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Location

Alexandria, Virginia

Salary

$55,000 / YEAR

Quick overview

The Graduate Academic Advisor provides comprehensive academic advising and student support for Flex MBA students, guiding them through curriculum planning and degree completion. This role also involves monitoring academic progress, implementing interventions for at-risk students, and collaborating with program leadership to enhance operations.

Requirements summary

Candidates must have a master's degree in a relevant field or a bachelor's degree with significant experience. Strong communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse student population are essential, along with experience in academic advising and data management.

postgraduate degreebachelor degreeProblem-SolvingOrganizational SkillsCommunication SkillsComplianceCollaborationAttention to DetailData ManagementRetention StrategiesStudent SupportAcademic AdvisingCurriculum PlanningIntervention StrategiesStudent Information SystemsInternational Student SupportAdministrative SoftwareDegree Auditing

Job description

Job Description

The Graduate Academic Advisor serves as the primary point of contact for current and prospective Flex MBA students and provides comprehensive academic advising and student support throughout the student lifecycle. This position supports full-time and part-time Flex MBA students and plays a critical role in advancing student success, retention, and program completion.

This position reports directly to the Director of MBA Programs and works closely with program leadership, faculty, Graduate Programs staff, and university partners to ensure effective advising services, accurate record maintenance, and seamless program operations. This role supports recruitment initiatives, onboarding, academic progression monitoring, and contributes to continuous program improvement efforts.

Key responsibilities for this role will include

  • Providing Comprehensive Academic Advising- Serve as the primary advisor to Flex MBA students, guiding curriculum planning, course selection, academic progress, and degree completion while interpreting and applying university and program policies.
  • Supporting Student Success & Retention- Monitor academic standing, identify at-risk students, implement proactive interventions, and contribute to onboarding, engagement, and retention initiatives across the student lifecycle.
  • Managing Registration, Records & Compliance- Ensure accurate advising documentation, maintain student records, verify degree requirements, and uphold compliance with institutional policies and FERPA standards.
  • Contributing to Recruitment & Enrollment Efforts- Participate in recruitment activities, provide pre-admission advising, support admissions review processes, and assist with yield and retention strategies.
  • Collaborating to Advance Program Operations- Partner with Flex MBA leadership, faculty, and cross-functional teams to enhance advising workflows, support program initiatives, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Work Location & Flexibility

This position will be based in Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus. To ensure comprehensive training and integration into our college culture, the Graduate Academic Advisor will be fully on-site for the first six months. After this period, the role may shift to a hybrid schedule with up to one day of telework per week, subject to departmental needs.

  • Required Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, business, or related field; or bachelor’s degree with significant relevant experience.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse graduate student population.
  • Experience interpreting academic policies and advising students in an educational setting.
  • Experience with administrative software systems, student information systems, and data management tools.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain confidentiality.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience advising graduate and/or undergraduate students.
  • Familiarity with student information systems (e.g., Banner, Navigate, CRM systems).
  • Knowledge of graduate academic policies, degree auditing, and registration processes.
  • Experience working with professional or executive student populations.
  • Experience supporting international students.
  • Ability to contribute to data-informed advising practices.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information: starting at $55,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

N/A

Review Date: 4/21/2026; open until filled

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance [https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernance.vt.edu%2F&data=05%7C02%7Clauras69%40vt.edu%7C1ad9c5a039ed4b4e916f08dcaa61f7c2%7C6095688410ad40fa863d4f32c1e3a37a%7C0%7C0%7C638572584948742749%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vjSZbpDStMgs1gv8ke%2BJNiGEpUQWJjgKnzWAbbaT%2FP8%3D&reserved=0]. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Samantha Gagnet at sgagnet@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.