Academic Advisor

Salary: $52,943.00 Annually
Location : Main Campus, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Type: Full-Time Board-Approved
Job Number: 02873
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Academic Advising
Opening Date: 06/18/2026


JOB GOAL:
To advance the college's mission, vision, principles, values, and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Academic advising at Kirkwood Community College is a developmental process that considers students' academic needs, goals, interests and prior experiences and education. The academic advisor advises students concerning their academic plans, progress, and academic/career goals, in order to assist students in making personal educational decisions.
The typical work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.


UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
• Champion Service- anticipating needs and creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
• Perseverance- a commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
• Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist students in the exploration of goals, interests, strengths, values, and concerns through positive, open-ended questions and intentional advising strategies.
• Assist students in developing academic plans that meet goals and future aspirations.
• Teach students about curricular requirements, academic standards, and academic milestones related to an intended/chosen academic program.
• Teach students how to assess their degree progress through graduation
• Refer students to campus resources, programs, and support systems that promote academic success, career development, experiential learning, and engagement in a chosen discipline.
• Collaborate with faculty and guide students to opportunities that engage students with faculty and professionals in their chosen disciplines.
• Assist students in developing problem-solving skills to allow them autonomy.
• Develop intervention plans for struggling students.
• Conduct first-year orientation advising sessions.
• Design and facilitate seminars/workshops that focus on career opportunities, transfer admissions procedures, financial literacy, cultural education activities, and social and personal development
• Perform other related work duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Possess solid knowledge of the academic programs within the academic pathway.
• Demonstrated organizational, record-keeping, and planning skills, including time management.
• Working knowledge of Kirkwood's student policies and procedures and ability to explain those processes.
• Understand the Core Competencies of an advisor as outlined in NACADA.
• Possess strong human relations skills and get along with diverse personalities.
• Read, understand, and express oneself clearly and effectively in oral and written form.
• Establish and maintain good team working relationships with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the public.
• Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree
• Advising or teaching experience
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS :

• Master's degree
• 3 or more years of Academic Advising experience
• 3 or more years of Community College professional experience
• Education or knowledge of student development theories and practice
• Knowledge and experience with holistic, case management advising practices

EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, View phone number on click.appcast.io,, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: View phone number on click.appcast.io FAX: View phone number on click.appcast.io, TDD View phone number on click.appcast.io Email:.

WHY KIRKWOOD: Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Kirkwood offers a wide range of employee benefits. Read more about them !
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Do you have a bachelor's degree and advising or teaching experience?

• Yes
• No

Required Question