Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor

Summary of Position: The 5–12 Academic Advisor provides leadership and coordination of academic advising systems to ensure all students successfully progress toward graduation and postsecondary readiness. This role focuses on academic planning, progress monitoring, scheduling, and career/college readiness, with particular attention to supporting at-risk students through structured and proactive interventions.

The position works collaboratively with students, staff, families, and community partners to ensure every student has a clear, actionable pathway aligned to their academic and career goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in Education, School Counseling, or related field
• Preferred Guidance Counselor, or working toward
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate (6-12) or ability to obtain.
• Strong organizational, communication, and data analysis skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with secondary scheduling and graduation requirements.
• Familiarity with college admissions and career pathways
• Experience with student information systems (e.g., PowerSchool) and advising tools (e.g., Xello)

Key Competencies:

• Systems thinking around student progression and outcomes.
• Precision in tracking credits, requirements, and compliance.
• Strong relationship-building with students and families (e.g., Capturing Kids' Hearts)
• Ability to coordinate multiple complex systems (scheduling, testing, post-secondary planning).

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Planning & Progress Monitoring

• Develop and maintain individualized academic plans (grades 5–12)
• Conduct credit audits and review transcripts to ensure graduation readiness
• Monitor grades, credits, assessments, and academic progress
• Identify and intervene with students who are off-track
• Review failure reports and adjust schedules accordingly
• Oversee and monitor credit recovery programs (e.g., Edmentum)
• Communicate with families regarding academic concerns and progress

Scheduling & Student Information Systems

• Build and manage student schedules using district systems (e.g., PowerSchool)
• Coordinate schedule, course requests, and determine section needs
• Make schedule adjustments at semester and year start
• Assist with master schedule planning
• Support new student enrollment and transcript evaluation

Post-Secondary Readiness & Career Planning

• Guide students in developing and updating Educational Development Plans (EDPs)
• Provide advising on:
• College applications
• FAFSA and financial aid
• Scholarships
• Career pathways and workforce opportunities
• Military enlistment options
• Utilize tools such as Xello and career databases (e.g., Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Coordinate:
• College visits
• Job fairs
• Career exploration opportunities (internships, job shadowing)
• Support and coordinate LCC Advantage, dual enrollment, online learning (e.g., MVU), and technical center programs
• Monitor student participation and progress in these programs

Programs & Specialized Coordination

• Oversee and support:
• Dual Enrollment and LCC's Advantage programs
• Work-based learning and work experience tracking
• Tech Center placement and scheduling
• Coordinate and monitor documentation (hours, requirements, compliance)
• High School 504s

Testing & Compliance

• Coordinate academic testing logistics, including:
• M-Step, PSAT (8/9, 10), SAT, AP, WIN, WIDA, MiAccess
• Ensure proper test administration and staff training
• Collaborate with SSD Coordinator and teachers for accommodations
• Maintain compliance with state, district, and federal requirements

Communication & Collaboration

• Serve as primary academic advising contact for students and families
• Maintain consistent communication regarding academic expectations and progress
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and support staff
• Facilitate student-led conferences and academic planning meetings
• Build partnerships with community organizations and postsecondary institutions
• Collaborate with SSD Coordinator for accommodations
• Maintain compliance with state, district, and federal requirements

Student Support & School Culture

• Support a student-centered environment focused on academic success, post-secondary readiness, and personal/social development
• Foster positive relationships with students, families, and staff

Other Requirements:

• Clear background check and fingerprinting per district policy.
• Ability to work extended hours as needed for events and emergencies.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and traverse campus frequently.
• Other duties as assigned by the Administration

Reports to: Building Principal

Pay Rate: Competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications

Benefits: Full benefit package

Deadline to apply: Until filled

Position start date: August TBD

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. The schools district may add to, modify or delete any aspects of the job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems necessary.

Nondiscrimination: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.