Academic Advisors

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Academic Advisor for the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. Program plays a vital role in ensuring student success through comprehensive academic advising, effective policy implementation, and robust orientation and transition support. The advisor serves as a central resource to doctoral students, guiding them through curriculum planning, academic progression, institutional policies, and program expectations. This position supports a large and diverse student body within a rigorous, APA-accredited doctoral program.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Advising and Planning

• Provide individual academic advising to Psy.D. students throughout all phases of the program, from matriculation to graduation.
• Assist students with course selection, registration, and developing long-term academic plans that align with degree requirements.
• Monitor academic performance and progress; proactively identify and support students experiencing academic difficulty.
• Collaborate with faculty advisors and program leadership to ensure students receive coordinated and consistent support.

Policy Advising and Implementation

• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for students and faculty on institutional, departmental, and accreditation-related policies.
• Interpret and communicate policies related to academic standing, degree requirements, course waivers, transfer credits, and leaves of absence.
• Assist with policy enforcement and documentation, including academic warnings, probation, and progression reviews.

Orientation and Transition Support

• Support orientation programs for incoming students, focusing on academic expectations, program structure, and available resources.
• Develop and facilitate programming and communications to ease the transition into doctoral-level study.
• Serve as a key contact for new students and assist with their integration into the academic and professional culture of the program.

Administrative and Recordkeeping Duties

• Maintain accurate and confidential advising records using institutional systems and tools.
• Generate reports to track student progress, identify advising trends, and inform program improvements.
• Participate in accreditation-related data collection and documentation as needed.

Collaboration and Communication

• Partner with faculty, staff, and training directors to ensure consistent academic messaging and support across the program.
• Communicate important deadlines, policy changes, and academic milestones to students in a timely and effective manner.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in psychology, counseling, higher education, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in academic advising or student services, preferably at the graduate or professional level.
• Strong knowledge of academic advising practices, student development theory, and higher education policy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact effectively with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising doctoral students in a mental health or clinical training program.
• Familiarity with APA accreditation standards and clinical psychology curricula.
• Doctorate in psychology, education, or a related field.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong advising, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student matters with discretion.
• Collaborative, student-centered approach to academic support.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven academic environment.

• Applicants MUST be eligible for employment in the United States without requiring work visa sponsorship.

Work Environment

• This is an on-campus role located in Newton, MA. Some evening hours may be required during peak advising periods.
• Participation in key program events (e.g., orientation, open house, commencement) is expected.

Total Rewards:

We are excited to present an exceptional compensation and benefits package that prioritizes your well-being! Embrace comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance, complemented by flexible spending accounts. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with company-paid life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and the opportunity to contribute to your retirement. Relish our generous paid time off and seize the exciting professional development opportunities that empower your growth. Join us and experience a rewarding workplace that passionately invests in your future!

William James College is a not-for-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employment at William James College may qualify for The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. studentaid.gov/manage -loans/forgiveness- cancellation/public -service#qualifying-employer

Application Procedure

To apply, please visit our career center (click here).

Review of applications will begin upon receipt and continue until the position is filled.

Interested applicants should submit:

• A detailed letter of intent responding to the stated qualifications.
• A list of three professional references with complete contact information. (References will not be contacted without the applicant's prior permission.)

W illiam James College is an institution and community dedicated to the principles of excellence, fairness, and respect for all individuals. We are committed to strengthening our communities, including our workplace, by fostering the development of competencies essential for change agents in an increasingly complex society.