Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor

The Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and the College of General Studies (CGS) has an opening for an academic advisor to work with declared majors within the Humanities Division. We seek positive, conscientious, student-centered individuals to help prepare students for lives of impact by connecting them with educational experiences tailored to their specific goals and needs. Academic advisors work with students from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives and with a broad range of academic interests that intersect. Examples include: transfer students, adult/non-traditional students, students from underrepresented backgrounds, and students at various stages in the academic decision-making process. We ask applicants to discuss experiences working with these student groups in your cover letter. Academic advisors help students identify academic and career goals and assist with appropriate course selection, degree planning, and co-curricular exploration. Academic advisors connect students to helpful resources and services and monitor degree progress. In order to deliver a high level of student service within dynamic and changing environments, academic advisors continually build on a foundation of advising theory and practice. Academic advisors will participate in and assist with the planning and implementation of unit and/or University-sponsored activities, including, but not limited to: retention and outreach efforts, internal working groups/committees, prospective student programs, graduation review, onboarding programs for new students, and remediation efforts for students experiencing academic difficulties. Academic advisors use various software packages and platforms to fulfill these responsibilities and must be able to adapt to new technologies without sacrificing quality. Academic advisors must be committed advocates for a diverse student body and successfully build and foster inclusive relationships with students and colleagues. This position requires patience, flexibility, energy, and a sincere desire to assist students. Excellent organization, communication skills, timeliness, cooperation, collaboration, and accuracy are essential. Successful candidates must demonstrate the ability to prioritize and manage multiple simultaneous demands, inclusive of balancing a sizeable caseload of students with administrative, creative, and/or project driven responsibilities. An ability to understand and appreciate the perspectives of various communities, including communities of color, is a must.

Utilizes advanced advising knowledge, theory, and practical experience to serve as an academic liaison for students to identify academic and career goals, select appropriate courses, and plan for degree attainment. Manages small to medium-sized, moderately complex projects.

The Academic Advisor must be able to use a computer and keyboard, and be able to use video communication technology (Skype, Zoom, Teams, etc.). Work is frequently conducted by email, telephone, in-person, or using video communication technology. The ability to communicate in a clear and concise fashion is essential.

This position is generally sedentary within an office setting, but the ability to travel around campus is occasionally necessary. Also, must be able to pick-up and carry 25 pounds.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.