Academic Counselor - Senior

Job Description

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

The College of Built Environments has an outstanding opportunity for an Academic Counselor -Senior to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Students, the Academic Counselor - Senior for Interdisciplinary Programs is responsible for providing advanced academic advising and program support for graduate students pursuing doctoral, certificate, and interdisciplinary studies across the College of Built Environments (CBE).

Directly impacts recruitment, retention, and graduation of PhD and graduate students across CBE. Advises 40-60 active graduate students annually; contributes to admissions decisions, student success programming, and program compliance with Graduate School standards.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Advising & Student Success (65%)

• Serve as the primary advisor for doctoral and graduate certificate students, providing advanced guidance on academic requirements, program milestones (general exams, dissertation defense, certificate completion), and long-term academic and professional goals.

• Interpret and apply complex Graduate School and departmental policies, advising students and faculty in ambiguous or unusual cases.

• Anticipate student challenges, initiate outreach, and recommend solutions that promote persistence and timely degree completion.

• Counsel students navigating academic difficulty; advise on petitions, waivers, and progression plans while exercising professional discretion.

• Collaborate with faculty advisors and program directors to ensure consistent advising practices across programs.

• Maintain and safeguard confidential student records in compliance with FERPA and UW standards.

• Advises on doctoral milestones, interprets Graduate School policies in ambiguous cases, supports students facing academic difficulty, balances multiple program requirements, and collaborates with multiple faculty directors.

Recruitment & Admissions (20%)

• Represent CBE interdisciplinary programs at recruitment events, information sessions, and outreach activities.

• Advise prospective students on program fit, admissions requirements, and funding opportunities.

• Support admissions processes, including application review, preparation of advising summaries, and coordination of faculty review committees.

• Communicate admissions outcomes and onboarding information in partnership with program directors.

Program Development & Collaboration (15%)

• Partner with program directors to align advising and curriculum planning with student needs.

• Serve as a subject-matter resource for faculty and staff on Graduate School regulations, advising best practices, and policy interpretation.

• Develop and deliver programming to enhance student success, including orientations, professional development workshops, and symposia.

• Participate in CBE and UW-wide committees or working groups related to advising and graduate student services.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet both the minimum qualifications and any additional requirements listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in academic advising, student services, or higher education administration.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in interpreting and applying complex academic policies.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to support diverse student populations.

• Ability to exercise independent judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive student situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education, counseling, or related discipline.

• Experience advising doctoral students or working with interdisciplinary academic programs.

• Familiarity with UW student systems (MyGrad Program, SDB, Slate, Workday).

• Knowledge of student development theory and graduate advising best practices.

Working Conditions

• Professional staff appointment located on the Seattle campus, with potential for hybrid flexibility.

• Supports multiple interdisciplinary graduate programs and faculty committees.

• May require occasional evening or weekend participation for recruitment or student events.

About the Team

At the College of Built Environments (CBE), students are at the heart of everything we do. Our five departments, Architecture, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, Real Estate, and Urban Design & Planning, work together to provide a truly interdisciplinary learning experience. Graduate students benefit from small-community connections within their programs while also gaining access to the resources of a world-class research university.

We take pride in fostering a supportive, collaborative environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests, connect across disciplines, and develop the skills needed to thrive in their academic and professional journeys. Whether through advising, workshops, or hands-on opportunities, our goal is to help every student succeed and make a lasting impact in the communities they serve.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$62,712.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$94,080.00 annual

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

75.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer ( . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at or .

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 ( .

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.