What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Advisor I or II position at Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement?
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26273 For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Emily Edwards
eedwards@montana.edu
406-994-3532
Classification Title Academic Advisor I Working Title Academic Advisor I or II Brief Position Overview
At MSU, academic advisors play a key role in student success, retention, and timely degree completion. Academic advisors are guides, mentors, and educators who encourage personal development and lifelong learning, and who share information about curricula, resources, and engagement opportunities.
Each academic advisor has an assigned caseload of students within a particular focus area. In addition to advising students, academic advisors work closely with faculty and staff in their focus areas and with colleagues across campus.
Position Number 4N0051 Department Advising Commons Division Division of Student Success Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE FTE .75 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Advisor I- $20.00-$23.00 per hour// Advisor II- $20.49 -$24.55 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
Advising Commons is the home department for all primary-role (staff) academic advisors. Advising Commons is a collaborative team of over 40 individuals who support students in all colleges at MSU. We provide specialized and ongoing training for advisors, work closely with the academic units that we serve, and collaborate with colleagues across the university. Advising positions are campus-based and are not eligible for remote work.
Duties and Responsibilities
Academic Advisor I
Academic Advisor I
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number Of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon Completion Of a Successful Search. Position End Date (if Temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications Will Be
Screening of applications will begin onJune 23rd 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26273 For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Emily Edwards
eedwards@montana.edu
406-994-3532
Classification Title Academic Advisor I Working Title Academic Advisor I or II Brief Position Overview
At MSU, academic advisors play a key role in student success, retention, and timely degree completion. Academic advisors are guides, mentors, and educators who encourage personal development and lifelong learning, and who share information about curricula, resources, and engagement opportunities.
Each academic advisor has an assigned caseload of students within a particular focus area. In addition to advising students, academic advisors work closely with faculty and staff in their focus areas and with colleagues across campus.
Position Number 4N0051 Department Advising Commons Division Division of Student Success Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE FTE .75 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Advisor I- $20.00-$23.00 per hour// Advisor II- $20.49 -$24.55 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
Advising Commons is the home department for all primary-role (staff) academic advisors. Advising Commons is a collaborative team of over 40 individuals who support students in all colleges at MSU. We provide specialized and ongoing training for advisors, work closely with the academic units that we serve, and collaborate with colleagues across the university. Advising positions are campus-based and are not eligible for remote work.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide holistic academic advising for students focused on classes, academic program selection, academic and career goals, and individual student needs
- Participate in all orientations and new and prospective student programming
- Learn and communicate complex information to students and other stakeholders
- Refer students to appropriate campus and community resources
- Conduct student outreach and interventions to assist with advising, registration, and retention efforts.
- Collaborate with and maintain open communication with campus partners
- Utilize advising and registration software and clearly document student advising interactions.
Academic Advisor I
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience working one-on-one and in small groups with students or clients combined with a demonstrated ability to build rapport with a diverse group of constituents
- Demonstrated competence working in fast-paced environments while maintaining a positive and professional attitude
- Demonstrated competence maintaining records with a high degree of accuracy and close attention to detail
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience working directly with undergraduate college students in an academic or student support setting combined with a demonstrated ability to build rapport with a diverse group of constituents.
- Demonstrated competence working in fast-paced environments while maintaining a positive and professional attitude
- Demonstrated competence maintaining records with a high degree of accuracy and close attention to detail
Academic Advisor I
- Demonstrated knowledge of higher education curricula, policies, and procedures
- Demonstrated knowledge of higher education offices and resources that support student success
- Experience with advising and registration programs and software
- Master’s Degree in related field
- Academic advising experience within a college or university setting
- Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of academic advising and student development theory
- Experience working with advising and registration programs such as DegreeWorks, EAB Navigate, Banner, and/or relational database.
- Possess strong interpersonal skills and an enthusiasm to work with and guide students as they discover and attain their academic and career goals
- Create positive rapport and strong working relationships with colleagues throughout the MSU community, including administrators, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders
- Possess strong written and oral communication skills and an ability to communicate complex information effectively with a wide range of individuals
- Be able to have candid conversations and be able to troubleshoot problems
- Effectively manage and maintain confidential information
- Have proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Represent the department, college and university in a professional and courteous manner
- Actively pursue training and professional development opportunities
- Assist with assessment and continuous improvement efforts
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number Of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon Completion Of a Successful Search. Position End Date (if Temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications Will Be
Screening of applications will begin onJune 23rd 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Salary : $20 - $23