Student Success Advisor at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 525834

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: Mt. Ida - Newton, UMass Amherst

Department: Office Faculty Development

Union: PSU

Categories: Academic Advising & Learning Resources

About UMass Amherst - Mount Ida Campus

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst is located in Newton, MA adjacent to the Newton-Needham Innovation District, and the tech-focused Route 128 corridor. At Mount Ida, UMass Amherst offers an array of experiential learning opportunities to its undergraduate students, as well as a growing number of graduate and professional degree programs. The campus is growing its undergraduate career development programs with expanded access to internships and co-ops in the thriving Greater Boston area.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Provost for Academic Programs on the Mount Ida Campus, the MIC Student Success Advisor provides advising services for students interested in spending a semester at MIC and for students currently at the Mount Ida Campus. The position is responsive to the widely varied needs of diverse student populations and works in collaboration with the Amherst Campus network of advising and success personnel, including in wellbeing and academic departments to ensure high-quality advising and academic services for all MIC students.

Essential Functions

• In collaboration with the Associate Provost for Academic Programs at Mount Ida Campus, develops and implements advising activities and events that support and align with the strategic mission of the Mount Ida Campus.


• Provides general academic advising for students interested in spending the semester on MIC by providing accurate and relevant information about a variety of academic programs.


• Collaborates with academic departments to ensure a cohesive approach to academic support, including understanding program and graduation requirements; following departmental, college, and university policies and procedures; managing the transition to and from MIC; and establishing an academic plan.


• Maintains working knowledge of best practices in academic advising and collaborates with Amherst Student Success Advisors to provide advising for students incorporating academic success strategies, including goal setting, self-assessment, time management skills, and career planning.


• Supports students experiencing academic and personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to University resources.


• Collaborates with Student Affairs and Campus Life staff and Career Services staff to develop and implement strategies and events to enhance student engagement including leading workshops, events, and activities.


• Regularly participates in recruitment activities including MIC Information Sessions, Internship and Career Fairs, and other activities and events promoting the overall student experience, including occasional evening and weekend events.


• Represents the Mount Ida Campus in meetings, committees, and external engagements related to academic programs and student services.


• Supervises student workers.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.


• Attends trainings and meetings for professional development and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's Degree and at least two years of advising experience.


• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of position.


• Working knowledge of academic advising practices and student success indicators.


• Ability to collaborate and interact with faculty, staff, students, and parents in a friendly and professional manner.


• Demonstrated ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, in a fast-paced office environment.


• Experience working with students with a range of academic abilities.


• Computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.


• Skill in small group presentations.


• Available to work on occasional nights and weekends.


• Flexibility to work with initiative and willingness to take on a variety of tasks related to the successful operation and administration of the unit.


• Ability to work effectively under pressure and varying situations with independence, competent judgment and discretion.


• Strong understanding of student confidentiality and ability to understand and implement Title IX and FERPA guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master's Degree in Higher Education, Student Development, Academic Advising, Guidance Counseling, or a related field.


• Three years of experience in advising.


• Experience with computer-based registration and academic records technology, such as SPIRE and EAB.


• Knowledge of university academic rules and regulations.


• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of complex and varied stakeholder needs.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.


• This position will require occasional travel to the Amherst campus for events.

Additional Details

• Please note that this position is on-site at the Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst in Newton, MA.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.


• Required to work occasional nights and weekends as programmatic needs dictate.

Salary Information

Salary Level 26

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, a cover letter detailing relevant experience; efforts to support diversity, equity, and inclusion; and your approach to advising college students. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Dec 4 2024 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: Mar 9 2025 Eastern Daylight Time