Academic Advisor

Title: Academic Advisor

Application Review Date: 02/13/2026

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Work Authorization: Radford University employs individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Applicants requiring new H-1B visa sponsorship will not be considered.

Job Description

The Academic Advisor will provide appropriate and effective academic advising to an assigned caseload of students as well as integrated academic advising outside of the caseload to include prospective, current, and former students within the Highlander Success Center. The advisor will report to the Advising Coordinator for the assigned college. The position responsibilities include assessment and evaluation of academic abilities and goals, and advising of students regarding academic programs and changes, developing academic plans and class schedules, assisting students in major, minor, and career exploration, presenting academic information to new student orientation groups (including both students and families), analyzing applications, transfer evaluations, and transcripts for advising purposes, maintaining appropriate records (including the utilization of the university's online student engagement tool), communicating effectively with co-faculty advisors and mentors, and sustaining an environment of academic and professional excellence for students, faculty, and staff. The Academic Advisor supports student life, learning, and success through student advocacy, academic coaching, and course scheduling, customer service, campus and community referrals, student and faculty engagement, and institutional outreach. The Academic Advisor also collaborates with the Highlander Success Center team as well as all university departments to ensure student advocacy and a sense of belonging within the university, as well as support student retention and persistence endeavors.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and demonstrated experience in education, counseling, advising or related field that would equate to an advanced degree.
• Experience in planning and implementing programming for new students, student and faculty engagement and persistence activities, and professional development.
• Experience in making independent judgments, analyzing and solving problems, managing multiple tasks, working independently as a self-starter.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, customer service, and time management skills.
• Proficient with current office software such as Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work empathetically with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree with successful experience in education, counseling, or related field.
• Academic advising experience in a higher education setting
• Experience advising programs in Humanities and Behavioral Sciences
• Knowledge of student recruitment and retention issues
• Experience participating in the delivery of in-service training to practitioners on academic advising and information procedures.
• Experience interpreting, applying university, state and federal policies/procedures.
• Previous experience/knowledge working with Banner, DegreeWorks Student Audit, Starfish, or similar systems.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include cover letter and resume.

Employment Conditions: 

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position eligible for telework: No

Hours Per Week: 40

Months per Year: 12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Administrative & Professional Faculty

Normal Work Schedule: M-F, 8-5pm most days, some evenings and weekends as needed.

Employee Classification: Professional - Lecturer

Department: Academic Advising

Salary: Commensurate with Experience (starting at $44k)

Department Contact Name: Dr. Lisa Hite

Department Contact Phone: 540-831-2139

Department Contact Email: lrobinson48@radford.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.