Academic Advisor & Student Data Specialist, Pre-licensure Nursing

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston’s only women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all. 

You’re joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six-school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high-value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You’ll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice-oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace.

As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

JOB SUMMARY

Simmons University’s Academic Advisor & Student Data Specialist joins the School of Nursing & Physical Therapy to support Pre-licensure Nursing advising and data operations within the School.  Reporting to the Assistant Director of Academic Advising & Data Analytics, the Advisor plays a critical role in maintaining data systems, keeping up-to-date records, and ensuring student success in the program. The Advisor is responsible for tracking progress towards degree completion, managing student expectations of program requirements, and conducting outreach to students about academic progression and program policies.

The Advisor oversees student enrollment and registration, maintains accurate student data, and counsels students on course registration, leaves of absence, academic ineligibility, plans of study, policy questions, as well as other needs. The data management is in support of student success with the end goal of supporting students in their academic progression.

The Advisor is responsible for managing the data and course projections for all Pre-licensure Nursing students. The Advisor will assume supportive academic advising responsibilities for traditional BSN nursing students once they start taking Nursing courses. This advising is in collaboration with a student’s assigned nursing faculty advisor. The faculty advisor will have primary responsibility for advising their assigned students. The Advisor will also assume academic advising for Pre-licensure Direct Entry students from the start of the program until they complete the Pre-licensure curriculum. The Advisor will assume academic advising responsibilities for transfer, DE-MSN, Pre-licensure DE-DNP, 4+1, and 4+2 students. They will work collaboratively with the Graduate Nursing academic advisors. 

You can find more information about the School of Nursing & Physical Therapyhere.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Maintain, update, and track student enrollment data and manage academic databases;
• Advise students on University policies, handbooks, procedures, program requirements, practicum requirements, and all other academic matters; 
• Track and report on student progress across multiple data tracking systems to key stakeholders within the designated nursing program teams (e.g., registration audits, leave of absence tracking, custom plans of study tracking, end of term audits, etc.);
• Participate in department meetings regarding complex student issues;
• Serve as the main point of contact for all disputes and various other administrative needs of the students; 
• Participate in department and program-related events for assigned programs (e.g. Immersive experiences, Town Halls, Student Orientations, etc);
• Complete the graduation audit for the BSN degree (traditional and transfer), and Pre-licensure MSN degree (DE-MSN and DE-DNP) for each student; and
• Coordinate and collaborate with student support offices and facilitate referrals for nursing students as appropriate.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accurately document nursing student advisement meetings and documents in Starfish, a platform used for advising;
• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders to communicate, complete tasks, and provide input on systems in an efficient and effective manner to best support students in all stages of the program;
• Meet with at-risk students (e.g., conditional admits, students on academic warning or probation, etc.) to provide academic counseling and support;
• Assist with proctoring ATI exams when assigned by Director of Direct Entry MSN FNP Program,
• Provide students with preemptive guidance on acclimating to their program and building supportive personal environments and best practices to facilitate their student success; and
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required;
• Minimum two more years of academic advising or equivalent experience (e.g. roles requiring extensive student contact, or positions that entail a high level of customer service management);
• Background or prior experience with data entry and/or management;
• Proven ability in developing strong relationships through a variety of means (including remote engagement) and experience in professional coaching/advising others required; 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong and demonstrated proficiency with Google Suite (Google Sheets, Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive), Microsoft Office, and presentation software (Zoom, Google Meet), with a particular emphasis on spreadsheets and data entry/analysis;
• The ability to effectively work with multiple databases and student platforms; and
• Must have a strong commitment to education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• The ideal candidate will possess strong time management, customer service, problem solving and interpersonal skills, will be adaptable to new and rapidly changing situations, will be creative and innovative and demonstrate the ability to work independently and with a team;
• Ability to successfully resolve student issues from request through resolution;
• Comfort with online webinar technology using audio, video and shared desktop applications (i.e. Google Meet, Zoom, Webex, GoToMeeting, Skype);
• Experience advising and/or teaching; and
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and with a team.

COMPETENCIES

• Data Analysis - Learns new databases, softwares, and technology skills to work with complex data sets and interpret data reports. Utilizes basic data skills to be organized and collaborative.
• Communication - Able to respond and exchange ideas clearly and effectively through writing, speaking, and presentations; shares appropriate information to keep people informed; is seen as approachable. Takes accountability for work and can clearly explain data projects.
• Independent work - Able to work well independently; successfully completing projects solo and being able to communicate back with stakeholders and relevant parties;
• Teamwork - Values the opinions of others; assists others when needed; participates effectively as a member of a team; balances personal contributions and needs with those of other members of the team to achieve common objectives.
• Problem Solving - Analyzes problems to identify probable cause; thinks of new possibilities; identifies critical issues and develops options for addressing them; able to incorporate other viewpoints as part of the process of developing solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students, staff and faculty across a broad range of social and personal identities and perspectives.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Full time position, 40 hours/week, with hybrid work arrangement eligibility
• Potential evening and/or weekend time needed several times a year to support special events
• 12-month year-round staff position
• Work will take place in an office environment 
• Essential physical requirements include typing
• Physical effort/lifting not required 

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws effective October 29, 2025, Simmons University is committed to pay equity, transparency and clear communication throughout the hiring process. The hourly or annual salary range for this position is:

S05$39,100.00 - $63,400.00

This is a benefits-eligible position.

Actual compensation will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills, equity, and external market benchmarks that help guide compensation decisions. Our compensation philosophy is centered around a comprehensive package that includes pay, health benefits, and retirement savings offerings that can be seen here, as well as work-life balance initiatives such as flexible hours and remote work opportunities. We are committed to offering a package that empowers individuals to thrive in their roles, contribute meaningfully, and lead with confidence.

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.