Graduate Academic Advisor

Graduate Academic Advisor

Company: Virginia Tech

Job Location: Blacksburg, 24061

Category: Academic Advising

Type: Full-Time

Job Description

The Graduate Academic Advisor serves as the primary point of contact for current and prospective Flex MBA students and provides comprehensive academic advising and student support throughout the student lifecycle. This position supports full-time and part-time Flex MBA students and plays a critical role in advancing student success, retention, and program completion.

This position reports directly to the Director of MBA Programs and works closely with program leadership, faculty, Graduate Programs staff, and university partners to ensure effective advising services, accurate record maintenance, and seamless program operations. This role supports recruitment initiatives, onboarding, academic progression monitoring, and contributes to continuous program improvement efforts.

Key responsibilities for this role will include:

• Providing Comprehensive Academic Advising- Serve as the primary advisor to Flex MBA students, guiding curriculum planning, course selection, academic progress, and degree completion while interpreting and applying university and program policies.
• Supporting Student Success & Retention- Monitor academic standing, identify at-risk students, implement proactive interventions, and contribute to onboarding, engagement, and retention initiatives across the student lifecycle.
• Managing Registration, Records & Compliance- Ensure accurate advising documentation, maintain student records, verify degree requirements, and uphold compliance with institutional policies and FERPA standards.
• Contributing to Recruitment & Enrollment Efforts- Participate in recruitment activities, provide pre-admission advising, support admissions review processes, and assist with yield and retention strategies.
• Collaborating to Advance Program Operations- Partner with Flex MBA leadership, faculty, and cross-functional teams to enhance advising workflows, support program initiatives, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Work Location & Flexibility:
This position will be based in Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus. To ensure comprehensive training and integration into our college culture, the Graduate Academic Advisor will be fully on-site for the first six months. After this period, the role may shift to a hybrid schedule with up to one day of telework per week, subject to departmental needs.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education, counseling, business, or related field; or bachelor's degree with significant relevant experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse graduate student population.
• Experience interpreting academic policies and advising students in an educational setting.
• Experience with administrative software systems, student information systems, and data management tools.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience advising graduate and/or undergraduate students.
• Familiarity with student information systems (e.g., Banner, Navigate, CRM systems).
• Knowledge of graduate academic policies, degree auditing, and registration processes.
• Experience working with professional or executive student populations.
• Experience supporting international students.
• Ability to contribute to data-informed advising practices.

Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type
Restricted

Salary Information
starting at $55,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week
N/A

Review Date
4/21/2026; open until filled

Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

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