Advising Specialist, Advising & Career Services

McLennan Community College • Waco, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position supports student success by providing academic advising, educational planning, and career guidance to help students achieve their educational and professional goals. The Advising Specialist assists students in navigating academic pathways, connecting with campus resources, and developing informed plans for degree completion and transfer opportunities. The position promotes student engagement, retention, and completion through proactive support and student-centered services. This position receives general direction from the Lead Advising Specialist and exercises no supervision. NOTE: This is a security sensitive position and an appropriate background investigation will be made on applicants being strongly considered for this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• More than two years of work experience
• Knowledge of student development theories and evidence-based practices that support student engagement, retention, and success
• Knowledge of academic advising principles and career coaching strategies that promote informed educational and career decision-making
• Knowledge of higher education systems, degree requirements, and transfer pathways within community college and university settings
• Knowledge of college admissions standards, program requirements, and degree completion processes
• Knowledge of institutional policies, procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations related to student services
• Knowledge of standardized testing practices, placement processes, and assessment interpretation
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, student information systems, and other educational technologies used to support advising and student engagement services
• Skills in planning, coordinating, and implementing student engagement and career development initiatives, including workshops, presentations, outreach events, and individualized student support
• Skills in building supportive, professional, and inclusive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners
• Skills in communicating effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing
• Skills in practicing active listening and responding thoughtfully to diverse student perspectives and needs
• Skills in analyzing situations and resolving problems collaboratively, fairly, and student-centeredly
• Skills in prioritizing responsibilities, managing multiple projects, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Skills in demonstrating professionalism, sound judgment, integrity, and ethical decision-making in all interactions

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Work experience in higher education, student services, academic support, career coaching, or closely related field

Responsibilities

• Provide academic advising, educational planning, and career guidance to help students achieve their educational and professional goals.
• Assist students in navigating academic pathways, connecting with campus resources, and developing informed plans for degree completion and transfer opportunities.
• Promote student engagement, retention, and completion through proactive support and student-centered services.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement student engagement and career development initiatives, including workshops, presentations, outreach events, and individualized student support.
• Advise and guide students in course selection, academic planning, and goal setting aligned with educational and career objectives.
• Interpret academic records, placement scores, and standardized assessment results to support student success planning.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive student information.
• Develop collaborative and supportive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Assess individual student needs and connect students with appropriate campus resources, services, and support systems.
• Provide caring, high-quality service by creating welcoming experiences, communicating clearly and proactively, addressing needs with professionalism and empathy, and ensuring individuals are thoughtfully connected to appropriate resources.

Benefits

• Equal educational opportunities to all individuals and does not discriminate against any individual regardless of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or other legally protected category in its educational programs, activities, or employment.

What This Job Offers

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