Academic Advisor

Title: Academic Advisor

Agency: Danville Community College

Location: Danville - 590

FLSA: Nonexempt

Hiring Range: $45,000-$55,000

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

Job Description:

Danville Community College developed from two institutions, Danville Technical Institute and the Danville Division of Virginia Polytechnic Institute opened in 1936 as Danville Textile School, becoming Danville Technical Institute just after World War II. The Danville Division of Virginia Polytechnic Institute first began as an engineering division in 1946, and was later expanded to include the first two years of course work for all engineering, business administration, liberal arts, and science majors. Beginning in the summer of 1966, all programs taught by Danville Technical Institute were brought under the Virginia Department of Community Colleges. Effective July 1, 1968, the Danville Division of Virginia Polytechnic Institute merged with the existing community college providing the comprehensive programs now offered.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist potential students from the point of inquiry to credential completion.
• Meet with students to determine their interests, skills and abilities to help them identify potential program options.
• Establish professional relationships with students to develop a better understand their interests, goals, academic needs and career plans.
• Provide guidance regarding which classes to take each academic term and ensure they meet graduation requirements.
• Assist students with using technologies (i.e. SIS and Navigate) to select and register for classes as well as develop/document academic and career plans.
• Monitor students’ academic progress, providing follow up to ensure students meet benchmarks on their pathway to completing credentials or degrees.
• Orient and guide students to resources available through the college (tutoring/academic supports, food pantry, transportation, etc.)
• Connect students to financial aid resources through the FAFSA and/or FANTIC application and to scholarship opportunities through the college’s foundation.
• Respond to early alerts in a timely manner providing interventions as appropriate, in consultation with faculty members.
• Utilize technology (Navigate) and other resources to manage communication campaigns and connections with students.
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions.
• Maintain a schedule to manage student appointments and meetings.
• Ensure that all necessary documents, forms and reports are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Work collaboratively with college faculty and staff in support of student success.
• Attend all required department meetings and complete assigned trainings.
• Contribute to the success of student services team.

• Experience providing a holistic support approach to students as they navigate higher education.
• Understanding of academic advising needs of students and program requirements of institutional academic programs of study as well as available academic supports.
• Work experience in an educational setting in advising, counseling, coaching or another strongly related role.
• Demonstrated customer service and organizational skills, including the ability to effectively follow up and follow through.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in use of technology, including Microsoft Office.
• Experience working with racially, ethnically, economically and age diverse individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills to help engage, provide support to, and motivate students.
• Demonstrated desire to learn and grow as professional needs arise.

• Work experience at a community college in advising, counseling, coaching or another strongly related role.
• Knowledge of available financial aid and scholarship information.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft, Navigate and other educational technologies.
• Knowledge of barriers to educational success and experience with providing accessibility to help students reach their educational goals.
• Membership in academic advising related associations (i.e. NACADA).