Online Academic Advisor

Job Description

Job Description

LACKAWANNA COLLEGE HAS BEEN VOTED ONE OF THE

“BEST PLACES TO WORK IN PA” FOR 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024 and 2025!

Lackawanna College is a private, accredited college serving the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our main campus is located in downtown Scranton, and our footprint includes 10 satellite centers in Northeastern Pennsylvania!

Our mission is to provide a quality education to all persons who seek to improve their lives and better the communities in which they live. We provide our students with a direct path to a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or one of many different professional certifications. Additionally, our Continuing Education department helps put the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania back to work with modern career skills. Lackawanna is also one of the most cost-efficient regional higher education institutions.

If our mission inspires you, and you are willing to go the extra mile to help our students succeed, please feel free to apply for this or future employment opportunities for which you meet the minimum qualifications.

Please know that only the candidates who meet the minimum qualifications can be considered, and only those selected for interviews will be contacted by a college representative. No phone calls, please.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBJECTIVES:

The Online Academic Advisor provides comprehensive, preemptive academic advising and student success support for students interested in pursuing degree or certificate programs at Lackawanna College. This position provides expertise to new and continuing students in such functions as developing academic plans, identifying and supporting at-risk students, and collaborating with faculty and staff to advance student retention, progression, and completion. The Academic Advisor is expected to exercise independent judgment while working across diverse populations of students on their academic journey.

This position is primarily remote with the expectation of some travel to Scranton and other locations as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provide comprehensive academic advising to new and continuing online students by exercising professional judgment to clarify educational goals, recommend programs and coursework, and guide students toward timely degree or certificate completion.
2. Develop, implement, and monitor individual academic plans for assigned and at-risk student populations, utilizing data, early alert systems and proactive intervention strategies to support persistence and retention.
3. Analyze online student performance, engagement, and progression data at the student and program level each semester to support persistence and retention.
4. Collaborate with faculty and staff to identify academic risk factors, coordinate interventions, and contribute to a holistic, institution-wide approach to online student success.
5. Coordinate and support academic registration, advising periods, and graduation requirement completion for assigned students, as well as those who are unable to connect with a faculty advisor.
6. Communicate effectively and independently with students regarding advising expectations, academic polices, registration timelines, and required academic actions through multiple communication modalities.
7. Participate in the planning and delivery of online orientation programs, College 101 sessions, open houses, and other online college-wide initiatives that promote student transition, engagement, and success.
8. Contribute to the design, coordination, and implementation of online advising and retention initiatives across campus locations.
9. Works during high impact periods, which include, but are not limited to: annual forum, graduation, orientations, week prior to the start of the semester, first two weeks of the semester, last two weeks of the semester prior to finals, and advising periods.
10. Other duties as assigned.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

1. Strong interpersonal skills with students, faculty and staff.

1. Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills.

1. Ability to relate to diverse population groups.

1. Good organizational skills.

1. Proficient computer skills and ability to learn database programs.

1. Ability to prioritize and multitask responsibilities.

1. Proven initiative and problem-solving skills.

1. Commitment to fulfillment of the College mission.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required,
• Coursework in instructional technology, education, student development, and/or higher ed leadership strongly preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of one year’ relevant experience within higher education.
• Experience working with diverse populations and/or adult learners.
• Documented experience with database and LMS programs, and ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal.

Applications will only be accepted via online method by clicking the link below. Deadline for applications, April 3, 2026. No phone calls, please.

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In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and all other applicable non-discrimination laws, Lackawanna College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran’s status, or genetic information in its educational programs and activities, admissions, and with regard to employment.

Lackawanna College is an accredited, private, non-profit educational institution providing opportunities for career and personal development within selected associates degree, certificate and continuing education program.