Academic Advisor II

Title: Academic Advisor II

Salary Range: $37,944.00 - $45,516.00 Annually

Contract Term Length: 12 Months

Standard Hours: 37.5

Work Location: On-Site

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

College: Big Sandy Community & Technical College

Campus Location: Prestonsburg 

Department: Student Services

Total Rewards

Big Sandy Community & Technical College offers a competitive benefits package and an attractive work environment that supports excellence, innovation, and creativity including:

• Exceptional health care, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family
• Tuition discounts and waivers
• 403(b) retirement plan: a 5% employee contribution receives a 10% employer match
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Work-Life Balance
• 9.5 Paid Holidays
• 2 Weeks of Institutional Closing Pay (Last 2 weeks of December) for qualifying positions
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary

Big Sandy Community and Technical College is seeking two Academic Advisor II. The Academic Advisor II is instrumental in driving student success and retention at Big Sandy Community and Technical College by providing holistic support and structured guidance. Through personalized advising, the Academic Advisor II facilitates students’ academic and personal development, ensuring they are equipped to meet their educational and career goals. This role collaborates extensively with faculty and external partners to align student support services with strategic objectives of enhancing educational outcomes and addressing barriers to student success.

Job Duties:

Engage in proactive and personalized academic and career advising, tailoring individual plans that align with each student's unique goals, strengths, and challenges. This involves conducting regular one-on-one meetings to assess academic progress, address any obstacles, and adjust strategies as necessary to ensure that students remain on track. Will also provide guidance on course selection, major exploration, and career pathways, leveraging a deep understanding of institutional standards and resources. By fostering strong, supportive relationships with students, the Academic Advisor II will help them navigate their academic journey, improve their retention rates, and achieve their educational and career objectives.

Responsible for developing and executing educational programs and support initiatives that are designed to boost student engagement and academic success. This includes creating workshops, seminars, and other learning opportunities focused on critical areas such as time management, academic skills, resilience, and academic integrity. The role involves assessing the needs of the student population, designing relevant programming, and overseeing the implementation of these initiatives. By continuously evaluating the effectiveness of these programs and incorporating feedback, the Academic Advisor II ensures that the offerings remain relevant and impactful, contributing to an enhanced educational experience for students.

To drive improvements in student outcomes and program effectiveness, the Academic Advisor II will utilize a range of analytical tools and data sources. This responsibility includes tracking key performance indicators, such as student retention rates and academic progress, and analyzing this data to identify trends and areas for improvement. The Academic Advisor II will regularly review program results and make informed adjustments to strategies and interventions based on evidence-based insights. This data-driven approach ensures that the support services provided are continually refined and optimized to meet the evolving needs of the student body, ultimately supporting higher levels of student success and retention.

Building and nurturing collaborative relationships with campus departments and external community organizations is a key aspect of the Academic Advisor's role. This includes working closely with faculty, administrative staff, and community partners to enhance the range of support services available to students. The Academic Advisor II will also seek out and develop opportunities for student internships, job placements, and other experiential learning opportunities that enrich students’ educational experiences. By fostering these partnerships, the Academic Advisor II helps to create a supportive network that extends beyond the classroom, providing students with valuable resources and connections to aid in their academic and career development.

Will be responsible for managing various administrative tasks and ensuring adherence to institutional and programmatic policies. This includes maintaining accurate documentation, managing reporting requirements, and ensuring compliance with relevant academic and administrative standards. The role also involves overseeing aspects of grant stipulations and other program-related documentation to support the effective delivery of services. By maintaining rigorous administrative practices, the Academic Advisor II ensures that the program operates smoothly and in alignment with institutional objectives and regulatory requirements.

In addition to the primary responsibilities outlined above, the Academic Advisor II may be assigned additional duties as needed by the college administration. These tasks could include participating in committees, leading special projects, and contributing to policy development efforts. This flexibility allows the Academic Advisor II to support various institutional needs and contribute to broader college initiatives, ensuring that the role remains adaptable to the evolving demands of the institution.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Education, Social Services Counseling or related field and two years or equivalent experience. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree in Adult and Higher Education or related field preferable with extensive experience in developing student support programs and managing diverse student populations.

Additional Skills Requested:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, proficiency in data analysis and reporting, strong organizational abilities, and a deep understanding of student development and educational planning.