Professional Academic Advisor

Health, dental, vision, life, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, health savings accounts, Michigan Public School Employees Retirement Systems or TIAA 401(a) 12% employer contribution, TIAA 403(b), generous sick and vacation time, paid holidays, modified summer schedule, YMCA membership, Wellness Program, tuition reimbursement and professional development support.

Department:
Advising

Position type:
Staff

Full‑time, 1.0 FTE

Annual salary range: $44,585 – $55,731

Professional Advisor responsibilities include orienting students regarding admissions, placement testing, registration processes, policies, procedures, resources, and programs; reviewing academic records and placement test results to develop course selections consistent with career goals and degree requirements; and creating term‑by‑term schedules and program outlines. The advisor works closely with faculty advisors to develop academic plans for graduation, transfer, or employment, supports supplemental assistance from other campus departments (Financial Aid, Counseling Services, Accessibility, etc.),

and proactively reaches out to students at risk of not returning each semester to ensure educational goals are met. The advisor also manages students’ academic plans in the Advising Module of the student information system.

• Provide comprehensive academic advising and coaching, engaging students in a proactive, personalized, integrated way.
• Guide students in identifying educational and career goals and selecting programs that align with those goals and program requirements.
• Develop and update academic plans in collaboration with partner faculty and ensure continuous improvement of advising processes.
• Assist students with class scheduling and curriculum requirements, and provide general college advising.
• Target risk and intervene to prevent course failure and program stop‑out, supporting timely and effective interventions to increase retention and completion.
• Advise students who wish to transfer to universities and connect them with resources at their transfer destination.
• Participate in new student orientation and ongoing initiatives to improve student advising and the student experience.
• Act as a contact person for students experiencing academic or personal challenges.
• Other duties as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, leadership or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in customer service, student services or a professional office setting.
• Knowledge and ability to work with a wide range of students.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other collaboration tools.
• Ability to establish good relationships with students, faculty, and the community.
• Reliable transportation.

• Previous experience in academic, holistic, or financial aid advising.
• Strong commitment to student retention.
• Knowledge of student information systems, especially degree audit and advising systems.
• Three years of advising experience, preferably academic advising at a community college.
• Experience with transfer processes and general education requirements.

Work schedule:

Typical working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including a one‑hour lunch break. The role is front‑facing and requires physical presence at the assigned campus.

Travel between the Escanaba and Iron Mountain campuses on a regular basis will be required.

Supervision:
Works under the general supervision of the Director of Transfer and Student Advising.