Specialist - Advisor-Continuing

Position Summary

Inspire. Empower. Explore.

Are you energized by helping students discover their purpose? Do you thrive on meaningful conversations, guiding others toward clarity and confidence in their academic and career paths? Join our team of student-centered advising professionals as an Academic Specialist – Advisor at Michigan State University, Office of Undergraduate Education, University Advising Team
, where we embrace the Appreciative Advising framework to empower students and advisors on their journey of discovery and success.

This full-time
, in-person role is ideal for both early-career and experienced advisors, academic coaches, counselors or social workers who enjoy engaging students in transformational conversations and co-creating plans that are grounded in students' values, strengths, and aspirations.

What You’ll Do:

As an Exploratory Advisor, you’ll be more than a scheduler—you’ll be a thought partner, coach, and connector for undergraduate students with exploratory majors or interest. You will also have the unique focus of supporting either transfer students or students with 44+ credits in selecting a major/program. You will:

• Serve as a primary academic advisor for a small caseload of Exploratory Preference, Exploring Business Preference, and transfer or transitioning students.
• Lead and facilitate one-on-one advising, small groups, workshops, programs, and presentations.
• Guide students in building intentional academic pathways
  , aligning their interests and strengths with MSU’s academic opportunities.
• Collaborate with academic departments and colleges to create curricula that honor the exploratory journey and the disciplinary foundations of each field.
• Teach and co-teach student success courses and workshops designed to promote confidence, motivation, and belonging.
• Leverage student support systems (like ESAF, SIS, Campus Solutions) to document interactions, maintain records, and respond to student needs.
• Design and implement data-informed strategies that proactively support student success and progression.
• Advise students navigating academic probation, return from dismissal, and other transitions, with a strength-based, solution-focused mindset.
• Serve as a core contributor to MSU-wide initiatives promoting access, excellence, and holistic student development
  .

What We’re Looking For:

We are hiring three advising positions, one to support transfer students, the second to support students with 44+ credits to secure a major, and the third as a specialist in exploration. In your cover letter, note which focus area you prefer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Masters
-Higher Ed, Adult & Lifelong Learning, Student Affairs, Counseling, Social Work, Education or related field

• A master’s degree in higher, adult, and lifelong education, student affairs, counseling, social work, education, or related fields.
• 2-3 years of academic advising, academic coaching, or student success work.
• Experience using student support or advising technology systems and platforms.
• Basic utilization of Office 365 products, Google Workspace, and other tools.
• A passion for working with students with varied learning styles and needs and supporting student success.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A student-centered philosophy rooted in strength, positivity, collaboration, and inquiry.
• Comfort leading presentations and outreach for students, families, and colleagues.

We're especially excited about candidates who bring:

• 3-5 years of experience in college-level academic advising or academic coaching.
• Deep knowledge of student development, student success, or career exploration theories.
• Experience teaching and facilitating learning with post-secondary students.
• Skilled utilization of Office 365 products, Google Workspace, and other communication and management tools.
• A track record of promoting and supporting access and excellence for all…