Academic Counselors, Advising (3 Vacancies)

About Middlesex Community College:

Middlesex Community College (MCC), established in 1970, provides access to affordable education for a diverse community from all ethnic backgrounds and identities, preparing individuals for success and lifelong learning. We promote academic excellence, provide workforce development opportunities, and empower all learners to become productive and socially responsible members of our local and global communities.

The College provides a broad range of services that are essential to attract, reward, and retain talented faculty and staff. The MCC community promotes a culture of inclusion in which our employees feel supported and empowered to best serve our diverse student population. We are proud to offer our classes on both the Bedford and Lowell campuses, as well as a robust online course offering. MCC is committed to transforming lives as we educate, challenge, and support all students as evident in our strategic plan.

As an Affirmative Action employer, MCC strongly encourages members of underrepresented groups, minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence to apply.

Job Description:

Title: Academic Counselor (3 Vacancies)

Unit: Full-Time MCCC Professional Staff, Grade 05

Department: Advising and Pathways

Reports to: Assistant Dean of Advising and Pathways

Date: June 5, 2025

General Summary: The Academic Counselor is a creative and knowledgeable professional who works collaboratively with other staff in the Academic and Transfer Center to provide high quality developmental academic advising services with prospective and enrolled students from diverse backgrounds. This counselor will actively contribute to the growth, development and activities of the Academic and Transfer department and as part of larger college community in supporting student success, retention and college completion initiatives. They will work with students to help them develop educational plans that are consistent with their individual needs, abilities and goals. They will provide information about educational options, admission to selective programs, major and course selection, financial aid information, graduation requirements, transfer to baccalaureate degree programs, and college policies and procedures. Academic counselors will also assist students with all aspects of onboarding and the transfer process. This position will work in close collaboration with staff from across the college, including: Admissions, Financial Aid, Enrollment Communications, Academic and Student Affairs program coordinators, and appropriate Directors and Deans.

Provide Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide high quality, developmental and appreciative academic advising services based on the NACADA core values and concepts.
• Provide onboarding to new students including new student welcome sessions and registrations.
• Provide developmental advising to help students assess their skills, interests and aptitudes; identify realistic career goals; and develop an educational plan; help students become increasingly capable of making informed educational and professional decisions.
• Provide information about educational options, admission to selective programs, major and course selection, financial aid information, graduation requirements, transfer to baccalaureate / graduate degree programs, and college policies and procedures.
• Participate in group and individual Advising/Registration Sessions, individual academic advising appointments, and other departmental initiatives.
• Manage a caseload of advised students as well as assist with student drop-ins, virtual advising, and new student onboarding.
• Provide outreach to students who may be experiencing academic difficulty as determined by mid-term standing, early alert systems, class withdrawals or referrals.
• Provide support for students at recruitment, career and transfer activities including information sessions, open houses, workshops and on-campus events for prospective and current students, some of which may occur in the evening or on weekends.
• Work with students enrolled in the JUMP program and other college initiatives assisting students transferring to 4-year institutions.
• Perform duties in accordance with policies and procedures related to work with special populations, including but not limited to, early college, dual enrollment, specialty transfer programs, and Veteran / Military Connected students.
• Engage in outreach and communication efforts with students to support college-wide student success, retention and completion efforts.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in education, counseling, or closely related field with three (3) years of experience and/or training involving college admissions, academic advisement, career development, or program/project management; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of developmental, holistic, proactive, and appreciative advising approaches.
• Demonstrated understanding of theory and practice in the discipline of academic advising and planning.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with various college departments including deans, faculty and staff. Ability to assist several students with a variety of service needs simultaneously and to manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, the community college mission, student population and the needs of low income, first generation to college and student with disabilities.
• Ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems. Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
• Confidence and proficiency with computers and technology such as Microsoft Office, SCT Banner (versions 8 and 9) EAB Navigate, EAB Campus, College Scheduler and the use of other associated applications and communication tools including social media and websites.
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information.
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communications skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual skills a plus
• Advising Veteran Students / School Certifying Official Experience
• Advising Dual Enrollment / Early College / High School Students

Additional Information:

Salary Range: $70,929 is the starting salary of a Grade 05 MCCC Position with a Master's Degree; actual salary commensurate with academic background and experience. Employees of Middlesex Community College are considered employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and receive benefits, which include:

• High-quality and affordable health insurance through the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission (GIC)
• Competitive Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
• Low-cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension or Optional Retirement Program (ORP) and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan or 403(b).
• 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time
• Tuition Benefits for employees and dependents at state colleges and universities
• Short-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Cell Phone Bill Discounts with Verizon and T-Mobile Cell Phone Carriers
• Access to the Commonwealth's Mass4You, employee assistance program
• Free employee parking on Bedford and Lowell campuses
• Eligibility towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Location: Bedford campus with occasional travel to Lowell as needed

Hours: 37.5 per week, schedule to be determined upon hire; this position will be eligible for a maximum of 1 day of telework in accordance with the College's telework policy.

Expected Start Date: July/ August 2025

Application Deadline: June 26, 2025

Application Instructions:

All applicants must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Pre-Employment Requirements:

The College will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

All offers of employment at Middlesex Community College are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates, as deemed necessary.

Middlesex Community College only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you do not have access to a computer, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].