Academic Advisor (Program Specialist 3)

Position Summary

Academic Advisors provide case-managed advising to an assigned caseload of students, supporting them from entry through completion or transfer. Advisors help students clarify academic and career goals, select pathway options, and develop and maintain educational plans aligned with those goals.

The work is professional in nature and requires interpreting and applying college policies, as well as state and federal regulations related to enrollment and funding. The Academic Advisor/Program Specialist 3 operates at the journey level and exercises independent judgment to assess student needs and provide timely, accurate, and student-centered guidance. The advisor maintains primary responsibility for an assigned caseload, providing proactive outreach, ongoing progress monitoring, and coordinated interventions to support student success.

This position may support a designated academic pathway or student population and contributes to pathway exploration, program planning, and transfer preparation, including Bellevue College bachelor¿s degree pathways. Advisors identify and address barriers, connect students to campus resources, and track student progress to inform advising strategies and outcomes. The position collaborates with faculty and campus partners, contributes to advising resources and training, and promotes a consistent case management advising approach across the college.

We are currently hiring for three vacancies in this role. These positions report to the Associate Director of Academic Advising.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

Position Salary Range: $62,748/year - $84,516/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidates qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Individuals newly hired to Classified position are placed in a salary range based on the WPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Competitive salary is within the Range stated above, and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This is a Classified, overtime eligible position and represented by the Washington Public Employee Association of Higher Education (WPEA-HE).

About The College

Bellevue College is a vibrant, student-centered institution located just 10 miles east of Seattle. Serving one of the most diverse student populations in Washington - we are proud to reflect the global community we serve.

As an employer, Bellevue College is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. We believe that our faculty and staff are essential partners in fulfilling our mission, and we prioritize professional growth, collaboration, and innovation in everything we do. Employees at Bellevue College benefit from opportunities to expand their skills, contribute to meaningful work that changes lives, and engage in a community that is deeply committed to inclusion.

We are dedicated to creating an environment where creativity and innovation thrive, and where the contributions of every employee help shape both the success of our students and the vitality of the region. At Bellevue College, you will find a community that supports your goals, values your voice, and celebrates your impact.

For more about Bellevue Colleges impact, visit Facts at a Glance.

About the Department

The Academic Advising Department promotes student success through proactive, case-managed advising that supports students from entry through completion or transfer. Advisors engage students in developing and maintaining educational plans aligned with their academic, career, and life goals while building sustained relationships that support persistence and decision-making. The department provides holistic, individualized support, ongoing progress monitoring, and coordinated interventions to address student needs and remove systematic barriers. Academic Advising collaborates with faculty and campus partners to deliver accurate, consistent information in support of transfer and professional/technical programs within a Guided Pathways framework, advancing a coordinated approach that promotes equitable access, retention, and completion outcomes.

Essential Functions

Academic Advising

• Manage an assigned caseload of students, providing ongoing, individualized advising support from entry through completion or transfer.
• Proactively monitor and track student progress utilizing specific software, including TargetX, ctcLink (PeopleSoft), and other advising tools, as well as general office technology like Word and Excel.
• Establish regular, proactive outreach cycles (e.g., onboarding, early term, mid-term, and pre-registration) to maintain consistent contact with assigned students.
• Create, review and update student educational plans and proactively communicate timely updates, alerts, and reminders as necessary. Follow up on Early Alerts for students within a specific caseload.
• Coordinate and document all student interactions, interventions, and progress within advising systems to ensure continuity of care and informed decision-making.
• Meet with students one-on-one in-person, or virtually via phone, or via video conferencing software, specifically Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
• Facilitate group advising sessions as needed with assigned caseload of students utilizing a variety of presentation software, including Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
• Guide students through the process of identifying their pathway and attaining their educational and career goals. Teach students to select and sequence coursework and effectively use the tools and resources necessary for successful program/major clarification, degree or certificate completion, and college or university transfer.
• Identify and respond to academic, personal, and systemic barriers impacting student success; coordinate referrals and follow-up with campus and community resources.
• Assess student needs and apply student success and advising techniques to serve students from diverse backgrounds and, more specifically, veterans, students with disabilities, Running Start, and international students.
• Perform unofficial credit evaluations for enrollment purposes, program graduation, prerequisite clearance, and course selection, following Bellevue College guidelines and policies.
• Interpret English and Math placement results, advising students on the proper course selection/sequence.
• Maintain confidential student records and adhere to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines.
• Approve coursework for the purpose of third-party funding such as financial aid, scholarships, and Veterans funding and for the purpose of reinstatement of funds due to not meeting satisfactory academic policy or exceeding funding limitations; including Financial Aid appeals, Academic Standing, APPs, and 4th class repeats for assigned caseload.
• Consult with fellow staff and outside entities to identify problems, explore solutions and alternatives, and recommend resolutions specific to student circumstances and needs. Provide collaborative and supportive intervention/outreach to students and appropriate referrals to faculty, other departments, college/university counselors.
• Track student outcomes within assigned caseload and adjust advising strategies to improve retention, completion, and equity outcomes.

