Skokie Academic Advisor

Job Description: Basic Function and Responsibility: Under the supervision of the Manager of Advising and Student Success Initiatives, the Academic Advisor provides holistic, developmental advising to a diverse student population within designated academic areas of interest. This position plays a crucial role in supporting students' success (i.e., onboarding, persistence, and credential completion) and successful transitions through the Oakton Experience. Guiding and managing an assigned caseload of students, the Academic Advisor supports students with navigating academic programs, policies, and resources to achieve their educational goals; fosters student agency and self-sufficiency by ensuring students are informed, empowered, and connected with appropriate support services; and contributes to institutional initiatives that enhance student persistence and success. Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities: Support students with exploring academic and career goals by coauthoring personalized educational plans that align their interests, course selections, and degree requirements to enhance their Oakton experience, retention, and ensure timely program completion. Proactively manage new, continuing, and returning student caseloads by conducting regular outreach, communication, and advising appointments in a hybrid format to encourage ongoing relationship building and student engagement. Interpret and review college placement examinations, Advanced Placement (AP), ACT/SAT scores, International Baccalaureate (IB), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and transfer coursework to ensure proper course selection for students' most efficient route to degree completion. Provide tailored advice to diverse student groups, including international, honors, pre-professional, and career/technical education students, ensuring compliance with policies affecting their progress and credential completion. Educate students on college programs, policies, and academic regulations, such as degree audits, transfer credits, and withdrawals, while fostering academic self-sufficiency and student agency. Collaborate with the Career and Transfer Center and the College Transitions Office to stay informed about transfer policy updates and institutional partnerships. Coordinate with colleagues at partner transfer institutions to facilitate student connections with prospective schools. In collaboration with the Senior Academic Advisor, maintain and update program maps, track curricular changes, and develop advising tools for designated areas of interest. Work with Academic Affairs to create, revise, and sustain pre-majors and pathways, ensuring alignment with term-to-term academic progression. Contribute to the implementation of specialized advising programs and customized workshops for diverse student populations, covering topics such as Standards of Academic Progress (SOAP), early alert interventions, classroom presentations, and educational planning. Support students who are out of compliance with Financial Aid or Academic Standing by developing strategic plans to help them regain eligibility for financial aid and enrollment. Support New Student Orientation by guiding students through the registration process, helping them explore academic and career interests while considering placement, prior coursework, and transfer credits. Facilitate the advising process by accurately and efficiently documenting advising sessions, student progress, and key interactions across various systems (e.g., student information systems, customer relationship management platforms, advising tools, and scheduling/calendaring systems). Engage in ongoing technology training and periodically test or pilot new tools to stay up-to-date with institutional and industry advancements. Ensure compliance with FERPA, Financial Aid, and Department of Education regulations by safeguarding student privacy and confidentiality. Address complex student situations, de-escalate heightened circumstances, and connect students with support services (e.g., tutoring, counseling, financial aid). Build strong relationships with campus professionals for seamless referrals, while contributing to initiatives and projects that enhance advising and student success. Advocate for policy changes that streamline student progress and remove barriers to academic achievement. Serve as a representative of the Office of Advising, Transitions, and Student Success by actively participating in cross-campus committees that support the advancement of the College's mission and institutional priorities. Center academic advising in discussions and educate colleagues on the department's initiatives and efforts, fostering a collaborative environment to enhance student success, persistence, and the overall educational experience. Engage in professional development opportunities to stay updated with best practices in academic advising and student success. Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Manager of Advising and Student Success Initiatives or Senior Manager of Advising, Transitions, and Student Success. Supervision Received: Functional supervision is received from the Manager of Advising and Student Success Initiatives and/or Senior Manager of Advising, Transitions, and Student Success. Administrative supervision is received from the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Student Success. Supervision Exercised: N/A Requirements: Required Qualifications: Master's degree in college student personnel work, higher education administration, counseling, or a related field. At least one year of experience in academic advising or student affairs, preferably in a higher education setting. Strong commitment to student-centered learning that focuses on the development and success of the learner. Knowledge of academic advising theories and practice that support teaching and learning. Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting and applying academic and transfer advising information accurately, as well as preparing reports using data from CRM systems, degree audit tools, and databases (e.g., Banner, Zogotech, etc.). Proficiency in technology, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, database programs, and other college-supported platforms used for employee training, troubleshooting, and implementing policies and procedures. Strong verbal, and written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to conduct presentations and engage diverse student populations. Strong organizational skills to effectively plan, prioritize, and meet departmental and institutional deadlines. Working Conditions: General office conditions. Little or no exposure to adverse working conditions. Ability to travel between campuses and work evening shifts and/or weekends consistent with department and/or student needs. Additional Information: HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:15 am - 5:00 pmSALARY: The hourly salary of this position is $29.87 which equates to $60,189 annualized based on Oakton's summer hours schedule. Based on the needs of the college and with Administrator approval, some positions at the college may have a hybrid schedule option available after 30 working days. For information regarding employment eligibility, please visit our employment at Oakton web page.Equal Opportunity Employer Application Instructions: Please be sure to have a current resume, cover letter, and list of, at least, three (3) professional references with contact information prepared to submit with your application. Oakton College conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law and in accordance with the Illinois Department of Human Rights Conviction Record Protection Act of March 2021. Posted positions may be removed from the Oakton website without notice when it is determined that no additional applicants are required. Oakton College does not utilize E-Verify for employment eligibility verification.

Created: 2026-03-12