Advising Specialist, Advising & Career Services

McLennan Community College • Waco, TX

5d

About The Position

The Advising Specialist supports student success by providing academic advising, educational planning, and career guidance to help students achieve their educational and professional goals. The role assists students in navigating academic pathways, connecting with campus resources, and developing informed plans for degree completion and transfer opportunities. It promotes student engagement, retention, and completion through proactive support and student-centered services. The position receives general direction from the Lead Advising Specialist and exercises no supervision.

This is a security-sensitive position; an appropriate background investigation will be conducted for applicants under strong consideration. The work is sedentary desk work in a standard office setting, with occasional field trips for college or program activities.

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 supporting student engagement, retention, and success.
• Knowledge of academic advising principles and career coaching strategies.
• Knowledge of higher education systems, degree requirements, transfer pathways, 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 educational technologies used for advising and student engagement.
• Skills in building supportive, professional, inclusive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Effective oral and written communication, active listening, and thoughtful responses to diverse student perspectives and needs.
• Ability to analyze situations collaboratively and resolve problems fairly and in a student-centered manner.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Professionalism, sound judgment, integrity, and ethical decision-making.
• Ability to develop supportive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to provide caring, high-quality service through welcoming experiences, clear and proactive communication, professional and empathetic responses, and thoughtful connection to resources.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide academic advising, educational planning, and career guidance.
• Help students navigate academic pathways and connect with campus resources.
• Support students in developing plans for degree completion and transfer opportunities.
• Promote student engagement, retention, and completion through proactive, student-centered services.
• Advise students on course selection, academic planning, and goal setting aligned with their educational and career objectives.
• Interpret academic records, placement scores, and standardized assessment results to support student success planning.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement student engagement and career development initiatives, including workshops, presentations, and outreach events.
• Assess individual student needs and connect students with appropriate campus resources, services, and support systems.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive student information.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time