Academic Advisor I

UMass Global

3d • $21 - $24 • Remote

About The Position

University of Massachusetts Global is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts, created to help working adults change their lives through flexible, high-quality education built for real life. Regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the Best Online Programs for 13 consecutive years (2013–2025), the university has a long track record of online innovation. Students across 49 states and internationally can upskill, reskill, and move forward without putting life on hold through technology-enabled, real-world learning. With 55+fully online, career-focused programs designed around the realities of work, family, and constant change, we remain ever-focused on developing future-ready learners who can thrive in a rapidly shifting world. This position is open to candidates who currently reside in one of the following approved states from which the role may be performed remotely: Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin. Employees must be available for collaboration during core hours from 10am to 3pm (PST). Responsible to advise undergraduate and graduate students regarding program and course requirements. Develop a strong rapport with assigned students, track and report student data and progress, maintain responsibility for student retention, and support the student in persistence through program completion. Communicate and collaborate throughout the university advising community and perform other duties based on department needs. Perform all duties in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures, all US state and federal laws and regulations, wherein the University operates.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 1 to 3 years’ experience with student advising or experience in a service-oriented environment.
• Experience in interpreting and applying academic policies for student degree requirements and academic progress.
• Experience in resolving academic issues that also involve the career and life goals of the student.
• Knowledge of learning needs of individual students based on their skills, abilities, and goals.
• Excellent oral communication and writing skills to communicate clear, concise, and grammatically correct documents, reports, and correspondence.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with diverse constituents.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Required to maintain high level of confidentiality of student records.
• Ability to abide by the ethical standards and guidelines for academic advising.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Demonstrated ability to handle high volume and an ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Computer skills in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, electronic mail, and internet applications.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an educational setting preferred.
• Skill to develop creative and innovative solutions to complex student issues.
• General understanding of curriculum for degree, credential, and certificate programs.
• Working knowledge of General Education and transfer requirements, with demonstrated ability to critically evaluate student records and transcripts.
• Demonstrated knowledge of academic advising theories and principles
• General knowledge of enrollment management and retention best practices and the ability to apply them to an adult learning environment.
• Working knowledge of student information systems as related to student records and advising.
• Experience using virtual meeting platforms
• Working knowledge of and experience in the application of adult learning principles and higher education policies.
• Understanding and ability to apply the competency-based model of academic advising as endorsed by the National Academic Advising Association.

Responsibilities

• Advise undergraduate and graduate students on the development of individual learning outcomes based on their skills, goals, responsibilities, and experiences.
• Encourage and direct students in utilizing web-based resources.
• Maintain and review student records, update student database information, conduct data analysis, and respond to requests for information.
• Analyze and resolve student issues associated with program requirements and course scheduling by interpreting and applying academic policies.
• Acquire and demonstrate content knowledge regarding specific degree, credential, and certificate programs.
• Pursue and demonstrate knowledge of the National Academic Advising Association’s competency-based model of academic advising.
• Support student enrollment efforts through collaboration with university partner offices
• Monitor individual student progress and perform proactive advising outreach to discuss academic issues, program completion, and career goals to support retention while ensuring compliance to standards, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with the university community, including department meetings and departmental committees, to support students’ educational experience resulting in action plans leading to student persistence.
• Prepare program summary analyses, evaluative reports, and recommendations to support retention initiatives.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with spending account options.
• Remote options, flexible schedules, 1/2 day Fridays (biweekly), generous time off, including paid holidays and a paid winter break.
• Life, disability, accident, legal, identity protection, and student debt support.
• 403(b) plan with a Roth option. 3% non-elective contribution and up to 6% match for a 9% total employer contribution!
• Tuition discounts for employees and family and Tuition Exchange program with other universities.
• PSLF eligible employer.
• Counseling services, Free Calm Health subscription and year-round wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

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