Academic Advisor (Resource Navigator)

BRICK Networks • Newark, NJ

1d • $70,000 - $80,000

About The Position

A college degree can be a life-changing ticket to career fulfillment and economic mobility. But for many Gateway U students, working adults, parents, returning citizens, and those navigating systemic barriers, academic success is only one piece of the equation. Gateway U was built to remove those barriers.
As New Jersey’s first hybrid degree pathway site, Gateway U combines flexible, competency-based college programs with high-touch coaching and wraparound support, ensuring students don’t just enroll, but persist, graduate, and thrive. The Academic Advisor (Resource Navigator) plays a critical role in this mission by addressing the non-academic barriers that often prevent students from completing their degrees.
The Specialized Academic Advisor (Resource Navigator) is a dual-role position that blends academic advising with intensive wraparound support coordination. This advisor will manage a caseload of students, ensuring they are progressing academically while also identifying, addressing, and removing life barriers that impact persistence. This role is ideal for someone who understands that: Students don’t drop out because they can’t learn, they stop out because life gets in the way.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience (academic advising, case management, social work, education, workforce development, or similar)
• Experience managing a caseload of students or clients
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Strong assessment and case management skills
• Ability to create and track individualized support plans
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
• Data-driven mindset with strong organizational skills
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and problem-solve in real time
• Comfort with technology platforms and student data systems

Nice To Haves

• Experience connecting individuals to resources and support services strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of students to ensure consistent academic progress
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with students to support persistence and completion
• Monitor daily and weekly student progress data to identify intervention points
• Meet with students (in-person, virtual, or phone) to: Set goals, Review academic projects, Provide feedback and accountability, Support students in navigating the competency-based SNHU model
• Collaborate with the advising team to problem-solve barriers to academic progress
• Analyze trends across caseloads and implement strategies to improve outcomes
• Serve as the primary Resource Navigator for assigned students: Conduct holistic student assessments to identify barriers (housing, childcare, employment, transportation, technology, mental health, etc.)
• Develop individualized student success plans that address both academic and life needs
• Connect students to internal and external resources (public benefits, workforce programs, childcare providers, mental health services, etc.)
• Build and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, service providers, and referral partners across Newark
• Track student progress against their support plans and provide ongoing follow-up and accountability
• Advocate for students navigating complex systems (financial aid, public assistance, re-entry services, etc.)
• Support students through crisis intervention and escalation when needed
• Maintain accurate documentation of services, referrals, and outcomes
• Support daily operations of the student center (study spaces, student engagement)
• Assist with workshops, orientations, and student programming
• Participate in community engagement efforts
• Support recruitment and enrollment as needed
• Take on additional responsibilities aligned with Gateway U’s growth

Benefits

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• 401 K

What This Job Offers

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