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About UMass Amherst The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. Job Summary The Undergraduate Academic & Career Advisor or Senior Academic & Career Advisor supports the social justice mission of the College of Education and works collaboratively with other advising staff to provide comprehensive academic and career advising for students in (1) the Education Exploratory Track, (2) pre-licensure, and (3) the undergraduate education concentrations. The Senior Academic and Career Advisor is responsible for developing and maintaining advising resources and systems related to one or more of these academic pathways. Both levels ensure a high level of advising and academic services for all students with emphasis on student success and the programmatic needs for first-year, first-generation, and historically marginalized students. Essential Functions
- Provides comprehensive individualized and small group academic and career advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, including peak registration, pre-registration, and new student orientation.
- Utilizes and makes recommendations regarding College of Education best practices for the use of University student records systems such as EAB Navigate and SPIRE to document advising services.
- Responds to common issues such as registration-related matters including fulfilling the University's general education requirements, interpreting major and college requirements, and providing guidance for dual degrees, double majors, and minors.
- Manages complicated or problematic advising cases-including aiding with complex matters that involve prior misadvising, goal setting related to unusual career outcomes, planning and decision-making such as establishing an academic and career plan, resolving conflicts between two or more majors and/or concentrations and independently evaluating credit for study-abroad and other off-campus programs.
- Responds to at-risk students experiencing academic and often critical personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to University resources. Serves as a resource to faculty members related to at-risk advising cases.
- Facilitates program planning related to the growth and development of the undergraduate population within the College of Education fostering a "cohort" model and feeling of belonging for students.
- Participates in admissions, alumni weekend, orientation, and other University events as appropriate.
- Represents the College of Education at University-wide meetings dedicated to the further development of student success resources and practices within the University context as directed by the Associate Dean for Student Success.
- Responds to and manages challenging, time-sensitive, or high-stress inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA and in a highly professional and respectful manner/tone.
- Performs routine graduation clearance processing for Education majors. Approves curricular exceptions and manages problems related to graduation clearance in accordance with established policies and/or practices.
- Maintains current knowledge of the College of Education's current undergraduate offerings as well as changes in licensure requirements and/or the employment landscape that might shape student decision-making. The Senior Academic and Career Advisor will also be responsible for developing and/or maintaining advising resources and systems related to one or more of the College's academic pathways.
- Provides training, guidance, and supervision to the undergraduate student staff, including Peer Advisors.
Senior Academic Advisor additional essential functions:
- Mentors less experienced Undergraduate Academic and Career Advisors with advising best practices and in addressing complex advising challenges.
- Responsible for complex college graduation clearance process. Maintains familiarity with all changes in degree programs and executes college curricular exceptions.
Other Functions
- Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements.
- Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
- Works in partnership with colleagues within the College of Education community and campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Student Affairs and Campus Life to support the Dean's strategic priorities.
- Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Education.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor's Degree.
- One year of advising experience.
- Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communications skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Intermediate level computer proficiency.
- Ability to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively.
- Demonstrated commitment to continued learning or professional development on diversity, equity and justice issues.
- Documented experience in academic advising, student support, or other related student-facing roles.
- Able to manage a high volume of complex and varied client needs.
- Able to recognize at-risk individuals and provide appropriate support and direction.
- Able to manage a high volume of complex and varied student needs.
- Able to recognize at-risk students and provide appropriate support and direction.
- Computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
- Available to work on occasional nights and weekends.
- Experience working with students with a range of academic abilities.
Senior Academic Advisor additional minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of documented experience in academic advising, student support, or other related student-facing role or a Master's degree in education or an education-related field and one (1) year of related experience.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Prior experience with education licensure requirements.
- Working knowledge of relevant University academic policies and regulations.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions Typical office environment. Work Schedule
- Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Required to work some nights and weekends.
- This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.
Salary Information Academic Advisor: Level 25 Senior Academic Advisor: Level 26 PSU Hiring Ranges Special Instructions to Applicants Along with the application, please submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their interest in the role of the College of Education. References will be checked at the finalist stage. 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. The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
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UMass Amherst
Dec 13, 2025