"Academic Specialist – Advisor"

Position Summary

Inspire. Empower. Explore.

Are you energized by helping students discover their purpose? Do you thrive on meaningful conversations, guiding others toward clarity and confidence in their academic and career paths? Join our team of student-centered advising professionals as an Academic Specialist – Advisor at Michigan State University, Office of Undergraduate Education, University Advising Team, where we embrace the Appreciative Advising framework to empower students and advisors on their journey of discovery and success.

This full-time, in-person role is ideal for both early-career and experienced advisors, academic coaches, counselors or social workers who enjoy engaging students in transformational conversations and co-creating plans that are grounded in students' values, strengths, and aspirations.

What You’ll Do:

As an Exploratory Advisor, you’ll be more than a scheduler—you’ll be a thought partner, coach, and connector for undergraduate students with exploratory majors or interest. You will also have the unique focus of supporting either transfer students or students with 44+ credits in selecting a major/program. You will:

• Serve as a primary academic advisor for a small caseload of Exploratory Preference, Exploring Business Preference, and transfer or transitioning students.
• Lead and facilitate one-on-one advising, small groups, workshops, programs, and presentations.
• Guide students in building intentional academic pathways, aligning their interests and strengths with MSU’s academic opportunities.
• Collaborate with academic departments and colleges to create curricula that honor the exploratory journey and the disciplinary foundations of each field.
• Teach and co-teach student success courses and workshops designed to promote confidence, motivation, and belonging.
• Leverage student support systems (like ESAF, SIS, Campus Solutions) to document interactions, maintain records, and respond to student needs.
• Design and implement data-informed strategies that proactively support student success and progression.
• Advise students navigating academic probation, return from dismissal, and other transitions, with a strength-based, solution-focused mindset.
• Serve as a core contributor to MSU-wide initiatives promoting access, excellence, and holistic student development.

What We’re Looking For:

We are hiring three advising positions, one to support transfer students, the second to support students with 44+ credits to secure a major, and the third as a specialist in exploration. In your cover letter, note which focus area you prefer.

Why MSU and Why Now?

Michigan State University is a global leader in research and student success, committed to transforming lives through education. As part of our University Advising team, you’ll join a vibrant, collaborative community that values innovation, compassion, and equity in all we do.

We invest in your growth through ongoing professional development, opportunities to lead and learn, and a culture where your voice matters.

If you’re driven by purpose, fueled by curiosity, and believe in the power of appreciative, strengths-based advising, we’d love to meet you.

Let your next chapter be one of impact, growth, and purpose — right here at Michigan State University.

Required Degree

Masters -Higher Ed, Adult & Lifelong Learning, Student Affairs, Counseling, Social Work, Education or related field

Minimum Requirements

• A master’s degree in higher, adult, and lifelong education, student affairs, counseling, social work, education, or related fields.
• 2-3 years of academic advising, academic coaching, or student success work.
• Experience using student support or advising technology systems and platforms.
• Basic utilization of Office 365 products, Google Workspace, and other tools.
• A passion for working with students with varied learning styles and needs and supporting student success.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A student-centered philosophy rooted in strength, positivity, collaboration, and inquiry.
• Comfort leading presentations and outreach for students, families, and colleagues.

Desired Qualifications

We're especially excited about candidates who bring:

• 3-5 years of experience in college-level academic advising or academic coaching.
• Deep knowledge of student development, student success, or career exploration theories.
• Experience teaching and facilitating learning with post-secondary students.
• Skilled utilization of Office 365 products, Google Workspace, and other communication and management tools.
• A track record of promoting and supporting access and excellence for all students.
• Experience working with community college transfer programs or advising exploratory preference/undecided majors.

Required Application Materials

A complete application packet will contain a resume or CV, cover letter and contact information for three professional references.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/30/2025

Website

https://advising.msu.edu/

Department Statement

Founded in 1855 as the nation's first land-grant university, Michigan State University (MSU) enrolls over 50,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. MSU is known internationally as a major public research university with global reach and extraordinary impact. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, MSU is a multifaceted community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders. The Office of Undergraduate Education seeks to help lead MSU's undergraduate student success initiatives by operationalizing MSU's stated beliefs that every student it admits has the capacity to learn, thrive, and graduate and that it is MSU's responsibility to provide an environment with the academic, social, wellness, and financial support our students need to persist in college and succeed after graduation.