Senior Academic Advisor

Job Description

Job Description

PCN 904
Position Overview & Responsibilities:

The Senior Academic Advisor in the Lucey Center for Academic and Career Advising works with students to support their academic success. Senior Academic Advisors meet 1-on-1 and in small group settings with students. They will be the primary academic advisor for students across the College. In this role, Senior Academic Advisors provide student-centered guidance, curriculum planning, academic advising, assistance in selecting concentrations/minors/courses, exploration into career options, foundational level of academic support, and help students connect with clubs and organizations. This position reports to the Senior Associate Dean of Advising. This position will work closely with students, faculty, the Academic Success Center, the O’Brien Center for Career Development, and the Scammon Family Center for Experiential Learning to identify and create pathways for student success.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Proactively work with students to provide holistic, academic support

• Responsible for case managing students, as part of college case management collaboration

• Support the MackForce Student Central support desk and mailbox, providing a high level of student and customer support - responding to emails and correspondence in a timely manner and resolving issues

• Make appropriate referrals to professionals across campus

• Work in collaboration with the Career Advisors to ensure students have the experiences and resources to excel in their fields and to assess involvement and encourage participation in internships, co-ops, research and other experiential learning initiatives that will provide industry experience

• Collaborate with the O’Brien Center for Career Development and the Scammon Family Center for Experiential Learning to plan and implement major/industry-specific programs

• Assist students with operational processes including: course planning and registration, withdrawal, change of major/minors, override requests, etc.

• Build collaborative and supportive relationships with faculty, academic and career related offices

• Represent the Lucey Center for Academic and Career Advising at key Admission, Student Life and Alumni events

• Elevate student experiences and achievements through social media, communications, website, O’Brien Center reports and prepare for Admission reports/events

• Perform all other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred

• Three or more years of academic advising experience, preferably with undergraduate students.

• Knowledge of degree programs and corresponding career options.

• Understanding of educational requirements and advising processes.

• Excellent problem solving, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Positive attitude and ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Willingness to learn and develop as an advising professional.

• Ability to relate well to students, faculty, staff, and parents/family members.

• This is a 12 month, in-person position with occasional weekend and evening responsibilities.

Application Materials Should Include:

• Resume or CV

• Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values.

Work Location

This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check. 

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.  

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoral students from 48 states and 63 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has six schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard school of business and the graduate school of counseling and social work. The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in the Regional Universities North category in 2026. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.