Academic Retention Advisor

The Academic Retention Advisors collaborate with faculty and institutional partners at all GSCC campus locations to improve student retention and success. Academic Retention Advisors develop and implement programs to address the needs of at-risk and low-achieving students. The Academic Retention Advisor selects instruments and administers assessments of student learning and student engagement. In addition, Academic Retention Advisors provide assistance and support for student service areas and faculty advisors.

• Connect at-risk, early alert, and developmental education students with appropriate services; collaborate with other support services such as the Cardinal Tutoring Center, Student Support Services, and the Teaching and Learning Center to provide academic support
• Provide academic advising focused on at-risk students and students who do not select an educational pathway at the time of enrollment; advise, monitor, and mentor developmental education students
• Inform and, if necessary, refer students to other institutional or external resources when academic, attitudinal, attendance, or other personal problems require intervention
• Assist students with university transfer including course advisement, admission information, scholarship information, and completion
• Collect and analyze data relevant to enrollment and retention outcomes; evaluate overall program effectiveness
• Assist in developing, implementing, and assessing student engagement activities related to retention, persistence, and degree or credential completion
• Assist in developing, implementing, and delivering programs to address stop out/dropout students to encourage their return to Gadsden State
• Assist in the development, implementation, and delivery of academic information/advisor training sessions for faculty, Campus Directors, Student Services personnel, and all other staff affiliated with student advising
• Assist new and continuing students in clarifying personal, academic, and career goals
• Prepare reports, materials, and formal presentations for the department and meet all goals/objectives and timelines
• Assist with pre-college orientation and teach ORI 101 sections as needed
• Comply with all policies of the Alabama Community College System and the College
• Perform other duties as assigned

Note:

The intent of this description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of positions given this title and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments. Specific job-related duties assigned by hiring departments shall be consistent with the representative essential functions listed above and shall not be construed as expanding a particular position’s role, scope, FLSA status, or grade.

• Master’s Degree or higher-level degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Student Personnel, Education, or other related field from an approved U.S. Department of Education accredited institution required
• Minimum of two years of experience in student academic advising, counseling, guidance, or closely related area required

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement programs that facilitate student success, retention, and program completion
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and to supporting the academic success of all students
• Ability to travel between campus locations
• A commitment to the teaching-learning process of the community college and the open-door admission process
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours
• Ability to work well with others, collaborate effectively in a team environment

September 2026

Salary Schedule C3-7, ($46,800 - $70,304) Based on the  Local Salary Schedules

August 20, 2026– 4:00 P.M.

Gadsden State Community College is an equal opportunity employer. It is the official policy of the Alabama Community College System, including postsecondary institutions under the control of the Board of Trustees, that no person in Alabama shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, or other classification protected by Federal or State law, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity or employment.

Gadsenden State will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants or employees. More than one position in the same job classification may be filled from the applicants for this position should another vacancy occur during the search process. The College reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to the awarding. Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background investigation.

This employer participates in E-Verify.