Academic Advisor

Job Description

Job Description

Academic Advisor

Position Details

Compensation: $50,000–$55,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Position Type/Schedule: Full-time, exempt. This position is fully on-site and is not eligible for remote work.
Work Location: Illinois Tech, 10 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Illinois Tech is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment-based visa for this position.

Summary
The Academic Advisor works within the Office of Academic Affairs and advises students in designated academic programs regarding academic planning, degree progress, course scheduling, majors, and educational and career goals. The position supports students in making informed academic decisions and progressing toward graduation and reports to the Assistant Director of Academic Advising.

The Academic Advisor maintains knowledge of university academic policies, curricula, degree requirements, and approved substitutions and supports daily academic advising operations, including degree audits, petitions, academic policy exceptions, transfer credit evaluation, Degree Works requests, and student, faculty, and staff inquiries.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
- Provide academic advising and degree services for students in designated programs, including guidance on academic plans, degree progress, course selection, majors, specializations, minors, and graduation requirements.
- Conduct degree audits; evaluate and apply transfer credit; and review petitions, substitutions, course repeat requests, shared course approvals, academic policy exceptions, and other academic actions.
- Support student retention and degree completion by identifying academic or registration barriers and working with students and faculty advisors to develop appropriate solutions.
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of university academic policies, assigned curricula, degree requirements, and approved departmental substitutions to provide accurate and timely guidance.
- Respond to questions and concerns from students, faculty, staff, and other members of the university community through email, telephone, online platforms, and in-person interactions.
- Participate as a non-voting member of the Undergraduate and Graduate Studies Committees and assist with interpreting academic policies and reviewing academic catalog content.
- Participate in semester academic reviews to assist in determining student academic standing, including good standing, probation, dismissal, and other applicable classifications.
- Support daily office operations, provide direction to student workers as appropriate, and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in higher education, academic advising, student services, academic administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Strong written and verbal communication, customer service, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interpret and consistently apply academic policies, degree requirements, and university procedures.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree.
- Experience with Ellucian Banner, Degree Works, and EAB Navigate360.

Service Standards and Performance Expectations
- Provides accurate, timely, and student-centered academic advising and degree services.
- Maintains current knowledge of academic policies, curricula, and degree requirements and applies them consistently.
- Communicates professionally and responsively with students, faculty, staff, and other university stakeholders.
- Proactively identifies academic or registration barriers and supports student retention and timely degree completion.
- Maintains accuracy, confidentiality, and appropriate documentation when handling student academic information and records.
- Works collaboratively and contributes to the effective operation of Academic Affairs and academic advising services.

Supervision & Budget Authority
- No direct supervisory responsibility for regular university employees.
- May provide direction to student workers.
- No direct budget authority.

Physical Qualifications
- Work is performed primarily in an office or student-service environment with regular use of a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment.
- The position requires extended periods of computer use and regular communication with students, faculty, staff, and other members of the university community.
- May require movement between offices, meeting spaces, and other university locations.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with applicable law.

Benefits
Illinois Tech offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and long-term disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with university contributions and matching for eligible employees; tuition assistance programs; flexible spending and commuter benefits; an employee assistance program; university holidays; and applicable paid and job-protected leave benefits. Eligibility, waiting periods, employee contributions, and coverage levels vary by benefit and position. Additional information is available at

EEO Statement
Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, inclusion, and diversity. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, age, unfavorable discharge from the military, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, including gender identity and expression, order of protection status, and/or genetic information. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.