Academics & Career Advisor

Job Category: Academic Staff | Employment Type: Regular

About the Role

The Academics & Career Advisor provides comprehensive academic and career support to student-athletes in Women's Basketball and Men's & Women's Swimming & Diving, helping them navigate their academic journeys and prepare for life beyond sport. This role includes developing individualized academic and career plans, monitoring progress toward graduation and NCAA eligibility, and coordinating with campus and departmental partners. Strong relationship-building, communication, and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalized academic and career advising for assigned student-athletes.
• Monitor academic progress, ensure NCAA eligibility, and adjust support plans as needed.
• Create graduation plans and assist with course selection and university procedures.
• Participate in recruiting by meeting with prospective student-athletes and families.
• Serve as the primary contact for assigned teams; collaborate with coaches and athletics staff.
• Engage consistently with faculty and campus partners to support student success.
• Contribute to A&C team meetings, programs, and department-wide initiatives.
• Support the Badger Built mission by promoting student-first, holistic development.
• Partner with campus units to strengthen academic outcomes and retention.
• Participates in the campus-wide advising community providing input to leadership regarding the development of advising, recruitment, and co/curricular programs.
• Receives, processes, and responds to academic inquiries according to established policies and procedures.
• Serves as a main point of contact for students and provides information about educational options and academic requirements; assists with identifying and assessing interests, skills, and values to match appropriate field of study/career options, and refers students to appropriate institutional resources.
• Implements academic advising events such as workshops, panel discussions, and guest speakers.
• Maintains confidentiality and accurate student records and processes and responds to academic inquiries according to established institutional and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policies.
• Maintains expertise with advised curriculum and may assist in developing and recommending exceptions for policy and curriculum.
• Proactively engages students as needed.
• Assist with other tasks and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of experience as an academic advisor or in a related student support role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds, as well as coaches and administrators.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as required.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience as an academic advisor or in a related student support role.
• Experience advising student-athletes, preferably at a Division I institution.
• Knowledge of NCAA and Big Ten rules and regulations.
• Experience developing and implementing successful programs for at-risk students and/or student-athletes.
• Demonstrated ability to drive a department’s academic and career support vision, prioritizing holistic development and long-term success of student-athletes.
• Experience providing strategic oversight and leadership to a team, setting clear expectations, fostering accountability, and building a shared identity for the team’s work.
• Ability to promote a culture of collaboration, communication, and growth; mentor and develop staff to maximize their impact and potential; and build relationships with colleagues across academics, athletics, and campus.

Benefits

• Generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off.
• Competitive insurances and savings accounts.
• Retirement benefits.
• Badger gear & season tickets for Badger football, men's basketball and men's hockey, and/or the varsity sports pass.

Pay

The typical starting salary ranges from $45,879 to $65,000, depending on qualifications and experience. There may be flexibility for highly qualified candidates.

Schedule

This is a 100% Academic Staff appointment.