Northeastern University·Boston, Massachusetts
The academic advisor will guide students through degree requirements, course registration, and academic planning while monitoring progress to ensure timely graduation. They also serve as a liaison between students, faculty, and staff, and participate in teaching first-year experience courses.
While the Academic Advisors’ role differs based on the population they serve, most advisors work with students to help them understand the pathways to a degree as well as support those who experience academic difficulty. They are responsible for interpreting and explaining University policies and procedures to their student population. Advisors guide students towards meeting their personal, academic, and professional goals; assist with creating academic plans and course registration to ensure they are on track to completing their requirements; monitor academic progress to encourage the successful and timely completion of degree requirements; and build relationships with students to understand their personal and academic needs. Advisors support the development and assessment of support programs to enhance the students' academic experience and increase the retention rates. They also serve as the liaison between students, parents, faculty, and staff.
Knowledge of academic policies, procedures, college curricular matters, major requirements, counseling practices, development theory to create a student-centered academic environment, and Microsoft Windows suite of applications. Ability to quickly identify and analyze problems and develop specific and realistic solutions. Effective written, presentation and verbal skills with the ability to communicate in an empathic manner and while building trust in order to create a comfortable environment where students are willing to ask for help when they need it. Ability to break down and explain complex policies and processes in a way that student easily understand. Effective planning, organizational skills, and the attention to detail required to track deadlines, monitor progress, and facilitate the completion of degree requirements for every student while holding them accountable. Knowledge and skills typically acquired through a master’s degree preferably in counseling, human services or higher education (or equivalent experience advising in a college/university) and relevant work experience; preferably in higher education. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES: 1) Academic Advising: Advise students on a wide range of academic issues as they move from their first year through graduation, including creating academic plans, course registration, and monitoring academic progress to encourage the successful and timely completion of degree requirements. Identify and support academically at-risk students including those withdrawing from courses, off-track for timely graduation, not meeting satisfactory academic progress; provide coaching and referrals. 2) Class Year Administration: Activities may include graduation clearance, academic audits, transfer credit evaluation, dean's certification reports, academic probation reviews and/or and academic standing reports and reviewing advising statistics. Works collaboratively with office team by participating in all orientations and in special events. 3) Service & Professional Development: Work in partnership with faculty mentors and Chairs to develop advising support initiatives that will enhance the quality of students' academic experience and increase retention of students, particularly freshmen, international, and transfer students. 4) Teaching: Teach sections First Year Experience along with other advising team members. Participate in hiring and supervising undergraduate teaching assistants for the first-year seminar. Collaborate with others to develop new course modules and methods. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: Resume Cover Letter Position Type Academic Administration
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 107S Expected Hiring Range: $53,615.00 - $75,728.75 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.
Candidates should possess a master's degree in counseling, human services, or higher education, or equivalent experience in a university setting. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are required to support student success and interpret university policies.
Market context
Academic advisor roles in Massachusetts are often driven by student retention, transfer support, and degree-planning needs across colleges and universities. These positions can be competitive because employers typically look for a master’s degree, prior higher-education experience, strong communication skills, and comfort working with diverse student populations. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show advising experience, student support examples, and familiarity with academic planning.