MnSCU Academic Professional 2 - Academic Advisor

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities•Bloomington, MN

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Academic Advisor at Normandale Community College serves as a member of a professional team providing comprehensive academic and career advising services for students who are clarifying their academic and career interests, preparing for admission to majors, pursuing declared majors, planning for transfer, and changing their academic goals. Academic advisors will be required to participate and lead college and department strategic initiatives designed to eliminate educational equity gaps, improve completion rates for degree seeking students, and develop a more culturally competent, service-oriented institutional culture. This position provides leadership for the department, in collaboration with the Director and Associate Directors, to coordinate and assess programming and activities for assigned student caseloads and general academic programs. This position advocates for students navigating academic and financial obstacles, and helps navigate petitions, appeals and concerns. Academic advisors work collaboratively with student affairs departments, faculty and administration to meet the strategic goals of the department, division and institution. This position will actively advance the college’s strategic goals, including achieving equity in educational outcomes and supporting a culturally responsive and service-oriented culture, through individual and departmental efforts.

Requirements

At least three (3) years of full-time experience working in higher education.
A bachelor's degree may substitute for one (1) year of professional experience and a master's degree for 18 months.
Experience working with post-secondary students or students who are preparing for post-secondary enrollment, including but not limited to: academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, admissions, records/registration, student housing, guidance counseling, or other student support functions.
Excellent communication skills including verbal, written, and interpersonal communication, which may include public speaking and large group presentations.
Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a high-volume setting with a high degree of accuracy, ensuring completeness and correctness in documentation, communication, and data entry.
Knowledge of racial equity and intercultural responsiveness.
Ability to understand and communicate complex ideas and procedures to students, staff, and other stakeholders.
Student‑centered problem‑solving skills, including the ability to assess individual student needs, identify barriers, and determine appropriate solutions or next steps while applying relevant policies, procedures, or program requirements in a supportive, empathetic, and equity‑minded manner.
Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, including the ability to adjust to changing policies, processes, and priorities.
Must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in student affairs, higher education, or related field.
Experience working in academic advising in a college or university.
Experience utilizing multiple types of technology to provide advising and/or caseload management services including student information systems, student success software, communication tools, and data dashboards.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize daily work including complex tasks and projects.
Experience working collaboratively as part of a team.
Fluency in Somali or Spanish.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive academic and career advising services for students.
Participate and lead college and department strategic initiatives to eliminate educational equity gaps and improve completion rates.
Develop a more culturally competent, service-oriented institutional culture.
Coordinate and assess programming and activities for assigned student caseloads and general academic programs.
Advocate for students navigating academic and financial obstacles.
Assist students with petitions, appeals, and concerns.
Collaborate with student affairs departments, faculty, and administration to meet strategic goals.
Actively advance the college’s strategic goals, including achieving equity in educational outcomes and supporting a culturally responsive and service-oriented culture.

Benefits

Low-cost medical insurance
Low-cost dental insurance
Vision insurance
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Generous vacation leave
Generous sick leave
11 paid holidays each year
Employer-paid life insurance
Pre-tax flexible spending accounts
Retirement plans
Tax-deferred compensation plans
Tuition waivers available for employees and eligible dependents
6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
Pension Plan
457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts
Professional development
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling