Waubonsee Community College·Aurora, Illinois
Provide holistic academic and career advising to a caseload of students to support their educational goals and retention. Coordinate with campus partners to facilitate orientation, career exploration activities, and university transfer planning.
Academic and Career Advisor - Aurora Downtown Campus Full-time Staff Aurora Downtown Campus Hybrid Option: Yes Waubonsee Community College is committed to hiring and retaining exceptional faculty and staff who are committed to the college’s culture of collaboration, professional growth and student success.
The Academic and Career Advisor will guide student success through personalized quality academic advising, career exploration, transfer planning and success strategies to retain a diverse student population.
The advisor oversees an assigned caseload of students in support of the Student Success and Retention Division’s strategic plan of proactively engaging students in attaining their educational goals throughout their lifespan at Waubonsee.
This position reports to the Academic and Career Advising Manager.
Provide holistic academic and career advising services to a caseload assigned students supporting them in setting and achieving their academic and career goals through aspects of advising practices, including course selection, academic procedures, and policies, choosing a major, degree pathways, university transfer planning, and career exploration.
Conduct regular check ins and utilizing college advising technology and case management plan to monitor academic progress, identify and provide intervention for students who are most at-risk for academic challenges, and celebrate achievements.
Interpret and explain placement assessment results, transfer-in credit, and prior learning assessment and other equivalencies to students (AP, etc). Advise and explain course sequencing and recommends appropriate courses for students’ program of major or degree path.
Use transfer articulation technology and university partnership agreements to help students optimize their course selection toward their four-year degrees.
Assists students with academic and registration activities (i.e., schedules, add/drop/withdrawals, forms, etc.). Guides students on usage of online and self-service tools including academic planning, career exploration, etc.
Support students in the career exploration process directing them to college resources. Make appropriate referrals for students requiring in-depth career planning and job search assistance.
Sustain extensive, current knowledge of Waubonsee policies, academic and career programs, college catalogs, university transfer agreements, and support systems. Assists students with resolving issues by clarifying protocols and policies, directing them to appropriate departments/personnel.
Facilitate in coordination with campus partners, activities related to orientation, advising support and services, and career exploration including tabling and college-wide events, classroom presentations, and student groups.
Collaborates with Student Success and Retention Faculty Counselors and per established guidelines, determines when students need to be referred to Counselors.
Maintains standards and expectations on thorough and timely completion of student documentation in written form and/or in technology tools. Strictly adheres to college policies and federal policies regarding students’ personal and academic information.
Builds strong collaborative relationships with key campus partners for successful advising outcomes for students.
Perform other duties as needed.
Bachelor’s degree required in psychology, education, communications or related area. Master’s degree preferred.
One year experience in student advising function or related area in an education setting, preferably in post-secondary level. Experience with case management is a plus.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with proven successful experience working with diverse populations. Bilingual (Spanish/English) fluency is a plus.
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Familiarity with college advising and degree audit software is a plus.
Flexibility and ability to handle multiple priorities.Must be willing and available to work at more than one campus, work a maximum of two evenings per week (typically one evening per week) and up to four Saturdays per year. Please attach the following documents when applying: Cover Letter-Yes Resume-Yes (Additional documents can also be attached.) If interested, please apply PRIOR to 7/31/2026. After 7/31/2026, the position may be posted externally.
req2172 Grant Funded: No Compensation Range: 24.64 - 29.69 Compensation Type: Hourly Compensation Currency: USD Compensation: The pay for this position will be determined by your experience, education, and qualifications. Work Schedule: M-F 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. One late night shift each week 10am - 6:30pm Work Hours: 40 hours/week Testing: Yes Priority Application Review Date: 8/17/2026 Applications received by the “Priority Application Review Date” will receive priority consideration. Review of applications will begin at that time and continue until the position is filled.
Click to See Benefits Page Special Instructions: Please attach all required documents at time of application. EOE, including disability and veteran
Requires a Bachelor's degree in psychology, education, communications, or a related field, with a Master's degree preferred. Candidates should have at least one year of experience in student advising within an educational setting.
Market context
Academic and career advisor roles in Illinois are typically driven by ongoing student support needs, retention efforts, and campus navigation demands. This role is competitive because employers often look for a bachelor’s degree in a related field, advising experience in an educational setting, and may prefer a master’s degree. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then tailor your application to show advising outcomes, student engagement, and familiarity with campus services.