What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Advisor position at CIA?
Cleveland Institute of Art, a private college of art and design, seeks a candidate to fill the full-time position of Academic Advisor. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, the Academic Advisor plays a critical role in supporting student success through proactive academic advising, personalized educational planning, and resource navigation. This position works collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to ensure students have the guidance, support, and information necessary to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals.
In this role, the Academic Advisor serves as a primary point of contact for students regarding curriculum requirements, degree progression, academic policies, and institutional resources. The successful candidate will develop meaningful relationships with an assigned caseload of students, helping them identify goals, overcome barriers to success, and navigate their educational journey from enrollment through graduation. Through regular advising meetings, the Academic Advisor assists students with course planning, academic decision-making, and connection to campus resources that support student wellbeing and achievement.
The Academic Advisor maintains comprehensive advising records, monitors academic progress, and follows up with students when concerns arise regarding performance, engagement, or persistence. The position also collaborates closely with Division Chairs and academic departments to ensure accurate communication of curriculum requirements and degree plans while remaining current on institutional policies, procedures, and academic programs.
The successful candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree and one to three years of relevant professional experience in academic advising, student services, higher education administration, counseling, education, or a related field. Candidates must demonstrate strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to build effective relationships with a diverse student population. Experience utilizing student information systems and educational technologies is highly desirable. A master’s degree, teaching experience in higher education, and familiarity with Jenzabar are preferred.
CIA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the listed qualifications. If you are passionate about supporting student success, building meaningful connections, and helping students navigate their educational experiences, we invite you to apply and become part of an institution that values creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning.
Compensation
This is a full-time, exempt position. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. CIA offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off accrual, 13 paid holidays, and additional time off while the college is closed during winter break. CIA offers health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, a 403(b) retirement contribution, tuition remission, free campus parking, and Inter-Museum Council discounts.
Review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
CIA is committed to increasing diversity in our community and actively recruits individuals from all backgrounds. Additionally, CIA complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students, and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.
ABOUT CIA
CIA is also a great place to work, and manifesting a positive culture and sense of belonging is a big part of who we are. We work hard and are proud of our employees’ collective contribution to our mission—but we also play hard and like to have fun. We challenge and support one another, integrate our institutional values into our work in meaningful ways, celebrate our successes, embrace learning and continuous improvement in all that we do, and are driven by our students’ success and the creative environment that inspires us every day.
CIA is one of the nation’s leading accredited independent colleges of art and design. Since 1882, the college has been an educational and cultural cornerstone in Cleveland, Ohio, producing graduates competitive as studio artists, designers, photographers, contemporary craftspeople, and educators. With approximately 600 students, CIA offers a personal educational experience with the benefits of a larger institution. CIA students can choose from 13 majors in fine and applied art, each leading to a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Students live and work in Cleveland’s University Circle, one of the country’s most unique cultural centers—recently named by USA Today as one of the Top 10 Best Arts Districts in the country.
The mission of CIA is to cultivate creative leaders who inspire people, strengthen communities, and contribute to a thriving and sustainable economy through an innovative education in art and design.
For more information, visit www.cia.edu.