GRADUATE STUDENT ADVISOR, Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is a top-ranked college that focuses on cross-disciplinary research, experiential learning, and community engagement. We seek to empower our students, faculty, and staff to reshape the systems that impact learning and human development, more firmly centering them in justice, diversity, and belonging. To learn more about our college, visit

BU Wheelock is one of the 17 schools and colleges that are part of Boston University, one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world today. With more than 37,000 students from all 50 states and 145+ countries, BU is among the largest independent universities in the United States. To learn more about Boston University, visit .

The Graduate Student Advisor at BU Wheelock provides comprehensive advising and retention support to graduate students, guiding them through program requirements, monitoring at-risk students, and connecting them with university resources as needed. This role also leads student engagement efforts by planning and executing programming such as orientation, community-building events, graduation celebrations, and support for affinity groups and graduate student organizations. Additionally, the advisor handles day-to-day administrative functions, supervises a graduate assistant, and collaborates across offices to ensure a cohesive student experience. The position also plays a supporting role in financial aid literacy, helping students understand financial aid concepts in partnership with the Financial Aid Office.

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position with access to the University’s comprehensive benefits plan and an office on BU’s Charles River Campus. The Graduate Student Advisor will maintain a hybrid work modality, with four days on-site and one remote day per week, subject to operational needs and approval by the supervisor. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support student services events.

Essential Functions

1. Graduate Student Advising and Retention – 50% 

Provides comprehensive graduate student advising and general academic support, applying established advising practices to guide students through program requirements, review progress toward degree completion, monitor students on probation or otherwise at risk, and conducts proactive “How are you doing?” check-ins. Conducts outreach related to action items and follow-up needs, manages advising communications such as the “This Week at Wheelock” newsletter and relevant Blackboard sites, and makes appropriate referrals to university resources as needed.

2. Student Engagement and Programming – 25%

Plans, executes, and assesses graduate student programming, including orientation, community-building activities, graduation celebrations, and other recognition events. Provides oversight and support for Affinity Groups and Graduate Student Organizations and collaborates with students and campus partners to foster inclusive engagement and community.

3. Supervision and Administrative Support – 10% Supervises a graduate assistant and supports the day-to-day administrative functions of Student Services. Responds to general inbox inquiries, maintains organized communication and follow-up, and collaborates with other offices and departments to ensure a cohesive and well-coordinated student experience.

4. Financial Aid Literacy and Support – 10% In partnership with the Financial Aid Office, supports students’ understanding of financial aid concepts and processes, helps clarify common questions, and makes referrals as appropriate so students can access accurate information and resources.

5. Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

Contribute to special projects, initiatives, and administrative tasks that support the evolving needs of BU Wheelock, including cross-functional collaboration, process improvements, continuous learning and development, and other assignments consistent with the scope and objectives of this role.

Required Skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of relevant experience in student services, academic advising, or higher education administration.
• Demonstrated ability to support graduate students through advising, outreach, and referrals.
• Strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a student-centered environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, education, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in graduate student advising, student services, or higher education administration preferred.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $56,000 to $61,000 annually. This range is based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the overall scope of the role. Please note that the final salary offered may vary depending on these factors.

Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters while working at Boston University is considered confidential. Employees must adhere to University and departmental policies, guidelines and procedures; and all applicable laws and regulations at all times.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.