Professional Academic Advisor

Position DetailsPosition InformationPosition TitleProfessional Academic AdvisorPay Grade LevelE-3FLSAExemptBenefitsHealth, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, health savings accounts, Michigan Public School Employees Retirement Systems or TIAA 401(a) 12% employer contribution, TIAA 403(b), generous sick and vacation time, paid holidays, modified summer schedule, YMCA membership, Wellness Program, tuition reimbursement and professional development support.DepartmentAdvisingCampus LocationEscanabaMin Salary$44,585Max Salary$55,731FTE1.0Full-time/Part-timeFull-TimePosition TypeStaffJob Summary/Basic FunctionProfessional Advisor responsibilities include orienting students regarding admissions, placement testing, registration processes, policies, procedures, resources, and programs; reviewing academic records, placement tests, and other standardized test results with students in order to develop course selections consistent with their career choices and degree requirements; and developing a term-by-term schedule and an outline of a program of study.The professional advisor works closely with students' faculty advisors to develop an academic plan for graduation from Bay College, transfer to another institution, or secure employment after attending Bay. The Professional Advisor supports students by facilitating supplemental assistance from other departments across campus such as Financial Aid, Counseling Services, Accessibility, etc. and provides proactive outreach with students at risk of not returning to Bay each semester to ensure educational goals are met. This position also manages the students' academic plans in the Advising Module of the student information system.Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in education, social work, leadership or a related fieldMinimum of two (2) years of experience in customer service, student services or a professional office settingKnowledge and ability to work with a wide range of studentsStrong organizational skillsAbility to communicate effectively, both orally and writtenProficient in technology usage including Microsoft Office applications, collaboration tools, and other related systemsAbility to establish good working relationships with students, faculty, and the community at largeCandidate must have reliable transportation Preferred QualificationsPrevious experience in academic, holistic, or financial aid advisingStrong commitment to student retentionAbility or knowledge in working with student information systems, specifically in the area of degree audit and advising systemsThree years experience in advising, preferably academic advising at a community college, or related work experienceExperience with the transfer process and general education requirementsMonths Per Year12Hours Worked Per Week40Work ScheduleTypical working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including a one-hour lunch break. As this is a student-centered, front-facing role, the selected candidate is expected to be physically present at their assigned campus during working hours..Supervision ExercisedN/ASupervision ReceivedWorks under the general supervision of the Director of Transfer and Student Advising.Work EnvironmentWork environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but may be loud in areas of equipment operation.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by personnel assigned into this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified. Job related functions may be performed with or without accommodations.Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.Travel requirementTravel between Escanaba and Iron Mountain campus on a regular basis will be required.Job DutiesJob DutyProvide comprehensive and proactive academic advising by supporting academic, career, personal planningJob DutyHelp students identify their educational and career goals and guide students to select programs of study that are relevant to these goals and courses that fulfill necessary program requirementsJob DutyProvide advising and coaching while engaging with students in a proactive, personalized, and integrated way in order to connect students to on and off-campus resourcesJob DutyTarget risk and intervention: proactively work with students to prevent course failure and program stop-out by supporting timely and effective interventions to increase student retention and completionJob DutyIncrease retention rate of students by delivering targeted services and supportsJob DutyAdvise students who want to or plan to transfer to universities to complete their bachelor's degrees. Engage in state, regional or national professional development opportunities as suggested and/or approved by supervisorJob DutyHelp Bay College students to connect with the appropriate resources at their transfer destination schoolJob DutyCollaborate regularly with partner faculty to support cohort-specific pathway advising, develop and update academic plans for advisees, and ensure continuous improvement and clarity in student advisingJob DutyAssist the general student population with class scheduling and curriculum requirements, as well as general college advisingJob DutyActively participate in essential student focused activities, such as new student orientation and ongoing initiatives to improve student advising and the student experience at Bay CollegeJob DutyAct as contact person for Bay College students who are experiencing challenges either academically or personallyJob DutyOrient students regarding admissions, placement testing, registration processes, policies, procedures, resources, and programs; reviewing academic records, placement tests, and other standardized test results. with students in order to develop course selections consistent with their career choices and degree requirements; and developing a term-by-term schedule and an outline of a program of studyJob DutyOther duties as neededDepartment InformationContact(s)Beth Berube, Director of Human ResourcesShena Turan, Human Resources SpecialistContact Phone/Extension906-217-4016Contact Emailhr@baycollege.eduContact Fax906-217-1625Posting Detail InformationPosting NumberS281PPosting Date05/18/2026Close DateOpen Until FilledYesSpecial Instructions to ApplicantsQuick Link for Internal Postings