Academic Advising Services Development

• Develop and refine case management protocols, including caseload assignment strategies, outreach standards, and documentation practices.
• Use caseload data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for proactive intervention, particularly for disproportionately impacted student populations.
• Collaborate with faculty and other staff on the development and revisions of Course Maps
• Review Academic Advising Department website to ensure information is up to date and recommend changes or updates as needed.
• Participate in the training of new advisors, providing one-on-one guidance and shadowing/observation opportunities. Collaborate with the Advising Team in developing training programs and materials.
• Conduct research and analyze department, college-wide, and national data related to advising and student success to identify programmatic needs.
• Perform other duties within the classification as assigned, including possible supervision of lower-level staff providing services to students (e.g., work study students, interns, or part-time employees).
• Participate in the overall development of the Academic Advising Department, developing annual and ongoing work goals, activities, assessments, as well as collaborating in the development and facilitation of team meetings.
• Provide updates and recommendations to Deans, Program Chairs, and faculty related to course management/offerings based on student needs.

Campus Wide Collaboration

• Promote understanding of the case management advising model, including roles, expectations, referrals, and processes across the college.
• Provide professional development and training for faculty and staff members on academic advising strategies, university transfer requirements, college resources and policies, and other issues related to the student lifecycle.
• Provide technical support and guidance (via phone, email, or in person) to faculty and staff as related to Bellevue College degree and certificate requirements.
• Participate in governance, task forces, selection committees, or other groups to support departmental or college-wide goals and advocate for student needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited institution. Relevant experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• One (1) year of academic advising, educational planning, or career advising in a higher education setting
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment with all employees and student/customer groups.
• Effective interpersonal skills in the areas of collaboration, team participation, creative problem-solving, conflict resolution, and group planning.
• Effective communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to use computers for data entry, web applications, searching the internet, and troubleshooting basic computer issues

Core Competencies:

• Ability to communicate effectively through spoken, written, and electronic processes, including with those for whom English as a second language.
• Ability to use a computer for word processing, data entry, web activities, and written communication
• Knowledgeable of, and work in accordance of, Bellevue College regulations and policies
• Ability to work within a team environment, which promotes collaboration and cooperation to achieve team goals and deliverables.
• Ability to problem-solve and identify solutions to potentially challenging situations.
• Customer/student focused with the ability to build and maintain student satisfaction and relationships with the Academic Advising Department and services offered.
• Open to feedback/constructive criticism, development, and continual learning and display an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters Degree in Education, Communication, Psychology, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of one (1) year of demonstrated experience advising students in a community college setting or relaying information related to university transfer, admissions process, policies, articulations, and requirements.
• Demonstrated experience using multiple modalities and Universal Design principles in one-on-one and group advising settings.
• Demonstrated experience using ctcLink (Peoplesoft), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, or other advising-specific technology to monitor student progress.
• Demonstrated experience presenting and leading advising related workshops to students, college staff, and faculty.
• Experience working within an integrated academic and career advising department or system; ability to articulate the relationship between college major and career exploration.

Conditions of Employment

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties.

Other Information

• This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance.
• This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

How To Apply

Applications received by 08/02/2026 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled.

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume
• Complete the Job Questionnaires

Contact:

If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at 425-564-2274 or email to jobs@bellevuecollege.edu.

EEO Statement

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126.

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu .