Academic Advisor, Communication & Arts

Academic Advisor

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas. As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.

NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

The Academic Advisor reports to the Dean and is responsible for general academic advising for prospective and currently enrolled students, continuing advising for current students, transfer advising for those continuing their education after NWACC, and advising for special populations of students identified as needing proactive success programming. Position will participate in integrated, cross-trained team approach to promote student success.

Essential Duties:

• Meet with students in person, by phone, or email to assist with course selection, transfers, financial aid appeals, program/degree info, prerequisites and placement.
• Work with Enrollment Services and advisors; participate in open houses, senior days, group registrations, and provide accurate information and placement support
• Review and process registration override requests for prerequisites, late registration, course capacity, and repeats; maintain records and coordinate with faculty and chairs
• Track course repeats, complete required documentation, submit forms to Student Records, and compile override data for reporting and policy adherence
• Assess and submit course substitution requests; manage records; coordinate with faculty and the transfer coordinator for accurate credit evaluations
• Evaluate and update degree plans; collaborate with Student Records and IT on degree audit systems; assist with development of new degree and certificate plans
• Stay current on placement charts, prerequisite changes, and course updates to ensure accurate advising and registration processes
• Additional duties may be assigned as necessary to support the goals and objectives of the department and college

Rate of Pay $41,107 annualized *Higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications directly related to position

Completed applications received by 4/14/2026 will be assured full consideration. Late Applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with 2 years related experience and/or training

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to learn about college policies, procedures, and practices; knowledge of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Title VII, Title IX, ADA and other applicable laws pertaining to employment and education
• Ability to plan, organize and implement assigned responsibilities and to work well under pressure to meet deadlines
• Excellent organizational, analytical and planning skills
• Ability to participate as a team members
• Ability to understand and interpret rules and regulations, and ability to adjust to change
• Ability to handle confidential material judiciously; understanding of education programs and tools related to community colleges
• Self-motivated and self-directed with the ability to prioritize work independently and meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and technology skills are necessary
• Ability to understand and implement the college's Human Resources and Student Services processes in addition to Academics
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills are necessary
• Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment, including related college software (knowledge of Workday and Canvas is preferred but not essential) and email is required.
• Evidence of performance excellence in multiple areas in previous positions
• Experience with facilitation of group planning efforts and facilitation strategies are desirable
• An understanding of institutional and disciplinary accreditation standards is preferred

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:

• Frequently:• Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding• Sitting• Standing• Walking
• Constantly:• Hearing• Repetitive motion• Talking

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; and/or visual inspection at distances close to the eyes.

Environmental Conditions:

The following work environment characteristics are representative of those encountered by employees while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

The work environment typically consists of a professional office setting with a moderate noise level, including sounds from conversations, office equipment, and occasional movement of staff. Lighting is standard for office spaces, and the temperature is controlled to remain within a comfortable range. Employees may occasionally need to visit other areas, such as storage rooms, conference spaces, or outdoor locations, where environmental conditions may vary. Infrequently, exposure to louder noise levels or physical activities, such as moving lightweight materials, might be required.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.