Academic Advisor

Job Description Summary

The Academic Advisor supports undergraduate student success through a proactive, developmental, and student-centered advising approach. Working within Bentley University's centralized advising model, the advisor guides students in academic planning, goal setting, decision-making, and resource navigation while promoting engagement, persistence, and timely degree completion. The advisor partners with students, faculty, and campus colleagues to foster an inclusive environment that supports academic achievement, personal growth, and belonging.

Essential Duties

• Manage an assigned caseload of undergraduate students and provide individualized academic advising.

• Guide students in academic planning, registration, degree progression, major exploration, policy interpretation, and resource navigation.

• Utilize developmental, strengths-based advising practices to support students' academic, personal, and professional growth.

• Generate, analyze, and utilize data reports to guide outreach efforts and evaluate student engagement.

• Conduct proactive outreach and interventions for students identified through referrals, alerts, academic standing processes, and student success data.

• Utilize Navigate360 and other university technologies to document advising interactions, monitor student progress, and support retention initiatives.

• Foster an inclusive and equitable advising environment that respects and supports diverse student identities, experiences, and needs.

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and campus partners to coordinate support and connect students with appropriate resources.

• Contribute to advising programs, assessment activities, student success initiatives, office operations, and Advisor-on-Duty responsibilities.

• Maintain compliance with FERPA, university policies, and professional standards of advising practice.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Education, or a related field.

• 1 year of relevant experience, including graduate assistantships, internships, practicum experiences, or other related professional experience.

• Experience working with college students in advising, student affairs, counseling, academic support, or a related student-facing role.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage complex information accurately and efficiently.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student belonging.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

• Experience using technology and data systems to support student success initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional academic advising experience in higher education.

• Knowledge of developmental advising, student development theory, and student retention practices.

• Experience using Navigate360 or similar student success platforms.

• Familiarity with NACADA Core Values, Competencies, and best practices in academic advising.

Work Environment

• Primarily on-campus position with hybrid work flexibility in accordance with university and departmental guidelines.

• Standard work schedule during the academic year is Monday through Friday; summer schedule follows the university's condensed summer workweek.

• Occasional evening and weekend responsibilities required to support university events and peak advising periods.

• Participation in university programs, training, professional development activities, and departmental meetings are expected.

Pay Transparency

At Bentley we offer a “total rewards” package designed to attract, motivate, retain, and reward our employees. This includes competitive compensation, robust benefits, career development and opportunities, generous paid time off, workplace flexibility and a positive, engaging employee experience. In alignment with the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Act and our commitment to equity and transparency, we’re sharing the salary grade range for this role. The grade range is based on market data and the scope of responsibilities. Final pay will depend on your experience, education, and other relevant qualifications.

Salary Grade Range:

$53,889 - $86,674

If you have questions about the salary grade range or need additional information, please contact us at [email protected].

Job Summary

The Undergraduate Academic Services (UAS) team is committed to working with students throughout their academic career to help them attain goals that they have set for themselves. UAS is responsible for academic advising, academic support services, disability support, and new student academic programs. Additionally, UAS provides primary support to the undergraduate campus community of faculty, staff, and students by interpreting and implementing college academic curriculum, policies, and procedures.

Undergraduate Academic Advisors provide a safe, non-judgmental, and comfortable advising atmosphere where students are encouraged to grow intellectually and personally. Advisors help students make positive decisions to move forward in their academic lives, challenge them to maximize their strengths and experience new things, and empower them to use their time in the university as a learning experience. Academic Advisors assist students in all areas of the curriculum, including academic planning, education abroad, major and minor selection, and academic support.

Essential Duties

• Provide in-depth academic counseling and developmental advising to all Bentley undergraduate students while maintaining accurate records of all sessions. The position requires the acquisition of in-depth knowledge in all areas of the curriculum, institutional policies, and formal processes as well as areas of academic advising specialization (academic difficulty, exploratory, honors, and study abroad.)
• Participate in and create academic advising programs for the Bentley community.
• Maintain an advanced knowledge of developmental and intrusive advising practices and student development theory as it pertains to the undergraduate population.
• Demonstrate an understanding of current educational and developmental challenges serving the needs of the undergraduate student population including transfers, international students, and students from underrepresented populations.
• Establish and maintain collaborative and supportive relationships with faculty, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs staff, and student leaders on campus.
• Participate in and help develop large-scale undergraduate academic advising initiatives and interventions such as, but not limited to, First Year and Transfer Online Registration, New Student Orientation, Academic Programs Fair, PopUp Advising, Open House/Admitted Students Day, and Family Weekend.
• Review academic petitions and complete other administrative duties as assigned.
• Serve on critical campus committees including the Academic Performance Committee and engage with appropriate professional organizations.
• May teach a section of Transfer Seminar.

Minimum Qualifications

• To be considered for an Academic Advisor position, you must possess a minimum of a Master’s degree (preferably in education, student affairs, counseling, or related field.) A minimum of 1 year of experience in academic advising or related higher education field strongly preferred.
• To be considered for a Senior Academic Advisor position, you must possess a minimum of a Master’s degree (preferably in education, student affairs, counseling, or related field) and have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in academic advising or related higher education field.
• Strong interpersonal communication (oral and written) and organizational skills.
• Experience and commitment to working with a diverse student population.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and set priorities while working both independently and as part of a team.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment of constant change and variety.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to relate well to students, faculty, staff, and parents/family members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365. Knowledge of various higher education technology such as, Workday (Student), BANNER, Insight, Zoom, College Scheduler, or other student information and advising systems.
• Experience with social, digital and print media is a plus.

Work Environment

• Office setting, occasional evening and weekend work is required.
• Requires some long periods of sitting or standing and use of computer.

Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.