Academic Advisor

Job Summary
This position is responsible to the Assistant Dean of Students Services for comprehensive advisement of students. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Providing interpersonal, academic, and career counseling


• Developing graduation plans and monitoring student progress


• Identifying and proactively supporting at-risk students


• Developing and participating in recruitment activities


• Developing services and programs that foster student success


• Resolving administrative problems and/or referring students to other campus services


• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of various university academic programs relating to general education, college, and university graduation requirements.


• Knowledge of university policies and procedures, support programs, and services.


• Knowledge of basic student and university statistics.


• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of a diverse student population. 


• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 


• Ability to use basic office software, Microsoft Office, and advisement tools. 


• Ability to work independently and as a member of an advisement team. 


• Ability to communicate effectively. 


• Ability to speak in public.


• Ability to be flexible in a changing and fast-paced environment. 


• Ability to learn graduation requirements for multiple disciplines. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in counseling, human development, mentoring, or relevant field preferred. 


• One year of experience working with students in a higher education setting and/or experience in mentoring/counseling students.

Physical Demands (as needed)

• Sitting for extended periods (e.g., at a computer or workstation)


• Climbing stairs or ladders


• Frequent typing or keyboard use


• Visual acuity to read printed and electronic materials


• Hearing to distinguish sounds (e.g., phone calls, alarms)


• Speaking clearly in noisy environments

Application Instructions

• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.


• Employment contingent on a satisfactory background check. 

ETSU is an equal opportunity employer.

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.