Academic Advisor

About the Opportunity

The Academic Advisor for Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies (CPS) reports to the Associate Director of Academic Advising and is responsible for providing comprehensive academic advising services and support for CPS learners in bachelors’ completion and graduate and professional studies programs across the global network.  They ideate, implement and ensure best practices and policies related to CPS student advising services and support to ensure continuous improvement and learner success. The Academic Advisor will partner with an assigned caseload of students to facilitate the development of academic and professional planning that incorporates experiential learning elements and exploration, engagement with networks and communities through an appreciate advising model.  While the Academic Advisor may have primary responsibilities on their assigned campus, they will attend remote meetings and implement projects for specific position responsibilities and needs within Northeastern University, Boston.

60% Academic and Student Support

• Actively manage an active enrolled caseload of students from point of admission through program completion.
• Monitor student progress through adherence to the established communication and contact plan and use of technology to track substantive engagements and reporting
• Connect with students using multiple modalities and in ways tailored to their preferences for communication; provide daily availability for scheduled meeting hours; walk-in hours, etc.
• Engage in effective best practices in academic advising.
• Advocate for students while enforcing institutional policies and regulations
• Communicate regularly with students through various mediums to provide guidance and support in areas related to academics, experiential learning planning and through periods of academic difficulty
• Respond to student inquiries from point of contact to resolution; follow up on referrals.
• Make appropriate referrals to on campus and off campus services as appropriate to student needs
• Actively manage persistence and retention and progress to graduation for advisees in portfolio; proactively monitor and support students in need of academic support or well-being, monitor and support students who become academically inactive and support recovery; reach out to these students to encourage resumption of studies and reinstatement.
• Design and deliver programs (often in collaboration with other teams) to support the unique needs of advisees including workshops, webinars, etc. that enhance and add value to the student experience.

20% Assessment and Data

• Monitor, manage and report on portfolio of advisees using required processes and technology platforms.
• Maintain up-to-date notes and record keeping of each student in Salesforce or Navigate including tracking of student academic progress and outcomes using appropriate University systems.
• Track and report on substantive engagements, student meetings, availability and activities to ensure capacity meets volume.
• Assess, collect and report student data as they pertain to student persistence, retention, graduation rates, and satisfaction.
• Maintain consistency and compliance within ADA, FERPA, SEVIS, and other state, federal, University and College of Professional Studies guidelines.

20% Administration, Academic Program Support, & Professional Development

• Work as a member of the academic advising office to support and provide coverage, as possible and appropriate, for the ongoing operation.
• Process in a timely fashion official paperwork related to students' academic study including changes of major, transfer credit, petitions to amend degree requirements and petitions to graduate.
• Participate in and contribute to the content and delivery of new student orientation
• Stay informed of research and effective practices in academic and student affairs to propose ideas to better serve students.
• Participate as an active member of professional associations related to academic advising and career services.
• Participate in unit or College assessment efforts, including the development of benchmarks for progress.
• Liaise between the student and the University community working collegially with other offices and departments to ensure student service functions are performed in an efficient and consistent manner.

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must hold a master's degree (or equivalent work experience) and have a track record of strong academic and professional performance. Candidates must possess a minimum of 3 to 5 years professional experience, characterized by increasing levels of responsibility, preferably in an academic or student affairs/student services environment or in HR/ corporate recruiting/ or related area; experience in a service or leadership role such as an academic advisor/counselor/ coach/ human resources/client or customer service professional or similar capacity preferred.

The successful candidate will have a passion for educating and supporting students in a higher education environment, professional studies and adult and continuing education environment, demonstrated sensitivity to and empathy with the needs of students (particularly adult learners, international students, and online learners) and knowledge of professional development and career advising practices. Holding professional certifications in related fields will be considered a plus. Having industry knowledge in an in-demand workforce domain, a plus.

Candidates will serve students studying in Boston, Charlotte, Seattle, Silicon Valley, London, Washington DC and online, and may be sought in these locations and nationally.

The successful candidate will have/be:

• Passion for educating and supporting students
• Knowledge of professional development practices
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs and concerns of a diverse student population
• Experience working with adult learners, international students, and online students
• Student-centered and have a strong sense of responsibility for student success
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Strong prioritization, time management, and follow-through skills
• Excellent interpersonal, writing and presentation skills
• Comfortable using multiple mediums to communicate, especially in the online environment
• Embrace a data-informed advising approach with required use of technology for tracking and reporting  confidentiality around complex and sensitive issues to be in compliance with applicable ADA, FERPA, SEVIS, and other applicable state, federal, University, and College of Professional Studies guidelines
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced work environment, with demonstrated ability and comfort to efficaciously handle multiple tasks and projects
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite tools products and Salesforce or equivalent platforms
• Certification (or be willing to obtain such certification) in one or more areas directly related to the work of the position or one's professional field, such as MBTI, career certifications, PMI, APR, etc.
• Flexible in work assignments and work hours to include some evenings and weekends

Preferred Qualifications:

• Industry experience related to one or more programs offered
• Experience in working with international students in an academic advising, academic support, and /or career development context
• Strong technological skills and experience using various software, programs, and tools
• Experience with Salesforce (Customer Relation Management system) and Banner mainframe database system.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.