"Academic Advisor"

Academic Advisor

Company:
University of Northern Colorado

Job Location:

Category:
Academic Advising

Type:
Full-Time

POSITION TITLE:

COMPENSATION RANGE: 47,588.00 - 50,500.00 USD per year

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Professional Administrative

DEPARTMENT: Center for Human Enrichment

TARGET HIRE DATE: 2/1/2026

BENEFITS: UNC's Career Hub

Candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; UNC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 01/02/2026.

Position Summary:

The is a full-time, 1.0 FTE position for the Center for Human Enrichment/TRIO Student Support Services (CHE) program at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). The position exists to facilitate the recruitment, retention, and graduation of 200 program participants. This position exists within the Federal Department of Education funded TRIO Student Support Services grant and is responsible for ensuring that the objectives outlined in the grant are met. The program is contingent upon continued funding from the Department of Education.

The position is a supplemental advisor role that works collaboratively with all CHE staff (including student staff), advises a caseload of first-generation undergraduate students, is responsible for maintaining accurate academic records for all CHE participants, serves as the liaison to other TRIO programs across the state, assists with program planning and implementation, and completes other program-related tasks as needed. This position reports to the Assistant Director. The ideal candidate will also come from similar backgrounds held by program participants.

Although housed in the TRIO program, this role and responsibilities of the position are consistent with UNC's professional advising job description for all professional advisors. The CHE role exists as part of a campus-wide, integrated, and networked advising model aimed toward improving the retention of students and supporting meaningful connections with faculty and staff that lead to persistence and degree completion. As such, professional advisors are generally responsible for advising prospective and enrolled students in course selection and academic program planning consistent with the approved program curriculum and each student's interests and abilities. Regardless of college or program assignment, professional advisors are accountable for understanding and articulating to students the academic options and requirements of the University, College, and Department; and working closely with faculty and other academic support personnel to assist students. Professional advisors deploy a variety of advising and coaching techniques to support students and their individual success. Professional advisors report to the appropriate director within their respective college or program advisement and success center, with a direct reporting line to their respective dean's office and a dotted reporting line to the Assistant Vice President for Student Academic Success.

Professional academic advising and success coaching statement of practice, role, and reporting structure: "UNC professional advisors and coaches provide holistic, inclusive support helping students navigate the institution to meet their academic and personal goals by building meaningful relationships and enacting intentional advising practices." UNC aims to maintain consistent advising practices and experiences for students across campus, emphasizing cultivating the academic behaviors and strategies associated with student success. Advising practices that prioritize inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism is critical.

Job Duties:

Advising & Coaching 55 %

• Advise a caseload of diverse CHE participants
• Ensure program participants are aware of all available CHE and campus support resources and make appropriate referrals.
• Ability to acquire and maintain knowledge of university curriculum and degree requirements and interpret them in the context of individual students' needs.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn University policies and procedures.
• Knowledge and ability to draw upon multiple advising and academic coaching models and strategies with a common thread of building relationships and encouraging students' holistic development.
• Skill in using computer applications and tools, including data management software, email applications, and other University adopted CRMs.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.
• Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with university students, staff, faculty, and other TRIO professionals.
• Ability to work respectfully, effectively, and patiently with CHE participants.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement appropriate solutions.
• Ability to provide support for student development with demonstrable care and concern for students' success.
• Ability to engage students and create and enhance their commitment to the institution and each other.

Programming and Student Development 25%

• Revamp and manage the social media presence of the CHE program.
• Support coordination of selection and identification process of new CHE/SSS participants.
• Support coordination of CHE sponsored enrichment programs, including Connections Summer Bridge program, financial literacy, post-graduation planning, academic success, etc.

Data Management and Compliance/Reporting 20%

• Maintain accurate student records in the Student Access database and UNC's advising database for students on caseload in compliance with federal regulations.
• Assist in providing data for the Annual Performance Report for the Department of Education.
• Complete yearly reports as needed related to program goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Communication, Sociology, Ethnic Studies, Education, or related field.

Experience:

• Strong desire to work with first-generation and low-income students in an academic setting.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in technology skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: Master's degree in Education, Higher Education/Student Personnel or related field.

Experience:

• Two years of advising/mentoring academic support experience as a professional or graduate assistant.
• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Experience working with youth in an academic setting, preferably in a federally funded TRiO program as either a student or advisor (Upward Bound, Talent Search, McNair, EOC, Student Support Services, Avid, Gear Up).

Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.