Academic Advisor- Early Childhood

Ivy Tech Community College • Valparaiso, IN

10d • $40,000 - $45,000

About The Position

Provide developmental academic advising for new and continuing students using a case management approach. Assist students in defining personal and educational career goals, interpreting and understanding placement scores, program curriculum, and pre-requisites, and developing basic skills to register for courses, as appropriate Refer students to appropriate internal and external resources that foster student success. Key Responsibilities: Deliver high-quality, student-centered academic advising for assigned caseload Guide students in developing and updating their Individualized Academic Plans Support new student onboarding through orientation and enrollment advising Engage students via in-person, virtual, and digital advising tools Monitor academic progress and implement timely interventions Refer students to internal and external resources to support their holistic development Stay current on academic program offerings, college policies, and key processes Collaborate with financial aid and support service teams to holistically advise students Contribute to orientation, registration events, and advising campaigns Participate in ongoing professional development and college-wide committees Promote practices that enhance the student experience Perform other duties aligned with the scope and purpose of the role The above responsibilities are not to be construed as an exhaustive list. Other duties logically associated with this position may be assigned.

Requirements

• Student Advocacy & Service Orientation Demonstrates approachability, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills to meet student needs and remove barriers to success.
• Developmental Advising Expertise Applies student development and learning theories to guide students in identifying academic and career goals, understanding curriculum pathways, and navigating college systems.
• Digital Literacy & Multiplatform Engagement Utilizes tools such as Canvas, Salesforce, and institutional systems to communicate, track, and support student progress effectively.
• Analytical Advising Interprets placement scores, program requirements, and prerequisite structures to inform individualized planning.
• Process Navigation & Enrollment Readiness Equips students with the knowledge and skills to register for courses and complete pre-semester onboarding steps.
• Retention-Focused Case Management Manages an advising caseload with proactive outreach, monitoring, and timely interventions that foster persistence and degree progression.
• Collaborative Practice Partners with academic and student affairs stakeholders to align advising strategies with institutional support systems.
• Supportive Mindset Creates an advising environment where students from a wide range of backgrounds feel supported and respected.
• Regulatory & Ethical Compliance Maintains accurate records in accordance with FERPA and institutional guidelines.
• Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, counseling, social work, or related fields.
• Minimum of one year of experience in academic advising, admissions, career counseling or related higher education area.
• Excellent communication and time management skills, as well as the ability to demonstrate initiative and working in a team environment.
• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database applications including student records management systems and online social media tools.
• Administrative and organizational skills along with strong customer service attributes are necessary.
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to different paces of work depending on the situation

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in college student personnel, higher education, counseling psychology, or related discipline.
• Minimum of one to two years of relevant experience demonstrating leadership qualities.
• Community College experience or credential.
• A successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to promote an environment that reflects the broad backgrounds represented by our students and employees, and in which every individual feels respected and valued.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, student-centered academic advising for assigned caseload
• Guide students in developing and updating their Individualized Academic Plans
• Support new student onboarding through orientation and enrollment advising
• Engage students via in-person, virtual, and digital advising tools
• Monitor academic progress and implement timely interventions
• Refer students to internal and external resources to support their holistic development
• Stay current on academic program offerings, college policies, and key processes
• Collaborate with financial aid and support service teams to holistically advise students
• Contribute to orientation, registration events, and advising campaigns
• Participate in ongoing professional development and college-wide committees
• Promote practices that enhance the student experience
• Perform other duties aligned with the scope and purpose of the role

Benefits

• No waiting period to enroll in benefits.
• Employer contribution to retirement plan.
• Excellent benefits, including voluntary benefits: medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, spouse/child life insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, identity theft protection, accidental injury and illness, and more!
• Paid time off: vacation, sick, volunteer, bereavement.
• Paid holidays: 9 days plus winter break between December 25th and January 1st.
• Free tuition at any Ivy Tech location for employee, spouse, and qualifying dependents.
• Full time employees qualify for tuition assistance for higher education opportunities.
• Professional Development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level