USAC/UNR Study Abroad Advisor

About University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC)

USAC is a non-profit, university-affiliate study abroad organization headquartered on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno. Since 1982, USAC has provided opportunities for students to gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to succeed in the global society of the 21st century.

USAC’s success is a product of our staff, both in the US and abroad. We are committed to recruiting and retaining the best and seek high-energy individuals who believe in the importance of international education and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.  

POSITION OVERVIEW

The USAC/UNR Study Abroad Advisor plays a key role in increasing the accessibility, clarity, and utilization of study abroad opportunities for University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) students through USAC. This position balances direct student advising with the strategic development of resources, pathways, and collaborative practices that support a broad and diverse population of students across campus.

The Advisor is responsible for designing and maintaining systems that guide UNR students through the study abroad journey, from prospective students through re-entry, by developing clear communication, resources, and processes that scale beyond individual advising interactions. While the role includes direct student support, its primary emphasis is on improving the student experience through proactive resource development, pathway creation, and cross-departmental coordination, with the goal of reducing barriers to participation, increasing access to study abroad, and increasing USAC study abroad participation on campus.

This position oversees the USAC/UNR Advising Center with a focus on optimizing the student journey, including advising structures, educational materials, data-informed decision-making, and supervision of student employees. The Advisor works closely with the USAC/UNR Outreach Coordinator, USAC Advising Director, USAC/UNR Specialist, and campus partners to align messaging, expectations, and processes, and to strengthen USAC’s role as the primary study abroad provider at UNR.

The USAC/UNR Study Abroad Advisor engages in significant collaboration across USAC departments and with UNR colleges, academic advisors, and administrative units to identify opportunities for program access, streamline advising processes, and support campus-wide efforts to increase study abroad participation.

This position is responsible for additional projects as assigned.

POSITION TYPE & EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time, exempt position and will be paid on a salary basis. The office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and may vary depending on workload and event scheduling. Weekend and evening work hours may also be required. This position is based full-time physically at the USAC office on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Journey & Experience

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of resources, tools, and communications that guide UNR students through the USAC study abroad journey from prospective through re-entry to alumni, with the goal of increasing clarity, equity, and accessibility.


• Design scalable advising supports (e.g., workshops, written resources, digital content, standardized guidance) that reduce reliance on repetitive 1:1 advising while meeting diverse student needs.


• Analyze student engagement data, advising trends, and inquiry patterns to identify barriers, inform resource development, and support data-driven decision-making.


• Maintain a holistic view of the UNR student study abroad journey and recommend improvements to processes, timelines, and messaging that enhance student understanding and participation.

Student Advising & Support

• Provide general study abroad advising to UNR students on USAC programs, primarily at key decision points or when individualized support is necessary, referring students to program-specific advisors as appropriate.


• Advise students on navigating UNR study abroad requirements, financial aid processes, and internal and external scholarship opportunities, with an emphasis on clear, repeatable guidance. In addition, keep current on university requirements.


• Deliver group advising sessions and workshops for prospective, enrolled, and returning students focused on common questions, preparation, and re-entry support.

Pathway Development & Campus Collaboration

• Collaborate with UNR colleges, departments, and academic advisors to identify, develop, and document academic and administrative pathways that facilitate study abroad participation across disciplines.


• Liaise with UNR support offices to align advising processes, clarify requirements, and develop consistent messaging for student-facing resources.


• Work cross-departmentally within USAC to ensure accurate information flow, support program access for UNR students, and align advising practices with outreach and enrollment efforts.

Advising Center Leadership & Operations

• Oversee the USAC/UNR Advising Center with an emphasis on efficient, student-centered design, including advising structures, drop-in models, educational materials, and front office resources.


• Supervise, train, and support student employees to ensure consistent messaging and high-quality student service.


• Track advising center usage and outcomes to assess effectiveness and inform ongoing adjustments to services and resources.

Outreach & Enrollment Support

• Partner with the UNR Outreach Coordinator to support outreach efforts through content development, accurate advising materials, and participation in key events as needed.


• Contribute to the creation of UNR-specific marketing materials, advising tools, and web content in collaboration with USAC Communications and Web teams.


• Support lead generation and inquiry management by ensuring advising-related communications are accurate, timely, and aligned with student needs and institutional goals.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Participate in special projects that advance departmental priorities, institutional partnerships, or initiatives focused on increasing access and participation in study abroad.


• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice
  

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.


• 1–2 years of professional experience in study abroad, international education, academic advising, or a related student support field.


• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and collaboration skills 


• Significant experience living, studying, or working abroad, with the ability to reflect on and communicate that experience effectively to students and campus partners.


• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.  

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Required Competencies

Applicants must demonstrate the following competencies through application materials and the interview process:

• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills; results‑oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.


• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy, even in fast‑paced or high‑pressure environments.


• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to maintain professionalism in all interactions.


• Customer‑focused approach when working with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.


• Adaptability, follow‑through, and resourcefulness in response to changing needs and priorities.


• Experience working with diverse populations, including college students or similar groups, and ability to contribute positively in a team environment.


• Ability to work independently both in the office and at out‑of‑office events.


• Proficiency in standard computer applications, including word processing and basic data management.


• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• Ability to work well independently in the office and/or while at out-of-office events

Preferred Qualifications & Skills   

• Prior professional experience at UNR, within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), and/or USAC 


• USAC Alumnus

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position is fully in person in the USAC office and on campus. The in-person
duties of this job are mainly performed in a regular office environment with occasional trips outdoors or to other parts of campus and the Reno community. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk throughout the building. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
 

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected].