Title: Senior Academic Advisor

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Humanities & Fine Arts

Department: Dean - Humanities & Fine Arts

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the HFA Assistant Dean for Academic Advising and Student Success, the Senior Academic Advisor provides comprehensive advising for College of Humanities and Fine Arts (HFA) students in various majors, including HFA exploratory track students. This position works closely with other advising personnel to ensure high-quality advising and academic services for all undergraduate students. The Senior Academic Advisor is responsive to the widely varied needs of diverse student populations and works in a high-volume and fast-paced environment. 

Essential Functions

Provides comprehensive, individualized, and small group advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, including new student orientation/registration periods and current student registration periods.   

Partners with their advisees' departments to successfully build community within the major.

Responds to common issues such as registration-related matters, including fulfilling the university’s general education requirements, interpreting major and college requirements, and providing guidance for course enrollment.  

Assists students with matters involving transition to UMass Amherst, goal setting, self-assessment, time management skills, planning and decision-making, such as establishing an academic plan, choosing a major within and/or outside of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, and selecting courses.  

Identifies and responds to at-risk students experiencing academic and critical personal difficulties.

Provides proactive and responsive interventions to support student success.

Provides targeted outreach and support to students on academic warning and academic probation.

Responds to inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA in a highly professional and respectful manner.  

Helps to develop and offer activities and workshops for HFA students, including information sessions about HFA majors for current and prospective students.

Participates in HFA activities, including Fall Visit Days, Destination Days, Senior Celebration, and other activities and events.  

Represents HFA Undergraduate Advising on College and University-level committees and councils.

Assists in training new professional advisors by providing them with the most current information about requirements in HFA and other majors.

When appropriate, collaborates with Undergraduate Program Directors to clear undergraduate students for graduation.

Provides supplemental professional development in HFA Advising staff meetings on a bi-monthly basis.

Supports the hiring and training of new undergraduate employees.

Other Functions

Executes special projects to support the mission of the HFA Advising and Career Center, departments, and the college. 

Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet department, college, and university goals and objectives.  

Understands responsibilities concerning Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements.  

Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.  

Works collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Student Success.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree.

Two (2) years' documented experience in academic advising, student support, or other student-facing roles.

Ability to recognize at-risk individuals and provide appropriate support and direction.

Highly knowledgeable concerning FERPA and Title IX.

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Strong organizational skills. 

Intermediate-level computer proficiency. 

Ability to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively.  

Demonstrated commitment to continued learning or professional development on diversity, equity, and justice issues.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities or Fine Arts discipline.

Master's Degree in Education, Humanities and Fine Arts, or related field.

Experience serving or working with a large culturally diverse population. 

Ability to manage a high volume of complex and varied client needs.

Knowledgeable concerning University Academic Rules and Regulations.

Professional teaching experience.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 5:00 PM, 37.5 hours per week.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.