The Academic Advising Specialist supports traditional undergraduate students during their first three terms at Bethel by providing holistic, student-centered advising that promotes academic progress, belonging, and successful transitions into college life. The role supports retention and degree completion in close collaboration with faculty and staff.

1. Advise Students – 70%

a. Serve as the staff advisor for a caseload of first-time students, guiding them from deposit through their third term.
b. Support students in navigating university systems, processes, and offices (e.g., registration, financial aid, student life, business services).
c. Provide basic guidance on course selection, degree planning, and academic policies in coordination with faculty advisors.
d. Document advising interactions and coordinate communication with faculty advisors and care teams.

2. Relationship Building and Collaboration – 10%

a. Connect students with academic, co-curricular, and personal support resources to promote success and belonging.
b. Participate in enrollment and orientation activities to build early relationships and support transitions into campus life.
c. Collaborate across departments to identify students needing holistic support and respond through early alert processes.

3. Process and System Improvements- 10%

a. Contribute to process improvements and data collection efforts to enhance advising effectiveness.
b. Contribute to an academic environment that seeks to advance inclusive excellence

4. Continued Development -10%

a. Engage in ongoing professional development to improve advising practices and better serve diverse student
populations.

• Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Ability to effectively and accurately communicate with students, faculty, and staff. 
• Knowledge or evidence of the ability to comprehend Academic Policies and Procedures: Familiarity with college policies, procedures, and resources. 
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify and address student issues and challenges. 
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, and maintain accurate records. 
• Empathy and Compassion: Ability to understand and support students' needs and challenges. 
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in using relevant software and online resources. 
• Attention to detail and good proofreading skills.

Required Experience:

• Position requiring frequent engagement with others, including oral and written communication.
• Position requiring organizational skills and attention to details

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree

Travel: This position requires no travel.

Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as desktop and/or laptop computers, photocopiers and smartphones.

The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university in which all employees are expected to have a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of the University, and an agreement to abide by all University policies.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. The job requires extended periods of sitting and traversing the Bethel Campus on a regular basis. Reasonable accommodations may be made to ensure people are able to perform the essential functions.

The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Expected Hours of Work:
Typically, days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, with the expectation to work specific schedules and hours as identified and communicated by management. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. This is a 40 hour per week, 12 months per year position.

Bethel is committed to offering meaningful benefits to our employees including health insurance, retirement plans, and a generous time off package. Learn more about these offerings here.

Learn more about our commitment to diversity in hiring .

Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with approximately 4,700 students from 50 states and 32 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bethel offers bachelor's and advanced degrees in nearly 100 fields. Educationally excellent classroom-based and online programs equip graduates to make exceptional contributions in life-long service to God and the world.

Bethel University’s Christ-centered mission includes a commitment to equal educational opportunity and equal employment opportunity. Bethel does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, or age in its admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.

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