Lead Academic Advisor (Student Services Professional III)

About the Role

The Lead Academic Advisor plays a pivotal role in supporting the academic success and exploration of undergraduate students, with a primary focus on first- and second-year Undeclared students and upper-division students pursuing individualized academic pathways. Reporting to the Undergraduate Studies Director, this position provides comprehensive coordinated care advising that empowers students to explore majors, develop academic plans, and achieve timely graduation. The role also contributes to campus-wide advising initiatives by helping develop advising infrastructure, including EAB Navigate configuration and cross-divisional collaboration. This is an opportunity for an experienced advising professional passionate about student success, equity, and innovative approaches to academic support.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic advising to first- and second-year Undeclared students, as well as major advising for upper-division Undeclared students.
• Guide students through academic planning, major exploration, degree requirements, and university policies to support timely graduation.
• Collaborate with cross-divisional partners to develop and maintain advising infrastructure, including EAB Navigate configuration and advising tools.
• Interpret academic records, degree audits, transfer coursework, and university policies to support informed student decision-making.
• Contribute to student success initiatives and continuous improvement efforts that enhance advising services and support equitable student outcomes.

Why Join Us

• Make a meaningful impact by helping students discover academic pathways and achieve their educational goals.
• Collaborate with campus partners to shape innovative advising practices and student success initiatives.
• Support a diverse student population through a coordinated care advising model focused on equity and belonging.
• Apply your expertise in academic advising, technology, and policy interpretation to improve the student experience.
• Join a mission-driven team committed to access, student achievement, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field; including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job related. Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required. 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.

Qualifications

• A Master's degree in student personnel, higher education/student affairs, counseling, or related field.
• Experience advising a diverse group of students.
• Experience utilizing SDSU Navigate advising (EAB) and other academic advising tools.
• Knowledge of one or more academic disciplines in terms of curricular requirements and career paths.
• Experience advising a student organization.
• Ability to use initiative to plan and implement program activities and improvements.
• Experience in database tracking and management.
• Two years of experience in interpreting and explaining academic policies governing public or private university admissions.
• Two years of experience working in a college or university’s admissions, advising, evaluations, registrar, or other student service-related office.
• Demonstrated experience using a degree audit system.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing college transcript information.
• Ability to calculate grade point averages.
• Demonstrated commitment to engaging in service with underrepresented populations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of barriers for underrepresented students.
• Experience in fostering or demonstrated commitment to underrepresented student success.
• Expertise or demonstrated commitment to developing expertise in cross-cultural communication and collaboration.

Pay

Salary is based on experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines. CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,540 - $7,893/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,540/month.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

Schedule

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), permanent/probationary position. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.