Professional Advisor

Job Description

Holyoke Community College is housed on a multi-million-dollar, 135-acre campus, equipped with state-of-the art technology in specialized learning facilities. HCC serves over 9,000 students annually, and provides a variety of recreational and cultural activities, from sports programs to music festivals, for students and community members alike. The college's strongest assets continue to be an innovative spirit, a sincere concern for students and a commitment to strive for even greater success. These are the values which have created a tradition of excellence spanning more than six decades, and which are enabling Holyoke Community College to meet today's challenges.

Mission: Educate. Inspire. Connect.

Values: Kindness, Inclusion, Trust, Innovation & Collaboration

Kindness, inclusion and trust are the foundation of the work that we do together. Innovation and collaboration enable us to explore and implement the ideas that will shape our future.

Reporting to the Director of Advising Services, the Professional Advisor will provide comprehensive advising and support to an assigned group of students including all majors, will utilize the college's student information platforms to support student retention and success initiatives, and will serve as a generalist advisor to all students during peak enrollment periods. The Academic Advisor will promote an inclusive environment that reflects the broad diversity and backgrounds represented by our students, employees, and local community, in which every individual feels respected and valued. The following competencies are required to be effective in this position: critical thinking, relationship building, assessment and problem-solving skills.

1. Advise students regarding their academic plan, course selection / sequencing, major selection, and transition issues; provide information regarding degree requirements and transfer requirements; monitor academic progress of students; assist students in registering, adding, or withdrawing from courses in accordance with their academic plan
2. Develop, initiate and monitor outreach campaigns for assigned groups of students; follow-up on alerts raised and provide timely support to students.
3. Utilize EAB Navigate, Banner, Degree Works, Online Services, and other systems as identified by the Director to identify, track, and report on students' course and degree progression, and to support them in meeting key enrollment and success milestones.
4. Connect students to support services, such as Tutoring, Financial Aid, Veteran's Services, Child Watch, Adult Learner Success Center, Career Services, TRIO, El Centro, ALANA, SAMP, OSDDS, and Thrive.
5. Partner with Academic Program Coordinators, Department Chairs, and faculty to remain current on all academic programs of study, including program outcomes, course sequencing, career opportunities, and athletic eligibility.
6. Assist students with goal setting, self-assessment, time management skills, planning and decision making, as related to their educational goals and performance.
7. Document and assess the performance of assigned cohort using appointment summaries and reporting tools; maintain confidential record-keeping for the data collection on student outcomes.
8. Participate in Accepted Students Days, Registration Express, and other activities / events as directed
9. Participate in advising-specific professional organizations and professional development offered and/or supported by the college
10. Other duties, as identified.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in education, counseling, psychology, or a closely related field;
• Three (3) years of experience and/or training in college admissions, academic advising, career development, program/project management; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience;
• Knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing community college students;
• Experience presenting information to individuals or small groups;
• Ability to deliver excellent customer service to a diverse body of students, faculty, and staff.

Equivalency Statement:
We welcome and encourage applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above, to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them for the responsibilities of this position. It is preferred that this document be uploaded separately from the resume, cover letter, and references.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Banner, Degreeworks, and EAB navigate experience;
• Bilingual (Spanish).

Full-Time, MCCC/MTA Unit Position:

Salary: $72,265.00 - $85,916.00/year (Grade 5); Actual salary will be commensurate with education and experience in accordance with MCCC/MTA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Full State benefits.

Funding Source: State.

Hours: 37.5 hrs. /week.

Additional Details:
Please Note: A skills assessment or presentation may be required as part of the interview process.

Disability Accommodations:

Holyoke Community College is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Office of People and Talent at (413) 552-2554.

Apply Now