Academic Advisors serve a vital role in supporting the academic success and holistic development of our diverse student population. They work closely with students to provide guidance, support, and resources to help them navigate their educational journey effectively. A primary focus for this position is to empower students to make informed decisions and set academic and career goals. In addition, Academic Advisors develop personalized academic plans, course recommendations, as well as interventions and resources that lead to successful academic program completion. At Grand Rapids Community College, academic advising is provided throughout the student lifecycle and across various student support programs. Based on location and/or department assignment, advisors will serve a caseload of students in the clarification of their academic and career goals and the development of a personalized academic plan. In addition, Academic Advisors will contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of academic program advising plans and transfer resources. Academic Advisors will also provide additional services that promote student belonging, engagement, and academic success.

The Grand Rapids Promise Zone is a place-based scholarship program that provides qualifying high school students with access to attend Grand Rapids Community College for free, and pursue the academic, job-training or certificate program of their choice with support throughout their post-secondary journey. The Grand Rapids Promise Zone represents the first city-wide partnership between public, public charter, and private schools in Grand Rapids’ history. Promise Zone Academic Advisors will support students throughout their academic journey, including their transition from high school to college, with an emphasis on successful completion of their first year of college.

Our Promise Zone Academic Advisors will provide targeted, relevant, support to Promise Zone students through their caseload assignment. They will work in close partnership with Promise Zone team members to identify needs and deliver coordinated, holistic support, resources, and programming to Promise Zone students in high schools, as well as those attending GRCC. This may include—but is not limited to—workshops, new student orientation, and career exploration activities.

Requisition ID: 965
Department: Occupational Support Programs
Employee Group: Faculty Association
Schedule: 40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year
Compensation: Consistent with Faculty Association contract (Page #114, Appendix B-5)
Benefits: Full Time
Reports to: Associate Dean, Advising & Student Support
Posting Opens: 08/18/2025
Posting Closes: 09/17/2025

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide proactive, personalized, and strategic academic and career advising for students regarding academic and workforce programs, degree and transfer requirements, and successful entry into a career field.
• Provide advising case management for assigned students that includes individualized academic planning, identification of potential obstacles and opportunities, and student development of decision-making skills that promote continued academic progress and success.
• Assist students to learn and apply skills that will help them to gather, organize, and use relevant information necessary to inform their educational, career, and personal development.
• Maintain clear and concise notes to document history of academic advice and engagement provided to individual students.
• Maintain a deep understanding of Promise Zone policies and procedures to anticipate student needs and barriers, and offer effective solutions and support strategies.
• Develop deep knowledge of Promise Zone transfer partnerships and requirements, and collaborate closely with advisors at the transfer institution to support a smooth student transition.
• Continuously develop expertise in supporting underrepresented student populations through research, training, and engagement with emerging trends.
• Develop and implement workshops and events to support students’ transition to college, success skills and sense of belonging at GRCC.
• Use campus technology and data systems to develop, implement, and evaluate outreach, identify gaps in retention and completion outcomes, and support initiatives that improve student success outcomes.
• Participate and contribute to the assessment of student learning outcomes and departmental effectiveness.
• Work proactively to engage students through various means such as e-mail, phone, workshops, classroom visits, and face-to-face conversations.
• Advisors help students to enhance non-cognitive or self-efficacy skills such as time-management, organization, and study skills.
• Advisors support students by referring student concerns to appropriate service areas on campus such as tutoring and counseling. They also connect them to resources and services in the community (i.e., housing, child care) as needed.
• Work closely with colleagues to ensure smooth communication and efficient problem-solving.
• Maintain knowledge of credit and non-credit programs offered at GRCC, potential career paths, graduation requirements, transfer program requirements, and related information to be able to appropriately advise students
• Maintain expertise in the advising field.
• Support the development and implementation of community based, college, and student service programs and initiatives to improve college access, and enhance the student experience and institutional effectiveness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Educational Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Work Experience

• One year of direct experience providing academic advising in a higher education setting or 3 years providing direct student services in a related area in a higher education setting required.
• Prior experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge and experience in administration and interpretation of a variety of tests and assessment materials.
• Bilingual English-Spanish preferred
• Experience in working with individuals with physical and/or learning disabilities and others who qualify for program services preferred.

Skills

• Virtual meeting technology (Zoom, Google Meets)
• Able to utilize the various technology resources required for the job (including but not limited to G-Suite, EAB Navigate, ImageNow, PeopleSoft, and all Microsoft Office products).

Physical Demands

• Must be proficient in verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Project a professional image including punctuality and good attendance record.
• Ability to ambulate around campus and sit for long periods and travel to off campus sites.
• Sitting or standing stationary for long periods of time.
• Heavy computer use for communication and documentation.

Mental Demands

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with and respect diverse populations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision.
• Proven ability to provide excellent customer service to students and staff in a demanding work environment.
• Pronounced interest in helping and supporting students, staff, and the general public.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a pleasant and professional manner.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Ability to work in a high traffic, indoor office environment.

BENEFITS

• Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options, including one with no health insurance premiums.
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
• Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities.
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options, including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

GRCC is only accepting online applications for this position at https://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter resume, and unofficial transcripts for full consideration. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

HIRING PROCESS

GRCC uses an Evidence Based Selection Process, where we make data driven hiring decisions to help mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in reference checks and interviews.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.