Academic Advisor

Job title: Academic Advisor

About the Role The Academic Advisor provides comprehensive, student-centered academic advising to current and prospective students. The role guides major selection, course planning, registration, degree completion strategies, and transfer preparation, and connects students with campus resources to support success. The advisor also contributes to college-wide initiatives focused on enrollment, retention, and completion and participates in campus committees as needed.

What You'll Do

• Provide comprehensive, student-centered academic advising through in-person and virtual sessions, helping students explore majors, set academic and career goals, and develop personalized plans.
• Develop knowledge of and adhere to college policies related to degree requirements, courses, scheduling, pre-registration, registration, and admissions.
• Guide students through the transfer process, including the NJ Statewide Transfer Agreement and NJ Transfer tools for successful transition to four-year institutions.
• Maintain accurate records of all student interactions using designated college systems, including notes, emails, call logs, and unofficial graduation audits.
• Collaborate with campus departments to stay informed of available student services and refer students to appropriate resources.
• Assist in coordinating and executing campus-wide events such as open houses, information sessions, enrollment sessions, and transfer events.
• Facilitate individual and group advising sessions for incoming students (first-year and transfer) and prepare for new student events by updating academic plans and outreach; deliver engaging presentations on course planning and timely registration.
• Engage in ongoing professional development by participating in NACADA events and other training to enhance advising skills and knowledge of best practices.
• Serve on college committees and contribute to initiatives supporting student success and institutional goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Two years of directly related experience in a student services, teaching or counseling area of an educational environment with strong interpersonal and student service skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to create standard documents and reports; prior database experience.
• Ability to meet flexible work schedule requirements including evenings and weekend hours as needed.

Nice to Have

• Master's Degree.
• Two or more years of experience advising students at the college level.

Compensation & Benefits

• Personal Time Off: generous time off annually; prorated for mid-year appointments.
• Vacation: 25 days per year.
• Sick: 13 days per year.
• Holidays: 15 college-recognized holidays.
• Pension Benefits: participation in the New Jersey State Pension System (ABP, PERS, or DCRP depending on position and NJ State review).
• Health Benefits: medical options through the NJ State Health Benefit Program; coverage effective after a 2-month wait; employee contributions required under Chapter 78.
• Dental: dental insurance through Horizon Dental with three plan options; single coverage at no cost to the employee.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: pre-tax deductions for eligible expenses.
• Tuition Reimbursement/Waiver: reimbursement for accredited programs and OCC tuition/ non-credit course reimbursement for employees and dependents.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): free confidential mental health support.