Job Description

Academic Advisor

Maryville College is a nationally ranked institution of higher learning and one of America's oldest colleges. For more than 200 years, we've educated students to be giving citizens and gifted leaders to study everything so that they are prepared for anything. Our graduates are equipped to address complex problems, engage with diverse communities, and launch meaningful careers.

Nestled in Maryville, Tennessee, between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the city of Knoxville, our campus combines the beauty of a rural setting with the advantages of an urban center. With a wide range of academic programs and a strong tradition of career preparation, our alumni live "strong of mind and brave of heart," carrying forward our Presbyterian founder's charge to do good on the largest possible scale.

Our employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a generous paid time off program; a retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%; tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents; and the opportunity to grow in a collaborative community that values professional excellence and personal well-being.

"Maryville College prepares students for lives of citizenship and leadership as we challenge each one to search for truth, grow in wisdom, work for justice and dedicate a life of creativity and service to the peoples of the world."

Values:

• Scholarship: We commit ourselves to lifelong curiosity and learning, to the search for knowledge, and to intellectual creativity.
• Respect: We commit ourselves to honor the worth, dignity, and freedom of ourselves and all creation, and to treat others as we wish to be treated.
• Integrity: We commit ourselves to truth, honesty, dependability, and responsibility in all our actions and relationships.

Position Purpose:

The Academic Advisor, Title III Grant provides holistic academic advising and proactive student support designed to strengthen the first-year experience and improve student persistence. This position is funded through Maryville College's five-year Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant, which supports initiatives that enhance academic success, improve the use of instructional technology, and expand data-informed approaches to student support.

As part of this grant, the Academic Advisor helps implement a comprehensive student success model intended to improve academic performance, increase student engagement, and support the successful transition of first-year students. The Advisor provides individualized academic planning, outreach, and connections to campus resources, particularly for students who may experience academic or transitional challenges.

This position supports new student onboarding and orientation, course selection, degree planning, and the use of academic support services. The Academic Advisor collaborates closely with the Title III Director, Director of Advising, faculty advisors, and campus partners to advance Title III project goals. This is a full-time, 12-month position, contingent upon continued annual federal funding.

Summary:

The Academic Advisor provides proactive academic advising and individualized student support to improve first-year academic success and persistence. This role assists students with academic planning, course selection, transition support, and connection to campus resources. The advisor uses data-informed outreach, maintains accurate documentation for Title III reporting, and collaborates with faculty and campus offices to ensure consistent, coordinated advising practices.

Education and Experience Required to Ensure Success in This Position:

Education required to ensure success in this position:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree preferred in advising, academic coaching, counseling, clinical psychology, social work, or a directly related liberal arts field from an accredited college or university

Experience required to ensure success in this position:

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience providing academic advising & coaching and related student services for undergraduates, particularly for first-year students.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience fostering student learning, support, and success for students at risk of attrition
• Minimum of one (1) year experience working with first-generation, and/or minority students.

Essential Functions:

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Collaborate with the Title III Director to support grant-related advising and project goals
• Coordinate advising practices with the Director of Advising, faculty, and Student Affairs staff
• Participate in meetings, training sessions, and planning related to first-year support

Data, Technology & Compliance:

• Maintain accurate advising notes, records, and documentation in accordance with institutional policies and FERPA
• Use advising software, degree planning tools, and early-alert systems to monitor student progress
• Assist with Title III-required data tracking and reporting

Stakeholder & Institutional Support:

• Collaborate with the MC Cares team (Student Intervention Team) to monitor students' academic and personal progress and intervene as necessary.
• Partner with faculty to address student academic concerns and clarify degree requirements
• Connect students with institutional resources such as tutoring, counseling, and academic support services
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Advising to support new-student registration process and in creating degree plans.

Operations & Technical Oversight:

• Provide academic planning guidance and course selection support
• Maintain advising schedules, communication plans, and follow-up protocols
• Support workshops or sessions that enhance academic skills or promote student success

Fiscal Oversight:

• No independent budget oversight
• Ensure advising activities and documentation align with Title III grant requirements and audit standards

Strategic Planning & Sustainability:

• Provide insights to improve advising processes and student success strategies
• Assist with documenting practices that support sustainability beyond the grant period

Other:

NOTE: Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist the College in the attainment of the goals set forth and the enhancement of a positive, respectful learning environment for all staff, faculty, and students.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience managing student academic files in accordance with recognized protocols, policies, and regulations applicable for FERPA, Title IX, etc.
• Knowledge of retention strategies and data-driven methods of identifying students who may be at risk of not continuing their education.
• Demonstrated understanding and a solid commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work in partnership with staff, faculty, administrators, and student leaders.
• Understanding of liberal arts curricula and a commitment to helping students connect their liberal arts educations to their chosen career paths.

License, Certification, or Registration Necessary:

• Valid Driver's License

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Regular use of computers, phones, and standard office equipment
• Frequent interaction with students, faculty, staff, and campus support offices
• Occasional movement between campus buildings for meetings or student outreach
• Managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
• Occasional evening or weekend hours during peak advising periods or student programming
• A balance of desk-based planning and high-engagement student interaction

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods during design and development work
• Ability to move about campus as needed for consultations or training sessions
• Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds (A/V equipment, training materials, or technology components)
• Sufficient manual dexterity to operate office technology and instructional design tools
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically

Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment:

• Computers and standard office equipment
• Student information systems, advising platforms, and retention tools
• Learning management systems for advising support
• Communication technologies including email, Teams, and messaging systems
• A/V equipment used for advising workshops or student presentations

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