Undergraduate Academic Advisor: Apex Specialist

OFFICIAL JOB TITLE: Undergraduate Academic Advisor, APEX Specialist

DIVISION: Academic Affairs

DEPARTMENT: Dean, Honors College

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: ESU CAT: 13

SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: The Undergraduate Academic Advisor supports ongoing retention and student success initiatives and adheres to campus-wide advising standards, policies, procedures and practices for academic advising at UMass Dartmouth. Advises students on the development of their educational plan and makes appropriate referrals to assist students in the selection of their major and evaluation of their educational progress. The incumbent works closely with faculty across campus and with Career Services to assist students in finding academic mentors and internships for the APEX experience. The advisor provides students with information and advice concerning University studies and major program requirements and collaborates with Student Affairs to provide integration with career advising. Assists with the ongoing assessment and improvement of academic advising; follows the University's best practices to build and/or support student academic success and retention; and assists in meeting strategic objectives for persistence and the timely graduation of all students. The Undergraduate Academic Advisor represents the Honors College on committees and various admissions and student events, serves on planning committees for advising and registration days, and serves as a contributing member of efforts that advance equity, inclusion and diversity at the college.

EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Student Support Assistant Director and Dean on issues pertaining to student recruitment, enrollment, academic standards, and orientation.
• Counsel students in the College individually and conduct general advising sessions.
• Assist with the outreach process for term active, non-enrolled students.
• Works collaboratively with Career Services, faculty, and the Dean’s staff to assist students in identifying APEX faculty mentors and internships.
• Works collaboratively with Advancement, Alumni Association, Enrollment, and Admissions to assist the College with enrollment, fundraising, and special projects.
• Manages electronic and social media accounts for the Honors College.
• Assists students in using technology platforms to hone interview skills, create resumes, and seek employment.
• Explain program requirements to enrolled and prospective students.
• Consult on issues pertaining to transfer course equivalencies for current and potential students.
• Develop and update student academic plans as necessary.
• Consults with managers in the Registrar’s Office, Admissions Office and CITS, among others, to facilitate the registration of Honors College students.
• Consult with department chairpersons and faculty on general and specific advising issues.
• Assist new Honors students, both freshmen and transfers, at orientation and registration days.
• Support recruitment activities at the college level.
• Collaborate with first-year course instructors in order to enhance first-year student success.
• Attend professional seminars, workshops, and conferences on academic advisement in higher education.
• Other tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree
• EXPERIENCE: Demonstrated experience (over 3 years) advising undergraduate students; experience advising students in research or job placement, or graduate school admission.
• OTHER: Must be available evening/weekend hours during periods of peak activity as needed. Some travel required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, higher education counseling, or related field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Be knowledgeable of the University and College curriculum content and requirements
• Strong knowledge of the University academic standards, policies and procedures as well as eligibility requirements
• Strong organizational, leadership and interpersonal skills
• Experience using technology platforms that hone interview skills, create resumes, and seek employment.
• Able to relate to students, parents, faculty and University personnel
• Able to report and interpret data
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of advising principles and practice

SALARY: $68,000-$75,000

UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:

• 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• State Pension Retirement Plan
• Optional Retirement Savings Plans
• Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
• Twelve (12) paid holidays
• Paid personal, vacation, and sick time
• And More!

Benefits for ESU Union: ESU

Applicants must be authorized for permanent employment in the United States. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.

To apply, please submit a letter of interest, a current resume, and the contact information for three professional references.

The deadline for early consideration of internal ESU applicants is November 20, 2026.

The review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.