Academic Program Advisor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position that reports to the Director of Pathways and is located at the JWCC campus in Quincy, Illinois. Position begins immediately.

JOB DESCRIPTION

John Wood Community College (JWCC) is seeking a dedicated and student-focused Academic Advisor/Success Coach to join our student services team. The ideal candidate will provide academic advising, career guidance, and holistic support to students, empowering them to develop and achieve their educational, transfer and personal goals. The Academic Advisor/Success Coach will support students through regular, proactive communication, advising and coaching sessions to provide a clear pathway for success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide individualized academic advising to a diverse student population, assisting with course selection, degree planning, and transfer opportunities.
• Guide students in setting academic, career, and personal goals, and develop action plans to achieve them.
• Monitor students' academic progress, identify barriers to success, and provide proactive support to foster retention and degree completion.
• Serve as a Success Coach by offering personalized coaching to students facing academic, personal, or financial challenges, referring them to appropriate resources when necessary.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and other departments to support student retention initiatives and provide seamless student services.
• Assist students in understanding college policies, procedures, and academic programs.
• Maintain accurate advising records and track student progress using advising software and other tools.
• Support students with transfer planning, including articulation agreements, transfer credits, and connecting them to resources at four-year institutions.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and stay current with advising best practices, educational trends, and institutional policies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Associate's Degree required; Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Experience:

• 2-4 years of experience in academic advising, student services, or a related role in education is preferred.
• Experience working with a diverse student population, including first-generation, low-income, or non-traditional students, is preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build supportive, trusting relationships with students.
• Knowledge of advising practices, degree programs, and student support services in a community college setting.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administration.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to provide creative solutions to students facing academic or personal challenges.
• Familiarity with student retention strategies and academic support resources.
• Proficiency in using advising software, student information systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position with a typical schedule of Monday-Thursday (8:00am – 5:00pm) and Friday (8:00am – 12:00pm).
• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to support student programs or events.

SALARY:

• This is an exempt position with a starting estimate annual base starting salary of $36,000.

BENEFITS

JWCC offers a competitive benefits package!

• 36-hour work week, Friday's get off work at noon!
• Earn 3.7 weeks of vacation in your first year!
• Sick Leave and Personal Leave.
• 19 Paid Holidays!
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance; Only $5 per pay period for Employee Coverage!
• Wellness Program.
• College provided life and disability insurance!
• State University Retirement System.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• JWCC Tuition Waiver for Employees + Dependents

APPLICATION

To receive full consideration, submit a resume with cover letter by visiting https://jwcc.aaimtrack.com/jobs/. Position is open until filled.

8/6/2026

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status. If you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying for a job, please submit a request to hr@jwcc.edu.