Program Advisor - Nursing & Health Professions

Agency: Virginia Western Community College, a two-year public institution of higher education within the Virginia Community College System. Located on a 70-acre campus in southwest Roanoke, VA, the College serves over 9,000 credit students and 1,400 workforce/continuing education enrollments annually.

About the role

The Program Advisor supports Nursing and Health Professions students after their initial enrollment, using a progressive advising model to help students define, plan, and achieve their educational goals. This role fosters independence, promotes student development, and maintains a professional, supportive environment. The position is part of the Advising team and works closely with teaching faculty and academic deans.

Responsibilities

• Guide returning program-placed students on course requirements, program differentiations, guaranteed admissions, articulation agreements, graduation processes, and financial planning for sustained enrollment.
• Assist students with goal-setting for program completion and connect them with resources to support their success.
• Participate in college-wide retention efforts, including proactive student outreach to promote equity, access, success, and completion.
• Maintain close working relationships with teaching faculty and academic deans.
• Actively engage in advising initiatives, including the use of student success technologies and data-driven strategies to improve retention, persistence, and completion.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned, including assisting in state-declared emergencies.
• Occasional evening and Saturday work may be required.

Requirements

• Experience providing direct student support in a helping profession, advising, or case management environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, written, and active listening skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service for diverse student populations.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to assess student needs, develop action plans, and connect students with appropriate resources.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and multiple technology platforms, including student information systems and advising software.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of academic advising, student success practices, and the mission of a community college.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing academic advising in higher education, K-12, non-profit, or community college settings.
• Experience with case management and holistic student support.
• Experience advising students in competitive admission programs.
• Experience facilitating workshops, orientations, or student success programming.
• Knowledge of career goal setting, transfer processes, and student support services.
• Background in or knowledge of health professions programs.
• Experience using student success technologies, including advising, degree planning, or early alert systems.
• Experience using data to improve student retention, persistence, and completion.

Pay

$44,192 to $52,494 annually.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.