"M.Ed. Academic Advisor"

Job Details

Merrimack College is a selective, private college in a beautiful, residential setting — just minutes from Boston, Massachusetts.Position Overview:

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, the M.Ed. Academic Advisor provides comprehensive advising services to master’s-level students in the School of Education and Social Policy’s various majors, certificate programs, Double Warriors, and non-matriculated students.

This advisor works collaboratively with staff, faculty, and other advising personnel to ensure high-quality advising and academic services for all graduate students, with particular emphasis on supporting incoming, transfer, and at-risk students. The role requires proficiency with computer-based registration and academic records technology, including Canvas, Jenzabar, and Slate, and the ability to respond effectively to the varied needs of master’s student populations in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions

Academic Advising & Student Support

• Provide comprehensive, individualized and small group advising to varied student populations throughout six enrollment terms per academic year, including new, reenrolling, and transferring students
• Address all student issues related to registration, degree requirements, and teacher education licensure concentrations as aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
• Assist students with complex academic planning, including goal setting, self-assessment, time management, course selection, and transfer credit (in collaboration with the Assistant Dean)
• Conduct one-on-one and group advising sessions for matriculated students and exploratory-concentration students working toward licensure track identification

Student Crisis Management & Support

• Identify and respond to at-risk students experiencing academic and personal challenges
• Address relevant issues and make appropriate referrals to College support departments

Program Administration & Compliance

• Stay current with changes in multiple degree and concentration programs
• Work with the Director of K-12 Placement and Licensure to ensure compliance with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements for licensure programs

Outreach & Communication

• Conduct regular information sessions for current and prospective students
• Participate in evening and weekend activities, including Open Houses, graduate celebrations, Commencement, and other institutional events
• Provide administrative support, including management of advising records, course scheduling input, and website maintenance

Special Projects & Development

• Execute special projects and develop resources to support the graduate student mission as assigned
• Maintain graduate student records across College database systems
• Contribute to departmental and institutional strategic initiatives

Additional Responsibilities:

• Alert the Assistant Dean regarding student issues requiring more comprehensive intervention
• Orient faculty advisors on current requirements and DESE regulations
• Guide college adjustment, student success strategies, and goal-setting
• Demonstrate understanding of Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements
• Engage collaboratively with colleagues and campus stakeholders to fulfill institutional mission
• Maintain current knowledge of faculty expertise, research, and best practices in graduate student services

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree required
• Three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in academic advising, student support, or counseling

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, in both online and in-person interactions
• Strong organizational and interpersonal abilities
• Intermediate computer proficiency with ability to create and maintain data management systems
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively with diverse College personnel
• Understanding of student development and commitment to holistic student advising approach
• Skilled in small group presentations with awareness of confidentiality requirements
• Ability to manage high-volume, complex, and varied student needs
• Ability to recognize at-risk individuals and provide appropriate support
• Knowledge of FERPA, Title IX, and the College’s academic policies

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Counseling, Higher Education, or related field
• Experience serving large, culturally diverse populations
• Advanced professional experience in academic advising, student development, or counseling
• Willingness and capacity to take initiative, furthering professional growth

Application Materials Should Include:

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values.

Work Location

• This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.
• Evening and weekend work required for special events and student services

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoral students from 48 states and 63 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has six schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard school of business and the graduate school of counseling and social work. The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in the Regional Universities North category in 2026. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Range: $ 70,000 - $ 80,000