Academic Advisor

Job Summary

The incumbent reports to the Director of the Mustang Success Center. Under general supervision the Academic Advisor performs a variety of complex assignments which require coordination and planning with other areas of the University (e.g., Residential Life, Student Life and Leadership, Career Services, Student Academic Services, College Advising Centers, etc.). The incumbent must maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of students, faculty, staff and the general public (e.g. parents) by employing various interviewing and counseling techniques.

Using a high degree of judgement and professional skills and knowledge, the incumbent must make decisions, within specified program areas, that impact student groups (e.g. Cal Poly Scholars, Athletes, students in academic difficulty, etc.) as well as individual students and recommend changes to existing policies/practices as appropriate.

Department Summary

The Mustang Success Center supports undergraduate students with their successful transition and integration into Cal Poly. The center's staff provide accessible academic advising that guides students to clear pathways of success and timely graduation. 

Key Qualifications

• Ability to complete assignments requiring the application of a high degree of judgment, professional skills and knowledge in specified program areas.
• General knowledge of the principles, practices and trends of the Student Services field.
• Ability to accurately assess the current and future academic needs of students in the areas of academic support, leadership, career development, service, interpersonal skills and diversity awareness.
• Ability to advise students individually and in groups on complex student related matters, including NCAA continuing eligibility requirements; ability to be sensitive to individuals and groups; keen insight and understanding of cause-and-effect relationships that exist on campus.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field plus upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution.
• Three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience.
• A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience.
• A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $63,312 - $74,500 annually

Classification Range: $63.312 - $90,204 annually 

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Diversity Statement

At Cal Poly, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer. 

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.