Academic Advisor - Veterans Upward Bound

The Academic Advisor for the Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program at Suffolk University is responsible for providing individualized academic guidance, coordinating tutoring and instructional support, and assisting eligible military veterans in developing the academic skills and educational readiness necessary to pursue postsecondary education. A federally funded TRIO program, VUB provides academic preparation and educational support to veterans seeking to enroll and succeed in postsecondary education. The Advisor coordinates academic assessments, develops individualized educational plans, and connects participants with tutoring, educational platforms, and other learning resources. The position also provides guidance on college exploration, admissions applications, financial aid, and veterans' education benefits. Working closely with the VUB Program Director and other program staff, the Advisor monitors participant progress and supports the program's academic preparation and postsecondary enrollment objectives. This position reports to the VUB Program Director.

This position is grant funded through August 31, 2028. Employment beyond the cycle of the grant is contingent upon a successful grant funding.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Academic Advising and Individualized Educational Planning: Conduct academic needs assessments and work directly with participants to develop individualized educational plans aligned with their academic abilities, educational interests, and postsecondary goals. Provide ongoing academic advising, monitor educational progress, and identify barriers to academic readiness. Assist participants in developing study skills and other strategies necessary for successful participation in postsecondary education.

• Tutoring Coordination and Academic Support: Coordinate the delivery of tutoring and instructional support services, including identifying participants' academic needs, arranging tutoring opportunities, and facilitating communication between participants and instructional personnel. Monitor participation in tutoring and assess progress toward individual learning goals. Provide direct academic assistance and supplemental educational support, as appropriate, and collaborate with the Program Director to ensure instructional services respond to participant needs and program objectives.

• College Readiness and Postsecondary Transition Advising: Guide participants through college exploration, institutional selection, admissions requirements, and application procedures for postsecondary education. Assist veterans with preparing applications, understanding enrollment requirements, and navigating financial aid opportunities and veterans' education benefits. Collaborate with the Program Director and institutional partners to facilitate participants' transition into postsecondary education, including community colleges, four-year institutions, and other eligible educational pathways.

• Educational Platforms, Learning Resources, and Academic Workshops: Assist participants with accessing and navigating educational platforms, online learning tools, instructional materials, and other academic resources utilized by the program. Provide orientation and ongoing assistance with educational technology to support participants' independent learning. Coordinate and facilitate workshops and educational activities addressing academic preparation, college readiness, and successful transitions to postsecondary education.

• Participant Records, Progress Monitoring, and Program Reporting: Maintain accurate and timely records of academic assessments, individualized educational plans, tutoring participation, advising activities, and participant progress. Document services provided and assist with tracking academic and postsecondary outcomes. Collaborate with the Program Director in collecting and reviewing participant information necessary for program evaluation, institutional reporting, and the federal Annual Performance Report (APR).

• Other Duties: Support other university-related initiatives and perform additional duties, as assigned, that advance the mission and objectives of the Veterans Upward Bound program and the Center for First-Generation and Educational Equity.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, psychology, human services, or an appropriate related field, and a minimum of two (2) years of successful professional experience in academic advising, teaching, tutoring, educational support, or related student services.
• Demonstrated experience providing academic guidance, educational assessments, or individualized support to students or adult learners, preferably from socioeconomically disadvantaged or first-generation backgrounds.
• Knowledge of financial aid, college admissions, student assessment, and academic preparation, particularly as they relate to adult learners and individuals transitioning into postsecondary education.
• Experience coordinating tutoring, instructional support, educational workshops, or other academic services.
• Ability to assist participants in accessing and navigating educational technology, online learning platforms, and academic resources.
• Must have demonstrated capability of being creative, proactive, and a team player, and possess strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience facilitating workshops or educational activities and working effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and maintain confidentiality of participant records and information.
• Flexibility to accompany program participants on college visits, attend educational activities, and participate in professional development conferences and trainings, including occasional evenings or weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in education, counseling, psychology, higher education administration, adult learning, social work, or a related field.

• Military experience or experience working in veterans' services, adult education, or with veterans from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Knowledge of veterans' education benefits, postsecondary enrollment processes, and resources supporting veterans transitioning into higher education.

• Experience coordinating tutoring programs, academic instruction, or college readiness initiatives for adult learners.

• Previous experience working with or participating in TRIO or similar educational access programs.

• Familiarity with grant-funded programs and ability to work within federal and state guidelines.

Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications without cover letters will NOT be reviewed. 

The salary range for this role is 48,750 - 65,000.

Salary Transparency

Suffolk University provides salary ranges as a good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for a role at the time the position is posted. The actual salary offered to the selected candidate will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to, the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s experience, education, training, and applicable legal requirements. The listed pay range reflects base salary only and does not include additional benefits or compensation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Suffolk University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The University strives to recruit, develop and retain faculty and staff committed to educational excellence, the robust exchange of ideas, and engage in membership in a diverse and inclusive community.