Skagit Valley College has an outstanding opportunity for an Academic Advisor. The Academic Advisor will work as a part of a student advising team to provide educational planning, appreciated advising, and resource support to students in technical and transfer pathways. The incumbent will assist students to identify and develop their educational goals. The position will collaborate with college staff, faculty, and community partners to develop and enhance relationships in order to improve persistence rates for students. This position will work within the Counseling and Advising Department. This is a 12-month, full-time position, working 40 hours per week. The Academic Advisor will primarily be assigned to work at the Mount Vernon Campus. Travel to Whidbey Island campus may be required on an occasional basis. About SVC: Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges(SBCTC) providing associates and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our equity goals align with SBCTC’s Vision statement; “Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities.”SVC's commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen our diverse community. We embrace equity through our core themes of access, achievement, and community by pursuing the continuous examination and revision of norms, policies, and practices to foster the success of all. SVC aspires to reflect the diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics in the district, particularly a growing Latinx population. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) SVC seeks equity minded leadership, faculty, and staff that are committed to inclusive practices and to diverse environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of an array of services. Candidates representing all aspects of diversity are encouraged to apply. Mission: Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities. Vision: The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;Our Guiding Principles;Decisions based on strategy and evidence;The development of our employees;A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs. The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People’s, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington. Guiding Principles: Respect, Integrity, Open and Honest Communication, Collaboration, and Compassion. Did You Know: Skagit Valley College is an innovative community college committed to offering inclusive access to educational opportunities, supporting student achievement, and engaging our community. SVC is nationally known for learning communities and support for high impact teaching practices that improve the lives of our students. We are committed to creating student learning experiences that foster equity and diversity to strengthen our local and global communities. We practice a high degree of collaboration among faculty, staff, and administrators to lead initiatives that advance student success and strengthen our increasingly diverse district. We value student and colleague engagement in creating an equitable, diverse, innovative, learning-centered environment. Skagit Valley College offers:An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community. Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship. Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth. Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban and urban lifestyles. Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments. Excellent benefits including competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs. Duties and Responsibilities In collaboration with the offices of Basic Education, Enrollment Services, and Financial Aid, co-develop and deploy developmentally responsive, and culturally competent entry and first-year advising to foster smooth, strengths-based transitions into the College;Assist and guide students with their academic plans, including a timely and accurate review and interpretation of academic skills and assessment results to determine appropriate placement in courses, along with information related to degrees, certificates, courses, policies and procedures, and resources; Using a coaching approach, track student progress, review and update educational plans and implement retention strategies; Support ongoing caseload of student advisees, as determined by the Associate Dean of Advising & Special Programs; Develop, implement, and coordinate intervention strategies related to the College’s Academic Progress policy by assisting students to make effective decisions toward their career and academic goals; Complete outreach to students through the college’s Early Alert system;Provide advising support for special populations of students. This could include Champions of Diversity Scholars, Athletes, or other special populations; Advise new/prospective and current students in navigating the various degree and certificate programs the College offers and help interpret academic and institutional policies for students; Develop, coordinate and facilitate programs, services, and processes to increase student success, retention, and progression, such as quarterly college success/readiness workshops;Develop individual funding plans for students and assist students in applying for Federal Financial Aid, scholarships, and other SVC funds; Facilitate and Advise group advising sessions; Apply the Education Planning model to support students in First Quarter Experience courses; Collaborate with internal and external colleagues to provide resources to students;Work closely with students and assist them with problem-solving educational and day-to-day issues, access to emergency funds, and to community and campus resources as needed; Define and establish a written academic success plan for students and assist students in completing petitions for financial aid; Utilizing Appreciative Advising, build a positive mentoring relationship with students and work with and instruct them to resolve issues that impede their academic success;Meet and communicate regularly in person, by phone, or via computer networks with students to provide information, resources, and support as they progress through the program; Communicate with department chairs and division chairs to stay abreast of degree, certificate, and program requirements relevant to assigned caseload and Area(s) of Study; Attend department meetings, training, or conferences necessary to meet the duties and responsibilities of the position; Maintain accurate and detailed documentation regarding student interactions utilizing 21st-century technology, including the college’s customer relationship management system; Determine and document student eligibility for Support programs at SVC;Engage in regular follow-up, contact, and tracking of students, data gathering and analysis, and reporting; Administer completion support to students utilizing Cardinal Complete funds. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Knowledge and/or understanding of:Political, social, and economic issues that affect international students;U.S. immigration law and requirements as it pertains to international student Visas and other legal requirements for F-1students and J-1 visitors;Higher education admissions, enrollment, and transfer requirements; International student admissions and recruitment best practices. Skills and abilities to:Work collaboratively with senior administrators to promote district-wide consistency and excellence in operations, instruction, and student support;Work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels in a large, complex institution, as well as with diverse external communities, to facilitate positive and collaborative processes and initiatives coupled with measurable programmatic deliverables;Identify, collect, and analyze appropriate data in order to assess institutional climate and develop key strategies;Foster consensus and commitment to shared governance and collaborative leadership; Promote an equitable and ethical campus community in which all feel included and valued;Participate effectively in the College's scholarly community and articulate a vision of student success consistent with the College's mission and guiding principles;Constructively contribute to the College's strategic priorities;Think critically and resolve conflict in a fair and equitable manner; Make collaborative decisions based on strategy and evidence;Communicate effectively and demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications. Bachelor's degree or equivalent education or higher, in Social Work, Counseling, Education, or a related field’Experience working with populations representing diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and abilities;Demonstrated commitment to promoting equitable access and educational achievement of diverse students. Preferred Qualifications. Experience working with diverse populations of students, clients, and community and business partnerships in an educational setting;Master's degree or equivalent in Education, Communications, Human Services, Social Sciences, Student Development, or a related field;Experience advising in a higher education setting;Strong oral and written bilingual/multi-lingual communication skills in Spanish and English;Computer skills, including Microsoft Office and database management. Salary, Benefits, Conditions of Employment, Application Procedure, About SVC