"Professional Academic Advisor"

Job Summary

The College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS) at CU Boulder is seeking a Professional Academic Advisor! The college's Student Support & Advising Services (SSAS) unit is committed to building collaborative, student-centered relationships that support achievement of academic success, promote personal and professional development, and foster a sense of community. CEAS academic advisors educate the whole student through a developmental, student-focused approach. Advisors are charged with developing and implementing advising strategies and interventions to enhance the performance and persistence of students, along with contributing to the development of student learning outcomes and assessment. This position manages an assigned caseload of undergraduate students and is responsible for proactive and responsive outreach, interventions, and communication to these students. The position assists students in making informed decisions about a choice of major; advises students about the nature and content of the curricula and subject areas; helps students to assess their interests, values, and academic skills and to understand these in relation to major choice and potential future career/graduate school options; teaches students how to navigate the systems, academic processes and policies at CU Boulder; helps students to become contributing members of the CU community; and prepares students to take responsibility for making their own decisions about courses, academic programs, and long-term plans.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Founded in 1893, the College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder is the second largest of seven schools and colleges at one of the nation's top public research institutions. As Colorado's flagship university, CU Boulder has selective admissions standards and a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Undergraduate Academic Advising:

• Advises students regarding academic requirements and options for completing them. Stays current about changing curricula, department/program, college, and university rules and policies and how they apply to varied circumstances.
• Provides resources and is knowledgeable of current advising standards and protocols.
• Offers a student-focused developmental approach to advising, and an understanding of how career goals and opportunities impact academic decisions.
• Develops trusting, supportive relationships with individual students.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for academic questions or concerns.
• Works with students individually from the point of onboarding through graduation via in-person, individual appointments and group meetings, drop-in hours, videoconferencing, telephone, and email to:
  • Personalize the academic path at CU Boulder.
  • Review students' academic records and discuss appropriate course choices.
  • Offer co-curricular guidance that complements academic path and goals.
  • Lead students in intentional goal setting appropriate to their developmental stage.
• Proactively tracks, contacts, and works with special student populations (e.g., early alert, high-risk, first generation, students who have not been in for an appointment, students in academic difficulty, high-achieving students, etc.).
• Adopts college and university protocols to maintain records of student interactions and progress towards degree. Must keep current on continually changing curriculum requirements and apply changes to student records for accuracy in record keeping. This includes evaluation of transfer and study abroad credit, updating degree audits, and graduation confirmation for students in assigned caseload.
• Participates in student-facing and focused activities in the assigned department/program, collaborating and coordinating with the faculty undergraduate chair, undergraduate committee(s), and other academic advisors assigned to the academic unit.
• Provides comprehensive advising support focusing on exploration, discovery, goal-setting, and supportive connection with first-year students. Proactively develops knowledge of practices related to first-year student transition and advising.
• Contributes to and participates in pivotal initiatives and goals related to first-year advising.
• Participates in first-year programming, both college-based and campus-wide, and collaborates with faculty and other academic advisors in the CEAS.
• Assists in the training of new professional academic advisors, as assigned.
• Serves as a backup to other undergraduate advisors in the college, as needed.
• Participates in professional development activities and serves on unit, college, or campus committees or other projects, as applicable.
• Undertakes other duties and responsibilities, as assigned.
• Stays apprised and current on relevant University and State of Colorado policies and procedures.

What You Should Know

This position is eligible for a hybrid work modality in alignment with the College of Engineering and Applied Science's Hybrid Work Policy.

What We Can Offer

The starting salary range for this position is $56,200 - $60,000 annually. Relocation assistance is available within department guidelines.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be empowered. Be supportive. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and one year of professional academic advising experience or related experience at an institution of higher education; or master's degree in higher education, counseling, STEM, or related field.

What You Will Need

• Ability to communicate effectively cross-culturally, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and within a collaborative work environment.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, analytical, and technical skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects and requests, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Student-centered work ethic and a high level of personal integrity and accountability.
• Sensitivity to and appreciation of cultural, political, and geographical differences, with ability to work well with faculty, staff, and students from around the world.
• Willingness to work in an environment which may demand some flexibility or evening/weekend work.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Two or more years of professional, related experience.
• Experience in academic advising, student career counseling, or providing student support within a college or university setting.
• Experience working with STEM students in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated practices of cultural competencies in relating to others.
• Experience with proactive, responsive, and prioritized student outreach and interventions.
• Experience applying student development theory.
• Experience working with students in academic difficulty.
• Experience interacting with parents of college students.
• Experience working with faculty.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and experience with other technologies such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Canvas, Qualtrics, Google Workspace, etc.
• Familiarity with enrollment management tools, customer relationship management systems, and predictive analytics software such as PeopleSoft, OnBase, Salesforce, etc.
• Established skills and experience applying technologies that support academic advising standard methodologies.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that briefly describes how your background and experience align with this position.

You may be asked for references at a later time.

Please apply by April 2, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.