Academic Advising and Accessibility - Academic and Career Success Specialist

Department: Academic Advising, Accessibility, and Career Planning & Development
Organizational Relationship: Director of Academic Advising and Accessibility
FLSA Status: Exempt / Full-Time

Position Overview
The Academic and Career Success Specialist is a full-time, cross-trained position serving both the Academic Advising & Accessibility Office and the Career Planning & Development Office. This role is a key part of Wagner College’s commitment to holistic student support, helping students navigate their academic journey, explore career pathways, and develop essential life and workplace skills.

The Advisor provides individualized academic advising, career coaching, and life skills guidance. They will also  respond to general student inquiries and proactively address challenges to ensure a positive student experience and strong retention outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Serve as an academic advisor for undergraduate students, providing guidance on course registration, degree requirements, and academic planning.
• Support students in navigating general education and major-specific requirements, connecting them to faculty advisors and campus resources as needed.
• Monitor academic progress, identify at-risk students, and develop individualized success plans in collaboration with faculty and support services.
• Guide students through career exploration, goal setting, and identification of experiential learning opportunities such as internships and job shadowing.
• Conduct 1:1 and small group sessions for resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, and professional networking.
• Facilitate workshops and programs on life and career skills including time management, professional communication, and financial literacy.
• Assist with the on-boarding of new students through class registration, major declaration/inquiries, and new student orientation.
• Act as a first point of contact for student questions and concerns, providing prompt, professional responses and maintaining detailed interaction records.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative offices to resolve student concerns and proactively remove barriers to success.
• Partner with faculty, Campus Life, and other campus services to deliver holistic support to students from matriculation to graduation.
• Assist with data collection, assessment, and reporting to track student engagement and retention outcomes.
• Provide support to student events and experiences, including serving on college committees and task forces as designated. 

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor’s degree in higher education, counseling, psychology, sociology, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in academic advising, career services, or student support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and mentor diverse student populations.
• Patience and self-awareness to handle challenging student situations with empathy and professionalism.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills; detail-oriented and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and willingness to learn student information and career management systems (e.g., Banner, Handshake).

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Student Affairs, or related field.
• Experience in career readiness programming, life skills coaching, or student retention initiatives.
• Familiarity with assessment tools (e.g., StrengthsFinder, MBTI) and learning or accessibility resources.

Work Expectations
 

• Full-time, student-facing role with high visibility on campus.
• Some evening or weekend hours may be required to support key events, workshops, or orientation programs.

Wagner College, founded in 1883, seamlessly blends professional programs with a liberal arts grounding for a comprehensive, experiential-forward education that fosters well-rounded, adaptable graduates. The college’s verdant residential campus offers a traditional college experience on New York City’s Staten Island.

Wagner prides itself on robust student support services, including personalized academic advising, comprehensive career counseling, and a wide array of wellness programs. Students are prepared not only for professional success but also for meaningful lives through the faculty’s dedication to promoting scholarship, achievement, leadership and citizenship.

Wagner College offers a generous benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, pension and paid time off benefits to all full-time employees. The Wagner College Office of Human Resources partners with all members of the College community to cultivate a work environment that values equal opportunity, diversity equity inclusion and access, professional development and individual excellence.

Wagner College provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wagner College complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.