Program Advisor

The Academic Advisor provides professional advising related to educational, transfer, career, and employment decision-making, focusing on academic advising for Career & Technical Education (CTE) degrees and certificates, and transfer degrees and courses of study on all regional campus locations.

This is a NON-CLASSIFIED employment opportunity. Visit the State of Colorado for Classified employment opportunities.

The Program Advisor exists to provide professional advising related to educational, transfer, career, and employment decision-making, focusing on academic advising for Career & Technical Education (CTE) degrees and certificates, and transfer degrees and courses of study on all regional campuses as needed. This position will also provide general academic advising to include support functions for college initiatives and programs related to student success. Academic Advisors will manage and coordinate an assigned student caseload and collaborate with relevant departmental personnel to ensure appropriate educational planning to meet academic and career goals. All responsibilities are in support of student success as outlined in Pikes Peak State College’s Strategic Plan.

Position requires energetic, flexible team member willing to work occasional evenings and Saturdays to accommodate programming needs; travel between all campuses as needed.

Barring special circumstances (as evaluated by supervisor), this position will not be granted annual leave during semester breaks when the college is open, due to responsibilities in supporting students.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completed Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Two years of professional level experience providing student advising, academic counseling, or other student support services in a secondary, post-secondary, or adult education setting.

Professional level experience is defined by the Colorado Division of Human Resources: A position that involves the exercise of discretion, analytical skill, judgment, personal accountability, and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, or sharing an organized body of knowledge. Colorado revised statute (C.R.S. 24-50-135(1) allows colleges to exempt positions from the State Personnel Classified System that are determined to be professional level work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Completed Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, student personnel administration, organizational management, public administration, guidance and counseling, or closely related field.
• Two years of professional level experience advising students with coursework selection and program completion in higher education.
• Experience working directly with diverse student populations in a post-secondary education setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of community college mission and students.

For full consideration, all application materials must be received by 4:00 p.m. on October 29, 2024. Applications accepted until position is filled.

Must be a State of Colorado resident or able to relocate to Colorado prior to first date of employment.

Application Instructions: Application must be submitted online. Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration. A complete application will include:

• Cover letter – Address the minimum and preferred qualifications in the order listed on the job announcement.
• Resume – Reflect experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Unofficial Transcripts – Unofficial transcripts for all degrees conferred. Official transcripts are required if hired for the position.
• Professional References – Provide names and contact information for three recent professional references who can address your expertise and background for this position.

This position may be eligible for a variety of employee benefits. Pikes Peak State College participates in the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) contribution rates.

Note: Prior submission of application materials will not be considered.

Essential Functions

Academic Advising

• Managing assigned student case-load including long-term planning and appropriate referrals.
• Providing general academic advising in person and via synchronous and asynchronous technologies to new and continuing students, to include: reviewing career plans, evaluating and interpreting placement test scores, assigning or changing faculty advisors, and recommending coursework. Teaching students to register using MyPPSC Portal or EAB Navigate for classes based on student’s needs and prerequisite status. Utilizing student records systema to gather information and record appropriate contact notations. Preparing and interpreting degree audits to determine student’s progress toward academic goals.
• Collaborating with appropriate faculty and staff to support assigned student populations and programs.
• Mapping comprehensive academic and career plans for individual students, based upon understanding of program requirements, student’s life situation, and career and personal goals.
• Ensuring that students understand four-year transfer options, partnerships, and other resources.
• Making appropriate referrals to other college student services areas in support of students’ academic and personal needs.
• Documenting student interactions in accordance with department and institution policies in support of accountability and program assessment.
• Ensuring that all relevant advising and given career information is up to date including but not limited to: admissions requirements, new programs and course changes, important dates, college-wide initiatives, and transfer requirements and options.
• Developing advising materials for use in-person or via technology to support individual or group student interactions. Training students on MyPPSC portal and EAB Navigate individually and in groups.

Career Planning and Career Related Services

• Providing short-term individual and career advising to assist students with career, educational, and employment decision making. Coordinating referrals to other college and community resources as appropriate.
• Partner with advising and career support services for designed Career Cluster(s). Coordinating and communicating up-to-date program information to be disseminated to all PPSC advisors as appropriate. Participating in designated program outreach activities.

Marketing, Outreach, and Accountability Projects

• Represents department on college committees and task forces as assigned.
• Assists with special events, follow-up, and other service initiatives.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners to provide equity based, culturally competent, efficient, and fair services.

General Duties, Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Demonstrated evidence and understanding of the concepts of diversity and multiculturalism and their application in the workplace and higher education.
• Experience utilizing technology to provide synchronous and asynchronous services to students.
• Experience with public speaking and group educational presentations.
• Experience developing traditional or web-based programming and materials for workshops, services, and special events.
• Excellent computer skills including, working knowledge of EAB Navigate, Banner (INB and SSB), DegreeWorks, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).
• In-depth knowledge of academic advising procedures and policies, advising information resources, and college’s instructional programs.
• Ability to prepare effective written communications utilizing correct grammar and spelling.
• Skills in organization and accurate recordkeeping with strict attention to detail and student privacy issues.
• Ability to develop practical academic and career plans of action based upon student’s individual life situation and goals.
• Ability to professionally and tactfully interact, communicate, establish rapport and work collaboratively with a wide variety of constituents, including students, faculty, staff, and community members and organizations.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.
• Demonstrated understanding of current labor market trends and career information resources.
• Position requires energetic, flexible team member willing to work occasional evenings and Saturdays to accommodate programming needs; travel between all campuses as needed.
• Barring special circumstances (as evaluated by supervisor), this position will not be granted annual leave during semester breaks when the college is open, due to responsibilities in supporting students.

As part of the State of Colorado, PPSC offers a competitive benefits package:

• PERA retirement benefits.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage.
• Life and Disability Coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Paid Holidays.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Accrued Annual and Sick Leave.
• Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

This job description reflects Pikes Peak State College’s best effort to describe the essential duties and qualifications of the job. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities or qualifications of the job. This document is not intended to exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodation.

EEO Statement: Pikes Peak State College is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act institution. We value diversity, strive for a more unified campus where all people are valued, treated fairly, and possess a sense of belonging. Pikes Peak State College encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.