Dakota State University (DSU) is seeking a motivated, student-centered, and highly engaged professional to join our Academic Advising team as a Professional Academic Advisor. This is a 12-month, on-campus, benefit-eligible position that plays a critical role in advancing student success, persistence, and timely degree completion.
At DSU, academic advising extends beyond course selection and registration. Our Professional Academic Advisors serve as trusted mentors, student advocates, and knowledgeable campus resources who help students navigate the complexities of higher education, make informed decisions, overcome academic and personal challenges, and develop a strong sense of belonging within the university community.
Responsibilities:
- Advise an assigned caseload of students on degree planning, registration, academic success, and graduation requirements.
- Teach GS 100 First-Year Experience courses and support students’ transition to college.
- Identify barriers to student success and connect students with appropriate campus and community resources.
- Maintain regular communication with students through appointments, email, phone, and text outreach.
- Document student interactions, progress, and referrals in university systems.
- Participate in the Early Alert program by addressing academic concerns and coordinating interventions.
- Interpret and communicate university and South Dakota Board of Regents policies, procedures, and academic requirements.
- Partner with the Academic ReFocus Advisor to support students on probation, returning from suspension, or readmitted to the university.
- Participate in professional development, training, and departmental meetings.
Collaborate with faculty and campus partners to advance student success, retention, and graduation initiatives. - Represent the Academic Advising Office at orientations, recruitment events, and other university activities.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of one year of experience in academic advising, student success, higher education, or a related field.
- Knowledge of academic advising practices and strategies that promote student success, retention, and degree completion.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in complex student situations.
- Ability to manage a student caseload, balance competing priorities, and maintain accurate documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds and educational needs.
- Ability to identify student needs, provide proactive outreach, and coordinate appropriate interventions.
- Ability to handle confidential student information with professionalism and discretion.
- Proficiency with technology and the ability to learn and utilize student information and student success systems.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, and campus partners.
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, education, or a related field.
- Experience advising undergraduate students, particularly first-year students or those experiencing academic difficulties.
- Experience with student information and success platforms such as Banner and EAB Navigate360.
- Experience with early alert programs, academic interventions, or student success case management.
- Experience teaching first-year seminar courses or delivering student success workshops
Benefits:
- Flexible benefits package – health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, health reimbursement account.
- South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive 6% fully matched contributions from SDRS and are vested after three years of service.
- Paid time off – full time 12-month employees earn 15 days per year of annual leave and 14 days of sick leave per year. In addition, employees receive 11 federal paid holidays.
- Reduced tuition for education.
- Professional liability coverage
- Paid family leave
How to Apply:
DSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Please submit a cover letter, resume, transcript, and a list of at least three professional references.
Applications will begin to be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.
DSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and DSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing DSU-HumanResources@dsu.edu.
E-Verify, EOE.