Specialist - Advisor-Continuing

Working/Functional Title

Student Success Advisor - NatSci

Position Summary

The College of Natural Science at Michigan State University welcomes applications for a Student Success Advisor position within the Undergraduate Academic and Student Affairs Office. This twelve-month, continuing system Academic Specialist position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student success through advising, coaching, and proactive student support initiatives. The selected individual will report to the Director of Academic Advising and Student Success Initiatives.

The Student Success Advisor will collaborate with the Student Success Team to develop and implement proactive student success initiatives that support undergraduate student retention, academic achievement, and overall well-being. Duties include student success advising, assisting with Academic Standing of Undergraduate Students (ASUS) Day, representing the college on various campus committees, making referrals to campus resources, and providing life coaching meetings for students.

The Student Success Advisor supports the mission of the Undergraduate Academic and Student Affairs Office by providing individualized student support and contributing to the development of programs and initiatives that promote academic success. The Advisor will be expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Hold Student Success Advising appointments (e.g., time management, study skills, test-taking strategies)
• Manage a caseload of UGRD 10 and UGRD 20 students on academic probation
• Provide life coaching meetings
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of student interaction. 
• Participate in College and University events, including but not limited to Colloquium, Commencement, and Admitted Students Day.
• Communicate effectively with various audiences using email, social media, video conferencing software, small group, and individual sessions as appropriate. 
• Continuously develop knowledge of best practices, policies and procedures, and technological tools related to academic advising.
• Collaborate on building proactive student success initiatives
• Assist with the Academic Standing of Undergraduate Students process each semester
• Represent the college on various campus-wide committees.
• Collect data and use it to inform the building of student success resources.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated:  

• Ability to establish and maintain rapport when working with students and colleagues.

• An understanding of science curricula or experience working with STEM students
• Ability to adapt to change and critically think through complex situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work both autonomously and as a key member of a collaborative team.
• Evidence of and commitment to professional development  
• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly, both verbally and in writing, with all audiences.
• Ability to work independently while functioning as part of a team.
• Ability to use new and existing technologies to manage data and communicate with students, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly, both verbally and in writing, with all audiences.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Education/higher education, student affairs, counseling, the sciences, or other relevant field

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in education/higher education, student affairs, counseling, the sciences, or other relevant field. 
• Evidence of successful collaborations around issues related to advising and student success.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in a college academic setting preferred.
• Academic advising experience preferred.

Required Application Materials

Complete applications must include:

1) a cover letter summarizing qualifications for the position

2) curriculum vitae/resume

3) a statement of the candidate's advising philosophy (one-page maximum)

4) contact information for 3 references

Complete applications must be received preferably by October 14, 2026 to receive full consideration. Late submissions will be considered if suitable candidates are not identified by the deadline.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/14/2026

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

natsci.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.