Professional Academic Advisor, College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences

Fort Hays State University•Hays, KS

About The Position

The Professional Academic Advisor provides comprehensive, student-centered academic advising to promote student success, retention, persistence, and timely degree completion. Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and campus partners, the advisor helps students navigate academic requirements, educational planning, university policies, and available resources. The role uses holistic and developmental advising approaches, student success technologies, and data-informed practices to enhance student outcomes and empower students to make informed decisions, achieve educational goals, and develop skills for lifelong learning and career success. This is a full-time, 12-month position in the College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences. The salary is $36,000 per year for candidates with a bachelor’s degree and $39,000 per year for candidates with a master’s degree or higher. The start date will be determined after an offer is accepted and a criminal background check is completed. A current resume is required, and application documents must be submitted together as one PDF through the electronic application webpage.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, or four years of experience in lieu of a degree.
Knowledge of best practices in holistic and developmental academic advising.
Understanding of student development theory and student success principles.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to actively listen and respond effectively to student needs.
Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and contribute effectively as a collaborative team member.
Proficiency with student information systems, advising technologies, and data used to support student success initiatives.
Submit a current resume as part of the application; applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.
Final candidates must consent to and successfully complete a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, or six years of experience in lieu of a degree.
Experience in academic advising, student affairs, higher education, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Provide academic advising in person, virtually, by phone, and through electronic communication.
Help students develop academic plans that support degree completion and career goals.
Support student persistence and timely graduation through advising, advocacy, intervention, and data-informed decision-making.
Monitor student academic progress using reports, alerts, and other student success tools.
Conduct proactive outreach regarding academic standing, registration, retention initiatives, and university resources.
Promote student engagement and participation in academic and co-curricular opportunities.
Assist students with major exploration, academic planning, and navigating university processes.
Identify student needs and connect students with appropriate campus resources and support services.
Advocate for student success while maintaining professional boundaries and institutional standards.
Assist with academic reinstatement and other student success initiatives as appropriate.
Interpret and communicate university, college, and Kansas Board of Regents policies, procedures, and academic regulations.
Advise students across the disciplines and demographic populations represented within the College and University.
Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and campus partners on student success initiatives.
Guide faculty and administrators on curriculum requirements, degree progression, scheduling, and time-to-completion considerations.
Participate in new student orientation, retention initiatives, recruitment activities, and college events.
Contribute to a positive, student-focused advising culture within the College.
Use student success and academic information systems to maintain accurate advising records and documentation.
Prepare and maintain reports on advising outcomes, student progress, and retention efforts.
Maintain current knowledge of university curricula, degree requirements, policies, and procedures.
Participate in professional development and stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in academic advising.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission of the College and University.