PROFESSIONAL POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Academic Advisor
Division: Academic Advising
Location: Primary location in Gorham, Portland, or Lewiston with frequent rotation to any/all
three locations
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week, morning/evening/weekend hours as needed on a
regular basis
Reports to: Director of Academic Advising
STATEMENT OF THE JOB: This position is responsible for providing direct advising service and
support to students through academic and early career planning, learning strategy support,
graduation planning, and monitoring student progress toward degree. A primary purpose of
this position is to enhance the student experience and contribute to improved retention and
graduation rates for USM students. The Advisor serves as the primary contact for students
from matriculation to junior status and is a resource through graduation for undergraduate
students and as a resource for all graduate students. The Advisor works in partnership with
faculty advisors/mentors to ensure the student is supported in all aspects critical to the
student’s success, including services related to orientation, registration, assessment of learning
and degree planning. The Advisor facilitates student engagement in academic and early career
planning activities and the life of the university by employing a strengths-based advising
approach grounded in student development theory. The Advisor will support students on all
three USM campuses (Portland, Gorham, Lewiston-Auburn).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
 The Advisor proactively reaches out to all assigned students to ensure they are engaged
and supported by USM. This will include customized proactive communications from
the Advisor in a variety of modalities. Because advising is one of the consistent services
offered to students, building a strong relationship with the advisor can be critical to the
student’s success.
 The Advisor accepts responsibility for their assigned students in a direct hand-off from
the Enrollment Counselors or Admissions Counselors at the point of matriculation.
 Responsible for providing comprehensive academic and early career planning services
for students from the point of admission through graduation. Such activities include
engaging students in academic and early career planning assessments, interpreting
those assessments and assisting students in the development of an educational plan
that addresses their interests, skills, and abilities. Advisors are responsible for creating
an initial graduation plan for each assigned student prior to their first semester.
 The Advisor is knowledgeable and current regarding all programs and academic policies
at USM, provides students with information about USM, and serves as an










advocate/navigator for matriculated students, and may facilitate interactions between
various USM offices on their behalf, as necessary.
The Advisor is knowledgeable of retention program best practices and performs various
outreach tasks and activities with all students, with emphasis given to high-risk
students, to increase their retention and success in college.
The Advisor facilitates collaboration with other university departments to serve
students in a holistic and comprehensive manner. (S)he works with other members of
the Advising unit to propose and advocate for changes to academic policies and
procedures related to students and programs.
The Advisor advocates for and assists in the implementation of student academic
service, including the administration of university and college academic policies,
resolution of student academic problems, grade appeals, change of major requests,
course and University withdrawals and new student orientation.
Act as the Advising liaison to departments and specific populations such as social
sciences, education, STEM, humanities, athletes, at-risk, adult learners, graduate
students, transfer students, veterans, etc. The Advisor assists with problem-solving,
collaboration, information-sharing and increased communication.
The Advisor coordinates closely with other Academic Advisors, Enrollment Advisors and
Faculty Advisors to ensure the students are provided comprehensive and wellcoordinated advising across both administrative and academic areas. Work to identify
and deliver strategies for individual students and for all students to enhance the student
experience and contribute to improved retention and graduation rates for assigned
students and all students at USM.
As a member of the Advising team, the Advisor contributes to the continuous
improvement and implementation of comprehensive student services.
The Advisor is familiar with college level advising, learning support needs, and early
career development. Responsible for participation in cross-training and other
professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills related to
academic advising, learning strategies, and early career development (i.e. Global Career
Development Facilitator, Myers Briggs Type Indicator, StrengthsQuest, Strong, etc.)
Coordinate and facilitate outreach activities in the areas of learning strategies, academic
advising, and early career planning.
Involvement in Advising unit activities such as peer advising, assessment, and academic
actions. Participate in Advising unit and campus events such as Open Houses, Accepted
Student Days, Orientation, Job/Career Fairs, tabling, resident hall programs, and
campus-wide programs, etc.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Director of Academic Advising.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Students and temporary employees, as needed
BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES: None
PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Participates in professional organizations and
associations, conferences and workshops as appropriate. Serves, as appropriate, on University
committees and participates in professional development activities.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONTACTS:
Internal: All faculty and staff dedicated to advising students including academic
advisors, faculty advisors, enrollment counselors, deans, academic program directors,
etc.; Managers and staff in Graduate and Undergraduate Admission, Athletics, Disability
Services Center, Engaged Learning and Career Development, Financial Aid, Graduate
Studies, Learning Assistance/Learning Commons, Orientation, Professional and
Continuing Education, Registrar, Resident Life, Strengths@USM, Student Accounts,
Student Life; Maintains collaborative relationship with Academic departments and
works closely with all levels of faculty, professional, and classified staff.
External: Maintains contact, as appropriate to assist student, with administrators,
faculty and staff from within the University of Maine System, from other institutions in
the State of Maine, and members of the greater metropolitan community.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
 Ability to work closely and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, interests,
and abilities.
 Ability to exercise independent judgment.
 Possession of strong organizational skills.
 Ability to learn new information quickly and easily.
 Ability to manage multiple expectations with attention to detail and accuracy.
 Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
 Possession of research skills.
 Effective interpersonal skills in a variety of environments and situations.
 Excellent written and oral communication skills.
 Demonstrated skill in group dynamics.
 Demonstrated ability to work with students, administrators, faculty, and members of
the community.
 Knowledge of retention strategies and student development theory.
 Demonstrated ability to summarize and analyze data to further mission and goals.
 Ability to use technology effectively.
 Knowledge and experience in maintaining a safe working/learning environment.
 Ability to tolerate a fast-paced sometimes high stress environment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
 Baccalaureate degree.
 Minimum of 3-5 years of related experience with a minimum of one year experience in
an academic and/or career advising environment.
Preferred:
 Master's Degree or progress toward a Master’s degree with expectation of completion
within one year.
 Experience as an Academic Advisor for students.
*NOTE: All individuals who are recommended to fill and subsequently offered a position with special essential responsibilities
as listed above, or other licensure or certification, shall have the following additional applicable background screening
completed (in addition to regular and standard background screening) based on the responsibilities of the position: Credit
history screening, and/or Sex offender registry screening, and/or Federal criminal history screening and/or License/certification
verification.
Date Approved:
Date Revised:
Job Family: 18
Salary Band: 03
Unit:
UMPSA
CUPA code: 401130
Employee:
Position #: