Job Details

Academic Advisor/Senior Academic Advisor (Hybrid Opportunity)

Job no: 529355
Work type: Staff Full Time
Campus: UMass Amherst
Department: Dean - Humanities & Fine Arts
Pay Grade: 25
Categories: Academic Advising &Learning Resources

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and useits knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the HFA Assistant Dean for Academic Advising and Student Success, the Academic Advisor/Senior Academic Advisor provides comprehensive advising for College of Humanities and Fine Arts (HFA) students in various majors, including HFA exploratory track, music and other performing arts students. This position works closely with other advising personnel to ensure high-quality advising and academic services for all undergraduate students. The position is responsive to the widely varied needs of diverse student populations and works in a high-volume and fast-paced work environment.

Essential Functions

• Provides comprehensive, individualized, and small-group advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, including new student orientation/registration periods and current student registration periods.
• Partners with the departments of their advisees to successfully build community within the major.
• Responds to common issues such as registration-related matters, including fulfilling the university's general education requirements, interpreting major and college requirements, and providing guidance for course enrollment.
• Assists students with matters involving the transition to UMass Amherst, goal setting, self-assessment, time management skills, planning and decision-making, such as establishing an academic plan, choosing a major within and/or outside of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, and selecting courses.
• Identifies and responds to at-risk students experiencing academic and critical personal difficulties.
• Provides proactive and responsive interventions to support student success.
• Provides targeted outreach and support to students on Academic Warning and Academic Probation.
• Responds to inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA in a highly professional and respectful manner.
• Helps develop and offer activities and workshops for HFA students, including information sessions about HFA majors for current and prospective students.
• Participates in HFA activities, including Fall Visit Days, Destination Days, Senior Celebration, and other activities and events that may be developed.
• Represents HFA Undergraduate Advising on College and University-level committees and councils.
• Assists in training new professional advisors by providing them with the most current information about requirements in HFA and other majors.

Senior Academic Advisor, additional essential functions:

• When appropriate, collaborates with Undergraduate Program Directors to clear undergraduate students for Graduation.
• Provides supplemental professional development in HFA Advising Staff Meetings on a bi-monthly basis.
• Supports the hiring and training of new undergraduate employees.

Other Functions

• Executes special projects as needed to support the mission of the HFA Advising and Career Center, departments, and the College.
• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet department, college, and university goals and objectives.
• Understands responsibilities concerning Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements.
• Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Works collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Student Success.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree.
• Documented experience in academic advising, student support, or other related student-facing roles specific to visual and performing arts.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Intermediate-level computer proficiency.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated commitment to continued learning or professional development on diversity, equity, and justice issues.

Senior Academic Advisor additional minimum qualifications:

• A minimum of two years of documented experience in academic advising, student support, or other student-facing roles.
• Ability to recognize at-risk individuals and provide appropriate support and direction.
• Highly knowledgeable concerning FERPA and Title IX.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree in music or other performing arts field.
• Master's degree in Education, Humanities and Fine Arts, or related field.
• Experience serving or working with a large culturally diverse population.
• Able to manage a high volume of complex and varied client needs.
• Able to recognize at-risk individuals and provide appropriate support and direction.
• Knowledgeable concerning FERPA, Title IX, and University Academic Rules and Regulations.

Senior Academic Advisor additional preferred qualifications:

• Professional teaching experience.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Work Schedule

• 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday.
• Required to work some nights and weekends.

Salary Information

Academic Advisor: Level 25.

Senior Academic Advisor: Level 26.

Exempt Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Upload your cover letter and resume, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Advertised: Dec 16 2025 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Mar 22 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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