Job Summary

Under the limited supervision of the Managing Director for the Exploratory Student Success Center, the Senior Academic Advisor - Students in Transition supports the enrollment, retention, and graduation of former students returning to San José State University. The position provides holistic academic advising and success coaching to students navigating the process of returning to the university, selecting or changing majors, and re-engaging with academic life.

The Senior Academic Advisor builds rapport with students to ease their transition back to SJSU, supports persistence through academic and personal challenges, and connects students to appropriate campus resources. The incumbent develops and delivers programming, workshops, and materials designed to promote academic success and belonging, while also employing data-driven case management strategies to track student progress and implement timely interventions. The Senior Academic Advisor plays a key role in closing equity gaps and improving outcomes for diverse student populations by fostering a supportive, inclusive, and proactive advising environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide holistic academic advising and success coaching for former students returning to SJSU, including those previously disqualified or on academic notice.
• Assist students in creating individualized academic goals and educational plans aligned with university requirements, policies, and career aspirations.
• Guide students in navigating institutional procedures such as reinstatement, petitions, course withdrawals, and major selection.
• Monitor student progress using case management systems (e.g., EAB Navigate), track outcomes, and implement early interventions.
• Collaborate with campus partners including Undergraduate Education, Admissions, Registrar’s Office, and college advising units to support seamless student re-entry.
• Develop and implement workshops and programming to enhance academic skills (e.g., study strategies, time management, communication with instructors).
• Design and execute communication plans that align with campus deadlines and support cycles to increase student engagement and retention.
• Analyze advising data to identify trends and make recommendations to improve advising processes and student outcomes.
• Participate in student success initiatives, orientation, and events that promote engagement and a sense of belonging among returning and continuing students.
• Identify and refer students experiencing financial, housing, or personal challenges to appropriate support services.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of student development theories, academic advising models, and best practices in student retention and success.
• Understanding of university policies, academic requirements, and procedures related to graduation, reinstatement, and change of major.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with diverse student populations.
• Skill in active listening, problem solving, conflict resolution, and decision making.
• Proficiency in case management tools (e.g., EAB Navigate), PeopleSoft, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive issues with discretion.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered service.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with students, staff, faculty, and campus partners.

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related
• Three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Counseling, Student Affairs, or related area
• Equivalent of 3 years progressively professional student services work experience.
• Experience working in an advising office/center, preferably a high volume and fast-paced work environment.
• Experience working with students, staff, faculty and administrators.
• Experience with university and college advising policies and procedures.
•  

Compensation

Classification: Student Services Professional III
Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,540/month - $5,667/month
CSU Salary Range: $5,540/month - $7,893/month

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: October 10, 2025, through October 26, 2025. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.