Job Title: Academic Advisor
Department: Academic Affairs
Reports to: Director of Advising
FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt
Pay Scale: $70,304 annual
Schedule: Eligible for Hybrid Schedule after completing training period
Summary:
The Academic Advisor shares responsibility for the design, development, and delivery of academic advising services and related programs for SCI-Arc's 400-500 students, with a focus on holistic, collaborative advising that empowers students to define and achieve their own academic and personal success. The Academic Advisor is responsible for the integrity of the institution's degree per WASC and NAAB requirements, advises students upon entry to the institution, works with the current students and faculty population regarding academic policy and student academic standing, and supports the students in learning and progress towards successful graduation. This role has primary responsibility for academic accommodations including reviewing and evaluating accommodation requests, ensuring compliance, and serving as a key point of connection between students and Faculty. This position works closely with the Academic Program Chairs, Student Services, Culture and Belonging, Academic Program Coordinators, Registrar, Admissions Office, Career Services, and Finance Office. This is a high-profile position requiring the ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with students, faculty, and staff, balancing empathetic advocacy with clear boundaries.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Maintains individualized academic plans with students and advises on degree requirements, registration, curriculum changes, transfer credits, prerequisites, and personal or academic matters affecting academic progress and success
- Serves as the institution's primary resource for academic accommodations: reviews and evaluates accommodation requests and supporting documentation to determine reasonable academic accommodations; maintains accurate and comprehensive accommodation records; and clearly communicates accommodation policies and procedures to students, faculty, and staff
- Collaborates closely with students on academic warning to evaluate their academic standing; advises and guides on options for graduation, leaves of absence, reinstatement, readmission, and navigating course selection
- Engages and builds relationships with students to maximize their experience at SCI-Arc; monitors and tracks student performance, identifying areas where students may require additional academic or personal support, and implementing intervention strategies as needed
- Partners continuously with the Vice Director/Chief Academic Officer and Program Chairs to advocate for student needs, share progress updates, and design collaborative interventions
- Evaluates confidential academic records, exception requests, and requirement modifications with a student-centered approach; collaborates with academic coordinators to maximize the transferability and application of prior coursework toward subject credit
- Facilitates and maintains relationships with exchange schools, and coordinates enrollment of students for transfer/exchange programs
- Acts as Architecture Licensing Advisor (NCARB) and attends annual Licensing Advisors workshops and/or Summit meetings
- Maintains relationships with key departments (Director's Office, Admissions, Registrar, International Advising, Career Services, Finance, Financial Aid) to nurture an overall positive experience for students
- Facilitates meaningful connection points for the SCI-Arc community by engaging and presenting at institutional events, including student orientation, transfer welcomes, admissions days, and faculty retreats
- Serves on committees representing Advising; participate in short-term and long-term planning
- Monitors and documents students' academic progress in electronic records, utilizing Jenzabar database
- Maintains membership in NACADA (National Academic Advising Association) or NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) and attends regional and national conferences
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in counseling or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience; Master's degree
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in counseling, advising, or admissions at the college level
- Experience with disability/accommodations services preferred
- Knowledge of academic advising best practices, student development theory, and retention strategies
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse student, faculty, and staff population
- Excellent judgment, discretion, and ability to manage confidential information in compliance with FERPA and other applicable laws and institutional policies
- Ability to navigate sensitive interpersonal situations with a balance of empathy and clear boundaries
- Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict management skills
- Strong oral, written, and presentation skills; ability to communicate information, policies, and procedures clearly to a range of audiences
- Ability to support students in developing academic and life goals that promote retention and success
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to utilize assessment data to evaluate and continuously improve student success initiatives.
- Flexibility and adaptability, with strong teamwork skills and the ability to build effective working relationships through committee work, advising, and community engagement
- Comfort learning and using new technology in the advising process
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office/ Forms, and database/student information systems such as Jenzabar or similar platforms
We offer a great benefits package with medical, dental, vision, 401(k) and paid time off.
SCI-Arc is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
