Academic and Career Advisor

Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.

More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.

The Academic and Career Advisor plays a key role in elevating student success. Portland State University is an access institution with a history of diversity and a focus on addressing racism, equity and inclusion. The advisor has an important role in creating a campus climate that welcomes all students by engaging in culturally responsive advising and continuing education. The advisor helps design innovative solutions within the campus community of professional advisors. This position is assigned to the overall Division; the advisor will work within a specific advising pathway and reports to the Pathway Advising Director.

The advisor offers academic and career advising to prospective students, students in the pathway, and to students who are still exploring majors. Advising is enhanced through the advisor’s expert knowledge of advising principles, knowledge of program evaluation, assessment of learning and/or research methods and use of data to better understand student pathways and barriers to success. At Portland State, advising is a shared responsibility among faculty and professional advisors. To that end, the advisor’s work requires frequent face-to-face and online interaction with students, colleagues, supervisors, administrators and faculty.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

All advisors will incorporate the following activities into their daily advising practice.

1. Meets with PSU prospective and current students, as well as alumni in individual advising appointments. Advises students on academics and career paths and addresses complex and ambiguous student issues and/or issues of a highly technical nature regarding degree completion, petitions, and university policy. May also include pre-professional and/or competitive (i.e., admission-only) programs
2. Initiates new methods for student advising and departmental procedures, or projects, including workshops and students’ resources based on in-depth knowledge of student needs, advising practices, principles and concepts
3. Acts as lead in division wide policy development and multiphase implementation as appropriate
4. Course planning and advising for complex academic requirements (Bachelors requirements, University Studies/Honors, Major, and all PSU-wide degree requirements). May also include pre-professional programs
5. Engage students at five advising milestones (mandatory advising, major confirmation advising, financial tools/resources, career development, graduation plan)
6. Use of Slate Student Success for comprehensive/consistent note-taking and student support
7. Create academic plans
8. Proactively outreach to engage and support student success through a holistic advising approach
9. Advise students on Academic Standing issues.
10. Provide support for students facing a wide range of complex academic and personal difficulties including explaining options and services and making referrals to Campus Resources: Learning Center, Disability Resource Center, Veterans Certification, Global Diversity and Inclusion, Women’s Resource Center, Queer Resource Center, Coordinated Assessment Response Education (C.A.R.E.), etc.
11. Assist students with academic and financial aid petitions
12. Assist students who are co-admitted with community colleges
13. Effectively handoff students changing majors outside of pathway
14. Mentor students on how to connect and engage with faculty
15. Help students connect with advisors in second major, a minor, and support services (e.g. TRIO, Athletics, etc.)
16. Engage in career discussions (exploring values, interests, skills, and connection to major)
17. Support students in exploring internship and other co-curricular opportunities
18. Discuss post-graduation plans (e.g. graduate school)

We are recruiting to fill two Academic and Career Advisor positions.

In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers.

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.

The starting annual salary for this position will be $58,596 but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.

Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package.