Job Summary

Academic Advisor -Purdue University – West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University invites applications for an Academic Advisor dedicated to empowering students in achieving their educational, career, and life goals. This role is ideal for professionals who are passionate about student learning and development, thrive in collaborative academic environments, and seek to make a lasting impact within a world-renowned institution.

At Purdue, you’ll join a community that values excellence, growth, and belonging. Advisors are integral to shaping a student-centered experience that supports learning both inside and beyond the classroom. We believe in fostering an environment where every student feels challenged, supported, and capable of reaching their highest potential.

What You’ll Do

• Create an open, respectful, and inclusive environment grounded in mutual respect, dignity, and authenticity
• Empower students to be active, responsible learners by guiding them in making informed academic and career decisions
• Meet regularly with assigned students to support academic planning, course selection, and registration
• Connect students with campus programs, activities, and learning opportunities aligned with their goals and major
• Utilize data to proactively engage students regarding academic progress and degree completion
• Teach students about university systems, policies, and resources while maintaining confidentiality and trust
• Refer students to appropriate campus support services as needed

Senior-Level Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives related to advisor training and professional development within your department
• Serve on university-level committees, contributing to policies and practices that advance student success
• Act as an academic liaison to departments and programs, strengthening cross-campus connections
• Coordinate special projects, programs, and initiatives that align with your advising unit’s mission and Purdue’s commitment to holistic student support

Why Purdue
As part of Purdue’s engaged advising community, you’ll contribute to a university recognized for innovation, academic excellence, and an enduring commitment to student success. Here, your work helps inspire the next generation of Boilermakers to make their mark in the world—backed by a culture that values your growth, well-being, and professional fulfillment.

This is a dual level posting where the hiring manager will determine the level commensurate with the education and experience of the chosen candidate.

About Us

The School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University is truly unique.  We began in 1882 as experts in locomotives (thus the name "Boilermakers!") And now in the 21st century, we continue to move the world forward by combining the latest technologies with the strongest of fundamentals.

Nearly 3,000 undergraduate students, 1,000 graduate students, and 95 faculty are part of the Purdue ME family.  As the broadest engineering discipline, our students and faculty have the widest variety of interests and expertise.  Design; dynamic systems; fluid mechanics; heat transfer; manufacturing; solid mechanics; systems, measurements, & controls; and thermodynamics are all a part of the ME curriculum.  And our graduates put these skills to work in numerous fields, including aerospace & defense, biomedicine, manufacturing, energy, transportation, and much more.

When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation. 

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

As the Academic Advisor you will need:

• Must have an earned graduate or professional degree in a field relevant to the position

As the P3 Senior Academic Advisor you will need the following:

• Must have an earned graduate or professional degree in a field relevant to the position
• Three (3) years of relevant work experience required 

Preferred:

• Experience with student advising 

Skills Needed:

As the P2 Academic Advisor you will need the following:

• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Demonstrated commitment to work effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds
• Ability to:
  
  • collaborate with faculty, staff, current and prospective students, parents, and families
  • problem solve and utilize campus resources for individuals and groups
• Ability and willingness to work in a changing environment
   

As the P3 Senior Academic Advisor you will need the above and the following to be considered:

• Demonstrated ability to interpret and administer academic policy necessary
• Must have excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task, establish priorities, and resolve conflict

Preferred:  

• Knowledge of:
  
  • undergraduate student development and recruitment
  • programs and majors at Purdue University
  • field related to majors advised

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period   
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Career Stream

Professional 2

• Pay Band S055
• Job Code #20002154

Professional 3

• Pay Band S060
• Job Code #20002153

Career pathmaker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

The anticipated annual salary for this position is $46,000 (for the P2 level) and up to $60,000 (for the P3 level) commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience. The final salary offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including equity, available budget, educational background, and relevant experience.

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

EOE

Purdue University is an EOE employer.