Professional Academic Advisor

Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo Institution Dakota State University Working Title Professional Academic Advisor Posting Number NFE03223P Department DSU-VP for Academic Affairs Physical Location of Position (City) Madison Posting Text

Dakota State University (DSU) is seeking a motivated, student-centered, and highly engaged professional to join our Academic Advising team as a Professional Academic Advisor. This is a 12-month, on-campus, benefit-eligible position that plays a critical role in advancing student success, persistence, and timely degree completion.

At DSU, academic advising extends beyond course selection and registration. Our Professional Academic Advisors serve as trusted mentors, student advocates, and knowledgeable campus resources who help students navigate the complexities of higher education, make informed decisions, overcome academic and personal challenges, and develop a strong sense of belonging within the university community.

Responsibilities:

• Advise an assigned caseload of students on degree planning, registration, academic success, and graduation requirements.
• Teach GS 100 First-Year Experience courses and support students' transition to college.
• Identify barriers to student success and connect students with appropriate campus and community resources.
• Maintain regular communication with students through appointments, email, phone, and text outreach.
• Document student interactions, progress, and referrals in university systems.
• Participate in the Early Alert program by addressing academic concerns and coordinating interventions.
• Interpret and communicate university and South Dakota Board of Regents policies, procedures, and academic requirements.
• Partner with the Academic ReFocus Advisor to support students on probation, returning from suspension, or readmitted to the university.
• Participate in professional development, training, and departmental meetings.

Collaborate with faculty and campus partners to advance student success, retention, and graduation initiatives.

• Represent the Academic Advising Office at orientations, recruitment events, and other university activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of one year of experience in academic advising, student success, higher education, or a related field.
• Knowledge of academic advising practices and strategies that promote student success, retention, and degree completion.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in complex student situations.
• Ability to manage a student caseload, balance competing priorities, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds and educational needs.
• Ability to identify student needs, provide proactive outreach, and coordinate appropriate interventions.
• Ability to handle confidential student information with professionalism and discretion.
• Proficiency with technology and the ability to learn and utilize student information and student success systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, and campus partners.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, education, or a related field.
• Experience advising undergraduate students, particularly first-year students or those experiencing academic difficulties.
• Experience with student information and success platforms such as Banner and EAB Navigate360.
• Experience with early alert programs, academic interventions, or student success case management.
• Experience teaching first-year seminar courses or delivering student success workshops

Benefits:

• Flexible benefits package - health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, health reimbursement account.
• South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive 6% fully matched contributions from SDRS and are vested after three years of service.
• Paid time off - full time 12-month employees earn 15 days per year of annual leave and 14 days of sick leave per year. In addition, employees receive 11 federal paid holidays.
• Reduced tuition for education.
• Professional liability coverage
• Paid family leave

How to Apply:

DSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Please submit a cover letter, resume, transcript, and a list of at least three professional references.

For questions concerning the position, contact Alicia Entringer at Alicia.entringer@dsu.edu.

Applications will begin to be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Posting Date 10/21/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled No First Consideration Date Advertised Salary $48,000 - $50,000 Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours

8:00am - 5:00pm; a few weekend or evening hours may be required for specific events like move-in weekend, Discover Days, etc.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Weekends/Holidays If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations

In addition to the exciting professional opportunities at Dakota State University, employees will have the privilege of enjoying the benefits of Madison, South Dakota. Nestled in the heart of the state, Madison offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, creating an ideal environment for work-life balance.

The city boasts a range of recreational activities, from picturesque parks to outdoor events, fostering a sense of community engagement and well-being. Madison's scenic landscapes and proximity to nearby lakes provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, whether it be fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors.

Madison's location within South Dakota provides easy access to larger cities, cultural events, and regional attractions. Madison is only a short 50 minute drive from South Dakota's largest city, Sioux Falls.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

DSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and DSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing DSU-HumanResources@dsu.edu.

E-Verify, EOE.

Contact Information

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-average, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating) Describe any of the conditions selected

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Office Environment, Classroom Environment If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
• Public Job Posting
• Internal Job Posting
• Agency Referral
• Advertisement/Publication
• Personal Referral
• Website
• Other

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts
• Reference List

Optional Documents

• Other