Academic Retention Advisor

Academic Retention Advisor

Salary

See Position Description

Location

GSCC - Wallace Drive - 1001 George Wallace Drive, Gadsden, AL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

08384

College/Division

GSCC-501013-Advising

Opening Date

08/06/2026

Closing Date

8/20/2026 4:00 PM Central

Campus Location

Gadsden State Community College

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

The Academic Retention Advisors collaborate with faculty and institutional partners at all GSCC campus locations to improve student retention and success. Academic Retention Advisors develop and implement programs to address the needs of at-risk and low-achieving students. The Academic Retention Advisor selects instruments and administers assessments of student learning and student engagement. In addition, Academic Retention Advisors provide assistance and support for student service areas and faculty advisors.

Direct Supervisory Responsibility: NO

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Connect at-risk, early alert, and developmental education students with appropriate services; collaborate with other support services such as the Cardinal Tutoring Center, Student Support Services, and the Teaching and Learning Center to provide academic support
• Provide academic advising focused on at-risk students and students who do not select an educational pathway at the time of enrollment; advise, monitor, and mentor developmental education students
• Inform and, if necessary, refer students to other institutional or external resources when academic, attitudinal, attendance, or other personal problems require intervention
• Assist students with university transfer including course advisement, admission information, scholarship information, and completion
• Collect and analyze data relevant to enrollment and retention outcomes; evaluate overall program effectiveness
• Assist in developing, implementing, and assessing student engagement activities related to retention, persistence, and degree or credential completion
• Assist in developing, implementing, and delivering programs to address stop out/dropout students to encourage their return to Gadsden State
• Assist in the development, implementation, and delivery of academic information/advisor training sessions for faculty, Campus Directors, Student Services personnel, and all other staff affiliated with student advising
• Assist new and continuing students in clarifying personal, academic, and career goals
• Prepare reports, materials, and formal presentations for the department and meet all goals/objectives and timelines
• Assist with pre-college orientation and teach ORI 101 sections as needed
• Comply with all policies of the Alabama Community College System and the College
• Perform other duties as assigned

Note: The intent of this description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of positions given this title and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments. Specific job-related duties assigned by hiring departments shall be consistent with the representative essential functions listed above and shall not be construed as expanding a particular position's role, scope, FLSA status, or grade.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree or higher-level degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Student Personnel, Education, or other related field from an approved U.S. Department of Education accredited institution required
• Minimum of two years of experience in student academic advising, counseling, guidance, or closely related area required

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement programs that facilitate student success, retention, and program completion
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and to supporting the academic success of all students
• Ability to travel between campus locations
• A commitment to the teaching-learning process of the community college and the open-door admission process
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours
• Ability to work well with others, collaborate effectively in a team environment

Application Procedures/Additional Information

PROJECTED STARTING DATE:

September 2026

SALARY: Salary Schedule C3-7, ($46,800 - $70,304) Based on the 2026-2027 Local Salary Schedules. Salary will be based on VERIFIED education and years of VERIFIED FULL-TIME directly related experience that is stated on the initial job application and resume. Be sure all experience is stated on the application!

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

August 20, 2026- 4:00 P.M.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Only complete application packages will be given consideration for employment. Complete package consists of (a) Gadsden State Community College application, (b) letter of interest, (c) current resume; and (d) copies of transcripts of post-secondary education.

Application materials must provide documentation that the applicant meets all minimum qualifications.

More than one position in the same job classification may be filled from the applicants for this position should another vacancy occur during the search process.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT: https://www.gadsdenstate.edu/about-us/employment.cms

IF AT ANY POINT YOU HAVE PROBLEMS COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION, CONTACT THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT AT GADSDEN STATE (jobs@gadsdenstate.edu).

Salary Calculation: For all positions on all Salary Schedules, the salary amount for the selected applicant is determined by step placement on the applicable schedule. Step placement is dependent upon the following: (a) all full-time work experience in public education in Alabama and (b) all other full-time work experience outside of public education in Alabama that, in the sole judgment of the College, directly relates to the requirements of the position. The applicant selected for the position must provide written verification(s) of this full-time work experience within the time provided herein if such experience is to be considered in determining their initial step place on the Salary Schedule.

Format for Work Experience Verifications: Work experience verifications should be in the form of verification letters from employers and must include complete employment dates, job title(s), job duties, and an indication whether such employment was full-time or part-time, and if part-time, the average number of hours worked each week. The letters should be on official letterhead and contain an authorized personnel signature. The College's official employment verification form is also acceptable and is available upon request. If an employment verification cannot be obtained due to a legitimate reason, for purposes of meeting minimum requirements an applicant may submit copies of other trustworthy documentation such as appointment letters, contracts, pay stubs, or W-2 forms documenting the term of employment. However, such documentation is generally insufficient for salary calculation purposes if job duties and dates of employment are not self-evident in the documentation.

Please Note:

• ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE ELECTRONIC- It is recommended that you have digital (such as pdf) copies of your cover letter, resume, employment verification documents (if applicable), ALL required transcripts, and any other document identified in the vacancy announcement ready when you begin the on-line application process. You will be given the opportunity to upload these during the process.
• When you finish the steps to apply, you will receive an on-screen notice that you have successfully applied. HOWEVER, this notice does not mean your application materials are complete in accordance with the vacancy announcement.

