Academic Advisor

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

10d•$55,000 - $58,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison seeks an enthusiastic professional to join our undergraduate team as an Academic Advisor. This position supports students pursuing the Political Science major, provides academic advising to certificate students, and assists with departmental initiatives as needed. Academic advisors build relationships with students, guide them through their academic experience, and collaborate with faculty and staff to support student success. This role works closely with undergraduate students, faculty, and staff to facilitate and conduct academic advising. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with department members on curricular planning, coordinating and managing student events such as graduation celebrations, student events, and mentoring programs, serving on relevant committees, and partnering with college and university offices to stay current on advising and curricular policies and practices. Advisors also participate in Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) programming to advise prospective and incoming students. This is an on-site, student-facing position; however, advisors may be approved for occasional remote work. Most of the work for this position occurs during normal business hours, with occasional evening events.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with students throughout the workday, including managing multiple individual student meetings and interactions each day while remaining attentive, approachable, and responsive.
Ability to adapt to changing daily needs and priorities, including responding to drop-in advising needs, unexpected student questions, and shifts in scheduled activities while maintaining a high level of service and engagement.
Strong interpersonal skills with genuine enthusiasm for connecting with, assisting, and supporting department priorities.

Nice To Haves

Minimum one year of experience in advising, mentoring, leadership development, or related student support roles Or, or one year of strong customer service.
Experience working with undergraduate students and supporting their academic, personal, or professional development is strongly preferred
Experience planning and coordinating events or programs, and solving problems

Responsibilities

Maintains confidentiality and accurate student records and processes and responds to academic inquiries according to established institutional and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policies
Implements academic advising events such as workshops, panel discussions, and guest speakers
Participates in the campus-wide advising community providing input to leadership regarding the development of advising, recruitment, and co/curricular programs offered by the school/college
Serves as a main point of contact for students and provides information about educational options and academic requirements; assists with identifying and assessing interests, skills, and values to match appropriate field of study/career options, and refers students to appropriate institutional resources
Proactively engages students as needed
Receives, processes, and responds to academic inquiries according to established policies and procedures
Maintains expertise with advised curriculum and may assist in developing and recommending exceptions for policy and curriculum