attention to detail are essential.

Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel)

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Final date to receive applications:

August 17, 2026.

Priority consideration may be granted to applications received by August 3, 2026.

Candidate must submit a cover letter for full consideration.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.