Academic Advisor (The Hormel Foundation) - MnSCU Academic Professional 2

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Working Title:

Academic Advisor (The Hormel Foundation) - MnSCU Academic Professional 2

Institution:

Riverland Community CollegeMnSCU Academic Professional 2

Bargaining Unit / Union:

214: Minnesota Association of Professional Employees

City:

AustinRIVR - Albert Lea Campus

FLSA:

Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

Employment Condition:

Unclassified - Unlimited Academic

Salary Range:

$26.12 - $37.91

Job Description

Under general supervision, the Academic Advisor advises students, parents, and high school guidance counselors on multiple areas including career and program major choices, curriculum, admissions and enrollment procedures, business office policies, financial aid, and housing options.  This role involves working with both monolingual and bilingual students, and their families when appropriate, as part of the assigned caseload. It also includes supporting bilingual outreach and family events to meet student needs across all three campuses and within our larger communities.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide educational advising to students by utilizing knowledge of college curriculum, tutorial services, financial aid, and social activities to assist students in the selection of appropriate developmental and academic courses, in obtaining tutorial assistance, and in participating in campus activities to help make a successful transition from high school to college.

Meet with students who speak different languages to discuss their academic progress, course selections, and career goals. Use bilingual skills to ensure clear communication and understanding.

Assist with completion and collection of necessary admission and registration documents.

Provide assessment preparation resources and understand and interpret assessment scores for course placement or referrals.

Work closely with faculty to support students’ success in and out of the classroom.

Interpret Riverland, Minnesota State System, state, and federal statutes, policies and guidelines and translate them into advising procedures, processes, and services while troubleshooting and problem-solving issues with students to overcome achievement barriers.

Priority:         Essential                   Percent of Time:            45%

2. Plan and implement supportive activities related to academic, career, financial aid, and transfer. Identify career and educational options and requirements to maximize student achievement, retention, persistence, and educational goal attainment. Plan and implement retention activities that include, but are not limited to, cultural enrichment activities, workshops, or individual sessions on interpersonal processes, stress management, time management, decision making, financial literacy, study skills, major selection, career exploration and/or development, and any other workshops that would aid in the participants’ success.

Priority:         Essential                       Percent of Time:            15%

3. Track and report on students’ academic progress towards graduation and other academic goals. Identify at-risk students and develop and implement academic recovery plans and retention strategies to ensure student retention and successful completion of their academic programs.

Ensure college data integrity, reliability, and accuracy of student records. Identify and help resolve student record data integrity issues. Maintain the confidentiality of student information as required by FERPA.

Refer students to appropriate campus and community resources as needed.

Supervise work-study students when appropriate.

Priority:         Essential                         Percent of Time:            25%

4. Participate in college enrollment activities, especially bilingual enrollment activities, including representing the college at community events and partnership building opportunities, orienting prospective and new students, and participating in new student registration activities so that prospective and new students receive accurate information, student admissions increase, and students feel welcomed to the college community and complete their academic programs.

Priority:         Essential                            Percent of Time:            10%

5. Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

Priority: Secondary                                  Percent of Time: 5%

Salary Range:.

$26.12 - $37.91 / $54,539.00 - $79,156.00

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) years of related work experience -OR- Bachelor’s degree plus two (2) years of related work experience -OR- an equivalent combination of education and experience. An associate degree could be substituted for 6 months of experience, a bachelor’s degree is 12 months, and a master’s degree is 18 months within any of the following disciplines: social sciences, psychology, or related.

• Ability to work effectively with students from diverse and traditionally underserved backgrounds with varied needs.

• Computer software applications and systems sufficient to manage and query data and create business correspondence, reports, and training presentations.

• Effective written communication and public speaking skills, sufficient to present information clearly and actionably to large groups.

• Human relations/ customer service sufficient to actively listen to and understand students’ needs and provide accurate information and appropriate alternatives, meet quality of service needs, and evaluate student satisfaction.

• Effective organizational and time management skills.

• Bilingual/multilingual fluent in Spanish, Karen, Karenni, Somali, Pohnpeian, French, Nuer, Anuak, or other languages that reflect our student body, workforce, and communities.

• Demonstrated experience working with multicultural and underserved populations.

Preferred Qualification 

• Master’s degree in higher education, social science psychology, or related field.

• Two (2) or more years of experience working in Student Affairs in Higher Education.

• Previous Minnesota State experience related to Student Affairs.

• Knowledge of college policies and procedures, programs and curriculum, services, and resources for admissions, financial aid, records and registration, and student life to assist applicants and students in making sound educational and career decisions.

• Experience in working with student record systems, project management, and specialty software such as ISRS, Workday, Degree Audit, Perceptive Content, SharePoint.

Other Requirements

A complete online application will include a letter of interest and a resume/curriculum vitae.  Please note that the search committee will not review incomplete applications.

This position requires completing employment references and a driver’s license background check.

In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (Minnesota State) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State’s Vehicle use criteria and consent to Motor Vehicle Records check. 

Minnesota State is unable to sponsor Applicants for work visas. All Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

If you would like to request an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact Aimee Sue Larson at [email protected]

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

8:00 am - 4:30 pm / Monday - Friday

Telework (Yes/No)

No

About

Riverland Community College is dedicated to fostering an environment where employees, students, and the region thrive. Guided by our vision, mission, and values, we provide excellent opportunities for students to reach their academic and career goals. Our values focus on cultivating student growth through service, collaboration, innovation, and respect. We offer a supportive and innovative culture that values individual and team contributions and is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Diversity and Inclusion: We are dedicated to continually developing a workforce that mirrors the diversity of our students and communities. We recognize the value of diverse experiences and perspectives, which enhance our ability to serve the people of our region effectively.

Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Commitment: Riverland is an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution. We welcome candidates who understand HSIs and the Latinx student experience, further enriching our inclusive community.

Student-Centered Education: With small class sizes, personalized instruction, and hands-on learning. Riverland offers student-centered education that empowers individuals to succeed. Our diverse range of credit and non-credit courses caters to various learning modalities.

Program Offerings: With campuses in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, Riverland offers associate degrees in over 90 career options, liberal arts and sciences, and customized training, providing comprehensive educational opportunities for all.

Community and Quality of Life: Located in southern Minnesota, our region boasts excellent public and parochial education systems, diverse recreational activities for all seasons, and upscale communities that enrich personal and professional lives.

Join Riverland Community College, where dedication to employees, students, and the region drives excellence in education and service.

To learn more about Riverland or Minnesota State, visit www.riverland.edu or www.minnstate.edu.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.

 

To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.

Desired Start Date:

10-01-2026

Position End Date:

Open Date:

08-03-2026

Close Date:

09-09-2026

Posting Contact Name:

Mary Ellen Greeley Abdo

Posting Contact Email:

[email protected]