Job Details

Graduate Academic Advisor

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Position Number: 6704161
Location: Denver, CO
Position Type: Academic Advising

Graduate Academic Advisor

University of Colorado Denver

Graduate Academic Advisor-38203

University Staff

Description

Position Details
University of Colorado | Denver
Official Title: Academic Services Senior Professional
Working Title: Graduate Academic Advisor
FTE: Full-time
Salary Range: $61,844 - $65,000
Position #00661422- Requisition #38203

About the University of Colorado - Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top ranked bachelors, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *
The lead Graduate Academic Advisor in the School of Public Affairs (SPA) plays a pivotal role in advancing and supporting student success across the MPA, MPP, and Dual degree graduate programs. The position represents SPA to current and prospective graduate students; advises students regarding program requirements, academic policies and classes; shares advising responsibility with other college advisor(s); and may occasionally advise across other SPA degree programs as needed. The individual in this role aids students in selection of appropriate coursework, assists with student degree planning, and coordinates graduation and degree audits. This position supports retention efforts, advises nondegree students, leads efforts related to SPA student organizations, and handles a variety of other duties to support student services. Other responsibilities include organizing, coordinating, and advising students, faculty, and staff on international education opportunities, including study abroad and supporting international students who attend SPA's graduate programs and providing career coaching.
Grounded in a philosophy of student development, the Graduate Academic Advisor collaborates with advisors, faculty, and all SPA staff to deliver advising in both individual and group settings that promotes academic progress, engagement, and retention. The role also works closely with the Associate Dean of Student Success, Programs Manager, and Program Directors to guide curriculum development, enhance co-curricular and community-based engagement experiences, implement program enhancements, and support a positive student experience. Our student success focus is on students feeling a sense of belonging, achieving their goals, and having opportunities to be lifelong learners.
The student success team at SPA is committed to holistically supporting efforts around the functions of recruiting, retaining, graduating, and remaining engaged with our learners as alums. We are committed to supporting each other, building an environment where we lift up and cheer on others, where we use data to make decisions, where we work in teams so we know how our efforts help each other succeed, and where we create work / life balance so that each day we can continue to show up as our best selves. We are looking for a colleague who wants to be part of team who finds their time at work meaningful, who demonstrates resilience in the face of everyday challenges, and who is willing to be part of community committed to this kind of collaborative work.

Graduate Academic Advisor
What you will do:
Academic Advising

Serve as academic advisor for graduate students throughout their academic journey, including course selection, goal setting, career opportunities and registration.

Assist SPA graduate students to navigate University and School processes and procedures, including letters and petitions, schedule changes, academic probation, and graduation.

Develop advising resources and facilitate the dissemination of information through information sessions and workshops for traditional, non-traditional, veteran and international graduate students.

Provide Academic Advising services to new and current students through scheduled in-person, Zoom or phone appointments and/or email communications.

Conduct individual and group advising sessions.

Assist students in developing realistic academic plans by identifying the most effective and efficient path to program completion.

Assist students in maintaining good academic standing, informing them of relevant policies, procedures and campus resources.

Maintain appropriate documentation of all student contacts.

Utilize technology extensively to support and implement the school's advising model including systems such as EAB/Navigate, CUSIS, and the degree audit system.

Refer students to appropriate campus resources for assistance with disability resources & services, academic and personal issues and other university-related concerns.

Collect and maintain student data appropriately and within state and federal policies.
Retention:

Develop and implement various retention and outreach activities for the department.

Monitor and track student retention and other success benchmarks as needed and assigned.

Assist with events and other learning opportunities that support students in reaching their academic and career goals or that foster a sense of belonging among students.

Collaborate with faculty and staff in developing academic success and advising resources including, but not limited to, online and print resources that support retention efforts.

Participate in retention activities both inside and outside of the School.

Attend graduate student in-person or virtual events as needed to help with building community among enrolled graduate students.

Support international students, especially those from China, South Korea, India, and Mexico, in SPA's cohort, community-based, accelerated, and on-campus programs.

Leadership:

Serve as lead Graduate Advisor across SPA.

Attend Commencement planning meetings, Graduate Education, and other campus-wide committee meetings as appropriate to share information, provide feedback, and advocate for SPA.

Collaborate with Admissions and Enrollment Management team (recruiters) to share program and degree requirements.

Inform, update, and proactively provide recommendation on academic, student conduct, and other campus policies that impact student success, retention, or persistence.

In collaboration with SPA's Events Coordinator, organize and plan SPA's Orientation programs, Capstone Information sessions, Student Organization events, and other School-wide student-facing student success events.

Other General Graduate Student Services:

Maintain positive and productive working relationships with all Program Directors and faculty to ensure that students receive accurate and reliable information.

Collaborate with Student Success teams (Programs, Recruitment, and TIES) to share program and degree requirements.

Serve as communication hub by drafting communications as it relates to course/program changes to current students for the SPArk monthly email sent to all SPA graduate students.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business, public administration, education, communications, counseling, psychology, sociology, liberal arts, or other related fields.

At least Two (2) years of higher education experience advising or counseling students.
Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

Master's degree in higher education, business, public administration, education, communications, counseling, psychology, or other related fields.

Five or more years of higher education experience in advising or counseling students.

Experience with student information systems, such as Slate, SIS, EAB/Navigate

Experience with Student Information Systems such as CU-SIS.

Intermediate or higher Spanish speaking and writing fluency.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Competency with Microsoft Office programs.

Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in student advising and retention.

The ability to remain friendly and approachable while workloads ebb and flow

Demonstrated genuine and deep commitment to student success.

Ability to work well with others, be team oriented, and build relationships.

Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision.

Communication skill set of effectively, firmly, and kindly communicating accurate information in a timely manner

Ability to be self-motivated, proactive, meet deadlines and complete detailed tasks with accuracy.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

High degree of reliability and flexibility especially with students.

Conditions of Employment

Occasional work during the evening and/or weekends may be required.

This position follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, as needed, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Working from the office is encouraged when working on tasks that require a high degree of collaboration.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu .

Employment Sponsorship
Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $61,844 - $65,000.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits
Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by November 18th, 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:
To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

A cover letter which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications

A current CV/resume

List of three references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)

Questions should be directed to (Committee Chair) Nicole Stoodley, nicole.stoodley@ucdenver.edu

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Additional Attachments - Refer to Application Materials Instructions Below

Job Category: Academic Services

Primary Location: Denver

Department: U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 30081 - SPA - OTHER

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Date: Nov 5, 2025

Unposting Date: Ongoing

Posting Contact Name: Nicole Stoodley

Posting Contact Email: nicole.stoodley@ucdenver.edu

Position Number: 00673525

To apply, please visit: https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=38203&lang=en