Job Description

The Graduate Advisor is a full-time, 12-month position with an initial 2-year term renewable contingent upon available funding, continued business needs, and satisfactory performance in the role. The Graduate Advisor supports graduate students in both online and campus-based programs, providing guidance on course selection, degree planning, registration, orientation, and acclimation, while ensuring compliance with College and Graduate School policies. Using a proactive, student-centered approach, this role supports retention and engagement while developing customized degree plans that reflect program requirements and student goals. The advisor plays a key role in supporting student success and helping students progress efficiently toward graduation.

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Essential Job Duties

• Provide comprehensive graduate academic advising by applying intrusive academic advising principles, models, and practices to develop program‑specific academic roadmaps; advise students online and in person, individually and in group settings, regarding course selection, scheduling, degree options, and academic standing.

• Represent the College through the full student lifecycle by actively supporting, attending, and participating in orientation, registration, networking events, MBA program events, and graduation.
• Implement, monitor, and support retention strategies that promote student persistence and successful completion of graduate certificates and degree programs while enhancing the overall student experience.

• Plan and deliver targeted events such as online and on-campus student orientations, COB commencement activities, and student engagement events aimed at promoting enrollment, student engagement and connection and events that encourage interaction with other graduate students, faculty, and staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision

• None

Conditions of Employment

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the Graduate Programs department will not sponsor a visa for this position now nor in the future.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 2 years related higher education or customer service experience
• 1 year experience in academic advising, career counseling, recruiting, or sales
• Demonstrated attention to detail in regards to student communication, adherence to policies, and in tracking multiple curricula

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively to meet deadlines in a varied-paced or fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support student success, program growth, and collaborative initiatives.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with students/customers
• Ability to work with diverse students with various learning styles and backgrounds
• Conflict management and conflict resolution skills
• Experience serving students/customers in an online environment
• Proficiency using MS Office applications and with a contact management system such as Microsoft CRM or Salesforce

Application Instructions

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However for full consideration, please apply by Sunday, July 12th, 2026, 11:59pm (MT).

Applicants will be expected to provide:

• A cover letter indicating interest in the position at Colorado State University along with a description of the applicant’s ability to meet the position’s required and preferred qualifications.
• A resume
• Statement of Interest (500 words or less): What qualities, skills, and practices do you believe are essential for an effective academic advisor in graduate education? Please provide examples of how you would apply these in advising interactions to support student success, problem-solving, and student development.
• Advising Philosophy: Graduate student success is often influenced by the quality of relationships and support students experience throughout their program. Please describe your advising philosophy and approach to building trust, connection, and engagement with graduate students from orientation through graduation. What role do you believe an academic advisor plays in retention, persistence, and the overall student experience?

Salary Range

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.