Staff Assistant, Honors and Fellowships Advisor

Department Summary

The Bridgewater State University (BSU) Honors Program brings together a diverse and inclusive community of academically motivated students who are connected on campus as well as to a wider honors network across Massachusetts and the nation. Students benefit from small classes, close interaction with faculty, and rich opportunities for research, leadership, and community engagement. Open to all majors, the program offers honors-designated courses, co-curricular learning experiences, and faculty-mentored research and creative scholarship. Through these experiences, students deepen their learning, strengthen professional readiness, and develop a strong sense of belonging within the academic community. From admission to graduation, Honors supports students through every stage of their journey: completing honors courses in the core curriculum; engaging in co-curricular learning; carrying out independent research, theses, and capstone projects; and, for some, pursuing nationally competitive fellowships and graduate study. Success is fostered through individualized advising, intentional community-building, and integrated academic and co-curricular opportunities. Honors faculty and staff collaborate extensively with campus partners to expand access and ensure honors education at BSU is inclusive, equitable, and transformative.

Position Summary

The Honors and Fellowships Advisor, a Staff Assistant (APA) position, supports undergraduate students in the universitys Honors Program by providing advising, recruitment and admissions support, data-management, budgeting, communications, and programming that foster expansive academic excellence, equity, and community. This role focuses on guiding students through Honors pathways and applications for nationally prestigious fellowships by tracking and communicating individual and program-wide student progress, Honors requirements, and academic and co-curricular opportunities. The Honors and Fellowships Advisor collaborates with Honors faculty and staff and other campus partners to strengthen student success, manage program operations, and lead inclusive recruitment, admissions, and engagement initiatives that are accessible and welcoming to all students.

Full-time, 12 month position, exempt, APA unit position
Monday - Friday, with Flexibility to work 8:30 am- 4:30pm, 8am-4pm, or 9am-5pm
(Ability to work some Saturdays and evenings, as needed. This position is eligible for hybrid/ remote work in accordance with BSU remote work policy.)

Essential Duties

Advising and Student Mentorship

• Advise honors students on pathways through the Honors Program, including planning for independent research, theses, and capstone projects.
• Communicate Honors Program requirements and policies (including academic progress, course planning, and completion milestones) to students, faculty, and campus partners to support student success.
• Mentor students pursuing graduate study, research opportunities, and nationally competitive fellowships (e.g., Fulbright, Goldwater).
• Provide individualized coaching to foster academic success and personal growth.

Program and Administrative Management

• Develop and deliver workshops on proposal writing and fellowship/graduate preparation.
• Manage Honors data systems (Qualtrics forms, spreadsheets, records) and ensure accurate reporting.
• Collaborate with Honors faculty and staff colleagues to provide coordinated support for the Honors student community.
• Recruit and collaborate with faculty mentors for fellowship application support.

Outreach, Recruitment, and Communications

• Collaborate with Undergraduate Admissions on recruitment of new honors students and represent the Honors Program at Admissions and New Student Orientation events.
• Design inclusive recruitment strategies that expand access and student success in Honors.
• Manage Honors social media, marketing materials, and merchandise to promote opportunities and celebrate student success.

Event & Community Building

• Plan and carry out signature events (e.g., Honors Graduation Party) and frequent community-building programming.
• Oversee Honors Living Learning Communities (LLCs) in collaboration with Residence Life & Housing.
• Partner with other campus offices to plan and carry out community-building and educational programs each semester that strengthen honors student connection, learning, and engagement.

Budget and Student-Employee Management

• Manage the Honors Programs budget, including expense tracking, purchasing, and reporting.
• Supervise and provide training and development for student employees.

Professional Development & Assessment

• Participate in national networks (e.g., National Collegiate Honors Council, National Association of Fellowship Advisors) to stay current on effective practices in honors and fellowship advising.
• Collaborate with the Honors leadership team on program assessment and strategies to improve retention and student outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or commensurate experience to fulfill position responsibilities
• Experience working with undergraduate students in academic advising, student affairs, or related higher education work
• Commitment to equity and inclusion
• Ability to give feedback on college-student writing
• Skills in using student data for reporting, assessment, and/or advising

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree
• Experience supporting students applying for academic fellowships (e.g., Fulbright)
• Knowledge of university recruitment, admissions, or student-success practices
• Experience planning events for college students
• Experience in marketing, communications, or social media
• Skills in budget management