Online Professional Studies Program Assistant and Academic Advisor

Position Summary:

Job Description:

Position: Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time, remote position of Online Professional Studies Program Assistant and Academic Advisor.  The position reports to the Director of Online Professional Studies, works closely with the Online Professional Studies team, and is responsible for providing administrative and operational support to the Online Professional Studies department as well as providing academic advising and enrollment support for new and continuing students in the Adult Degree Completion and Western Flexible Learning programs.  

Responsibilities: The Program Assistant and Academic Advisor is responsible for coordinating course scheduling and supporting faculty communication, including creating and updating course schedules, payment to faculty, syllabi tracking and faculty support. They also assist with purchasing and budget tracking, including processing invoices and reconciling expenses in accordance with university procedures. This position supports scholarship processes by tracking awards, maintaining records, and coordinating communication with students and the Foundation. They also organize and execute program events (e.g., graduation), including logistics, communication, and day-of coordination. This position maintains and updates program materials and digital content, including website updates and social media and provides general administrative support such as meeting scheduling, note-taking, data tracking, and maintaining accurate student and program records in university systems.

In addition, this position will provide individualized academic advising support for approximately 75-120 students, helping to interpret degree requirements, monitor academic progress and provide proactive support and academic success strategies. The advisor role assists students with registration and navigating academic policies and systems (e.g. Workday and Canvas) and refers students to appropriate campus resources. This position maintains accurate advising records and participates in advising-related trainings and meetings to support best practices for adult learners.

This position will also perform other related duties as assigned. (Since every duty associated with this position may not be specifically spelled out, employees may be required to perform additional duties considered incidental in the performance of this job.)

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 1-2 years in academic advising, student services or administrative support. Must have the ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and maintain confidentiality. Must have proficiency with Microsoft Office and have strong communication, organization, and time management skills, as well as attention to detail in managing records, documents, and program logistics.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in program operation or administrative support. Experience working with adult or non-traditional student populations. Familiarity with systems like Workday and Canvas and have an understanding of academic advising principles and practices, particularly for adult and non-traditional leaners. Familiarity with higher education administrative systems, policies and procedures is preferred.

Compensation: Base salary range is $46,000 - $48,000. The position is FLSA exempt. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

Application Procedure: Apply online at www.Western.edu/jobs. Required attachments for online application include a letter of application addressed to Dr. Sally Cirincione, resume, and contact information for three references.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Please direct questions to the search committee chair at scirincione@western.edu.

Application deadline is August 30, 2026.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.

Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy in skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS

It is the ongoing policy and practice of Western Colorado University to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants.  No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law.

ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140.