Academic Advisor

Summary

VCUarts Qatar invites applications for the position of Academic Advisor. This position supports undergraduate student success by providing holistic academic advising services throughout students’ academic journey at VCUarts Qatar. Reporting to the department director, this position provides individual and group advising, supports degree planning and academic progress monitoring, and contributes to retention and timely graduation efforts.

The Academic Advisor also supervises student employees and works collaboratively with Academic Affairs, academic departments, and campus partners to support the effective implementation of academic policies, curriculum updates, and student success initiatives.

This position supervises a number of student employees within the Department of Academic & Career Advising. The number of student employees may vary. Supervisory responsibilities include oversight of daily tasks, scheduling, performance expectations, and professional development support.

VCUarts Qatar offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a range of allowances, child tuition support, and professional development opportunities. Relocation benefits and company sponsorship may also be available, subject to eligibility and approval by the Ministry of Interior.

Reports to: Director of Academic and Career Advising

Department: Academic and Career Advising

Major Activities & Essential Functions

• Provides academic advising to undergraduate students, including course planning, registration guidance, and interpretation of degree requirements, as well as supports students in developing academic plans aligned with their goals and timely graduation expectations.
• Monitors academic progress and proactively identify students who may be at academic risk, and refer students to appropriate campus resources when needed, including academic support, wellbeing services, financial resources, accommodations, and other student support services.
• Supports communication and understanding of academic policies, including academic standing and progression requirements, as well as assists with advising interventions that support retention, academic success, and timely degree completion.
• Supports graduation audit processes and degree completion tracking in coordination with Records and Registration and VCU’s Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success, and maintains accurate advising documentation and student records in accordance with university procedures.
• Supports career-related advising services, including goal clarification, experiential learning planning, and professional development coaching, as well as promotes student engagement in opportunities that strengthen employability and professional readiness, including campus employment, internships, workshops, and events.
• Supervises student employees within the department, including scheduling, task assignment, performance feedback, and day-to-day oversight, as well as supports their training, mentoring, and professional development in alignment with the university’s student employment program.
• Coordinates closely with departmental leadership to ensure student employees contribute effectively to department operations and service delivery.
• Works collaboratively with Academic Affairs and academic departments on initiatives related to curriculum development, curriculum implementation, and student success planning, as well as supports multiversity and cross-registration efforts across Education City universities, including advising students on requirements, processes, and expectations.
• Supports student advising related to Global Education opportunities and international learning experiences, and contribute to initiatives that strengthen culturally responsive and student-centered advising practices.
• Participates in departmental events, orientations, workshops, and student success initiatives as needed, and performs other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Art or Design, Art History, Education, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in academic advising, student support services, teaching support, higher education administration, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Preferred Qualifications

• VCUarts Qatar alumni are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Familiarity with VCUarts Qatar academic culture, student experience, and institutional processes is considered a strong asset.
• Arabic language proficiency.
• Experience supervising student employees.
• Competency with student information systems, advising tools, and records management systems, such as DegreeWorks or equivalent systems.
• Experience supporting first-year student success programming.

Skills

• Excellent time management skills and superb communication skills.
• High level of accuracy, strong work ethic, and a diligent approach to work.
• Willingness to work within a cooperative structure and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Positive attitude and desire to work in a customer service-oriented environment.
• Results-driven approach with demonstrated leadership qualities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCUarts Qatar.

Application Process