Working Title: College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Academic Advisor

State Role Title: N/A

Position Type: Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Student Academic Success

Department: 100536 - University Advising

Pay Band: 

Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience

Specify Range or Amount:  

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 8/31/2026

About JMU:

Mission
We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Vision
To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.

Who We Are
Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.

JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

University Advising is seeking a student-centered and collaborative Academic Advisor to support students within the College of Arts and Letters (CAL). As part of a dynamic advising team serving a broad student population, the Academic Advisor provides holistic academic guidance that empowers students to navigate their educational journey, explore academic opportunities, and progress toward timely degree completion. The academic advisor partners with faculty, staff, and campus resources to foster student success, engagement, and belonging while supporting institutional goals related to retention, persistence, and graduation. This position plays a vital role in helping students achieve their academic and personal goals within JMU’s learning-centered environment. Through proactive outreach, individualized advising, and a commitment to student belonging, access, and success, this position plays a vital role in helping students achieve their academic and personal goals within JMU's learning-centered environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

-Provide holistic, student-centered academic advising to Justice Studies and Communication majors, including guidance on General Education, major, minor, and degree requirements.

-Manage an assigned caseload by proactively monitoring academic progress, conducting outreach, and maintaining consistent, timely communication with students.

-Support student success through goal setting, degree planning, early intervention, and referrals to campus resources as needed.

-Participate in first-year and transfer orientation programs to support student onboarding and transition.

-Participate in first-year and transfer advising trainings to stay current on advising best practices at JMU

-Represent the department at recruitment events, including open houses, admitted student days, and academic showcases.

-Contribute to outreach efforts that enhance student engagement, retention, and recruitment.

-Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive electronic advising records in alignment with institutional policies.

-Utilize advising technologies and data systems to inform advising practices and support student success initiatives.

-Ensure responsiveness and accessibility to students through established advising systems and communication channels.

-Collaborate in development and improvement of advising materials for students and colleagues.

-Ensure advising content reflects current policies and curriculum updates.

-Attend faculty meetings as needed to communicate advising-related updates, discuss policy and process changes, and address advising concerns.

-Participate in University Advising meetings, trainings, and retreats.

-Engage in ongoing professional development.

-Partner with faculty and campus stakeholders to support students.

-Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required
-Master’s degree.
-Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate meaningfully with undergraduates.
-Willingness to work independently, collaboratively, and under supervision.
-Excellent oral and written communication, time management, organizational and problem-solving skills.
-Ability to multitask and navigate integrated student information systems in a dynamic environment.  
-Exceptional work ethic.
-Demonstrated commitment to building a welcoming work environment.

Preferred
-Academic advising experience working directly with students in higher education.
-Strong attention to detail combined with appreciation for the big picture.
-Familiarity with national trends and best practices in academic advising profession and higher education.
-Ability to multitask and navigate integrated student information systems in a dynamic environment.  
-Experience with learning, interpreting, and articulating complex academic requirements, policies, and procedures.

Additional Posting Information:

Required Documents to apply:
-Resume
-Cover Letter
-Advisor Philosophy (uploaded as "Other Document #1")

JMU’s Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.