Whatcom Community College welcomes applications for a Career & Academic Advisor - Social and Natural Sciences. The Career and Academic Advisor supports the educational access and success of Whatcom Community College (WCC) students from diverse backgrounds pursuing university transfer in the social and natural sciences. Reporting to the Associate Director for Academic Advising and Career Services, the advisor is responsible for providing comprehensive entry, progression, and completion support to students through culturally responsive, strengths-based academic advising, career exploration, college navigation, success coaching, and campus engagement opportunities. The advisor employs proactive strategies to foster connection, regular communication, and timely holistic support, including referrals to relevant campus and community resources. The advisor also supports undecided students in exploring potential programs of study and students with identified programs outside of the social and natural sciences, as needed.

A successful candidate will:

• Engage in strategic enrollment, pathway, and advising high-impact practices that effectively support diverse learners.
• Collaborate with colleagues to advance comprehensive, proactive advising practices.
• Strengthen outreach, re-engagement, retention, and completion experiences in social and natural sciences.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of student transition, advising, and pathway programming for prospective, new, continuing, and returning students.
• Contribute to the integration of a strengths-based, culturally responsive approach to serving WCC's diverse student population.
• Provide group and individual career and academic advising sessions, student engagement opportunities, and high-impact practices in person, online, and via phone. Some evening and/or weekend hours may be required.
• Explore academic and career goals and personal strengths with students to identify individualized strategies for success.
• Connect students with employment and transfer resources and opportunities.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to continuously improve processes and student experiences related to career and academic advising, guided pathways, college transition and navigation, campus resources, and student engagement.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships across the campus community in support of career and academic advising and completion strategies.
• Provide direct student support in Orca Central (one-stop center) and the virtual front desk, as needed.
• Represent the College at professional meetings and serve on committees, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned and/or delegated by the Director or Associate Director for Academic Advising and Career Services.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated experience working in a diverse environment, inclusive of people of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, gender/sexuality, and ethnic backgrounds and identities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in student affairs administration, education, counseling, or other closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience providing career or academic advising, success coaching, college navigation, or related student support in a higher education setting.
• Ability to use a personal computer, Microsoft Office products, and database programs.
• Excellent verbal, listening, writing, problem-solving and interpersonal communication skills.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish/English language preferred).

Salary

Salary:

• This is a 12-month, full-time Administrative/Exempt position. Exempt from Washington State civil service law with an annual salary based on a range of $51,500.00 - $55,105.00, depending on experience.

Benefit Package:

• The position comes with a full benefit package, including health, dental, life, long-term disability insurance and a retirement plan.
• Accrues 8 hours per month of sick leave and 14.67 hours per month vacation leave.

*Additionally, as a Washington State, public higher education institution, WCC offers the following:

• Whatcom Community College is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). If you work for the College full time, have had Direct Loans and are on an eligible repayment plan, you are eligible to apply.
• Full-time employees are eligible to apply and participate in the Whatcom Community College Employee Tuition Program, which provides a tuition waiver for available and eligible WCC courses.
• Full-time employees may qualify for Washington State Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) benefit.

Start Date:

• As soon as can be arranged with successful candidate.

Application Due Date:

• For guaranteed consideration, application packets should be received by Monday, October 21st, 2024 at 5:00 pm. Position open until filled.

How To Apply

A completed application consists of an online application and:

• Cover letter which includes a diversity statement that addresses how you have committed to equity and inclusion in the past and how you might support a diverse workplace and educational environment through this position.
• Current resume.
• Official transcripts of any degrees listed as part of the minimum requirements will be required upon hire, but not as part of the application process.
• List of 5 professional references with contact information.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $51,500.00 - $55,105.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Bellingham, WA 98226: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person