All correspondence with applicants regarding the Colleges search process will be sent via e-mail. If you need technical assistance, such as resetting your password or browser access issues after reviewing the instructions, please contact:

NEOGOV Customer Service:

Monday-Friday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm PST

(855) 524-5627

Applicants must adhere to the College's prescribed interview schedule and must travel at their own expense. Application materials are considered privileged and confidential and will be used for employment purposes only.

Gadsden State Community College is an equal opportunity employer. It is the official policy of the Alabama Community College System, including postsecondary institutions under the control of the Board of Trustees, that no person in Alabama shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, or other classification protected by Federal or State law, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity or employment. Gadsden State will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants or employees. More than one position in the same job classification may be filled from the applicants for this position should another vacancy occur during the search process. The College reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to the awarding. Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background investigation. This employer participates in E-Verify.

Sick Leave

All regular full-time non-instructional staff earns one day of sick leave which is the equivalent of 8 hours of sick leave per month. Unused sick leave is rolled over to the following year. Upon retirement, employees are allowed to convert unused sick time into service time for the purpose of retirement. Further retirement benefits may be found on this page under Alabama Teachers Retirement.

8 hours per month

(may accumulate an unlimited number)

Annual Leave

All regular full-time non-instructional staff earn annual leave per month. A complete description of leave benefits can be found with the Human Resources office.

0-4 years 8 hours per month

5-9 years 10 hours per month

10-14 years 12 hours per month

15-19 years 14 hours per month

20+ 16 hours per month

(may accumulate up to 480 hours)

Personal Leave

All regular full-time non-instructional staff earns up to two (2) regularly scheduled workdays of personal leave per leave year.

Unused Personal Leave converts to sick leave if not used.

(converts to sick leave at the end of August each year if not used)

Professional Leave

Up to 10 days a year of professional development leave with pay may be granted by the President.

Holidays

New Years Day

Martin Luther King/Robert E. Lee Birthday

National Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Day after Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

16 (5 locally assigned)

Contracted Work Days

260

Retirement

The TRS was established in 1939 to provide benefits to qualified persons employed by state-supported educational institutions. Responsibility for the management and administration of the TRS is vested in its Board of Control. The Boards of Control elect the Secretary-Treasurer who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the RSA and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the RSA. The TRS is a defined benefit plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information visit The Retirement Systems of Alabama. All regular full-time and part-time employees (non-temporary and non- student) who work at least 20 hours per week are required to participate in The Teachers Retirement System of Alabama.

Tier I - Pays 7.50% monthly. State matches 14.57% (effective 10/01/25)

Tier II - Pays 6.20% monthly. State matches 13.61% (effective 10/01/25)

Law Enforcement Officers:

Tier I-Pays 8.50% monthly. State matches 14.57% (effective 10/01/25)

Tier II- Pays 7.20% monthly. State matches 13.61% (effective 10/01/25)

Health Insurance

PEEHIP, established in 1983, provides health insurance benefits for active and retired education employees and is governed by the PEEHIP Board of Control. The Boards of Control elect the Secretary-Treasurer who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the RSA and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the RSA. For more information visit http://www.rsa-al.gov/index.php/members/peehip

Premium amounts:

• Single $ 30
• Family (without Spouse but with dependents) $ 207
• Employee + Spouse (no dependents) $ 282
• Family (with Spouse and dependents*) $ 307
• Includes $100 per month spousal surcharge Note: The spousal surcharge does not apply to spouses who are independently eligible for PEEHIP.

Tobacco Usage Premium

• Member $ 50
• Spouse $ 50

The tobacco premium applies only to the PEEHIP Hospital Medical and VIVA Health plans. Refer to the Wellness Program section to learn how you and/or your spouse can receive the non-tobacco user discount.

Wellness Premium

• Member $ 50
• Spouse $ 50

The wellness premium applies only to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Hospital Medical Group #14000 plan for non-Medicare eligible active and retired members, non-Medicare-eligible members on LOA or COBRA, and non-Medicare-eligible spouses on active or retired contracts. Refer to the Wellness Program section to learn how you and/or your spouse can receive a wellness premium waiver.

If desired, the employee may elect four options rather than health insurance options to include hospital indemnity, cancer, dental, and vision.

Optional Coverage Plan Premiums

• Cancer, Indemnity, and Vision Single or Family (cost per plan) $ 38
• Dental Single $ 38 Dental Family $ 50

Institution matches $800 monthly (effective 10/01/17).

Duty Hours

(hours vary by campus and needs of the student)

Tuition Assistance

This tuition waiver program is designed for all full-time instructional and non-instructional employees of The Alabama College System and the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and their dependents as defined under by policy. The program will be coordinated by each institution for employees within The Alabama College System and the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. An application form for the tuition assistance program is available in the Human Resources office and should be completed prior to registration for classes.

Employees/Dependents at two-year colleges:

• 1/3 waived after 1st year
• 2/3 waived after 2nd year
• 3/3 waived after 3rd year

Note: Employee is vested after 10 years in Retirement System. Additional information regarding retirement may be obtained from the Retirement System Web site at www.rsa.al.gov.

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Did you attach a resume, transcripts, and a letter of intent/cover letter? A complete application packet consists of (a) Gadsden State Community College application through NEOED, (b) current resume, (c) letter of intent/cover letter and (d) copies of transcripts from post-secondary education. Did you attach all of those documents?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer ACCS

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