The Senior Academic Advisor provides proactive guidance to undeclared and psychology students regarding curriculum requirements, course selection, and degree completion. They also support the Dean of Undergraduate Studies through data analysis, program assessment, and the coordination of orientation and retention efforts.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field and at least two years of experience in a higher education setting. Strong communication skills and proficiency in educational technology and presentation tools are required.
The professionals in Undergraduate Education foster student growth, empowerment, and success by serving, advising, guiding, nurturing, and celebrating our students, and working with them and our faculty to solve problems so that students may successfully navigate the university.
We focus on the academic aspect of students’ lives at Tufts, providing information, advice, and support to help them successfully complete their degrees in a timely manner while ensuring that our students have an enriching and rewarding academic experience.
To that end, we provide students with tutoring, advising, academic support, direction, and accurate information.
We also provide academic enrichment programs and opportunities so that students may reach their full potential and achieve their best.
We collaborate with faculty and other departments to advocate for students and improve the academic experience for all students as well as the policies governing undergraduate study at Tufts.
What You'll Do
The Senior Academic Advisor serves as a proactive academic advisor to undeclared undergraduate students.
The Senior Academic Advisor supports students in their engagement with the curriculum, helps them navigate university procedures and make informed decisions about choice of major, and acts as an accessible source for information about curriculum requirements, course selection, and campus resources.
Supporting the Dean of Undergraduate Studies and the Associate Deans of Undergraduate Advising, the Senior Academic Advisor provides logistical support, programming, research, and data analysis for a team-based approach to pre-major advising, New Student Orientation, the First Year Experience, and undergraduate retention efforts at Tufts.
Act as a liaison between the Department of Psychology and programs in place to advance student success as they pursue the various post-graduation degree programs and maintains active collaboration with the undergraduate advising team through regular meetings, shared advising practices, and coordinated student support efforts.
Provide programming support to the Department of Psychology and faculty advisors within the department.
Duties may include creation and editing of advising materials for major students, planning and logistical support for on-campus events, and delivery of presentations, online seminars, and interactive events for students in and interested in the department.
Conduct research, compile data, and provide analysis and program assessment on various efforts to track, promote, and improve student retention and on-time graduation, related to department curriculum and advising.
Assist faculty advisors and Associate Deans of Undergraduate Advising in supporting majors who need more attention or are struggling with academics or adjustment to Tufts.
Keep up-to-date and professional notes in Portfolio system and promptly share concerns with Associate Deans.
Maintain discretion and student privacy when communicating with faculty, staff, and other students; keep student records confidential.
Other duties as assigned in support of Department of Psychology majors.
What We're Looking For
Basic Requirements
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or related field Demonstrated interest or experience in Psychology or related fields Two or more years’ experience in college or university setting as an instructor, advisor, tutor, mentor or administrator Commitment to advising, mentoring, and guiding college students Superior interpersonal skills, including flexibility and approachability Excellent skills in written and oral communication; able to write, edit, and proofread educational documents and other publications. Confidence and experience in teaching, public speaking, or giving effective presentations before large groups. Proficient with technology, including various software programs and applications for writing documents, making spreadsheets, creating databases, producing brochures and slideshows, and communicating through web-based audio-video services. Ability to work independently, think on one’s feet, set priorities, and manage time effectively.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree in Psychology or related field Additional experience working in the arts or other areas of university student services, such as student affairs, campus life programs, college learning center, multicultural affairs, bridge programs, and retention programs is beneficial. Dedication to serving and supporting a diverse student population, including students of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, students with disabilities, and students who do not conform to gender stereotypes. Proficient with a variety of social media platforms and tools for sharing documents, images, and video online. Special Work Schedule Requirements: This is a hybrid position expected to work in person for at least half the work week during the fall and spring semesters while classes are in session, with more flexibility for remote work over the summer and during school breaks. There are periods of time and events in which in-person participation is required. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.
Pay Range
Minimum $54,500.00, Midpoint $68,100.00, Maximum $81,700.00
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
Psychology advising roles are steady in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, senior academic advisor roles in psychology are typically tied to universities and colleges with active student-support needs, especially where enrollment, retention, and degree planning matter. These roles are competitive because employers often look for both subject familiarity and higher-ed advising experience, along with strong communication and comfort using educational technology and presentation tools. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit, then tailor your application to show advising outcomes and student support experience.
