STARS College Advisor

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the STARS College Advisor position. The STARS College Advisor is a full-time, fixed-term position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $52,895 to $53,000.

The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.

The STARS College Advisor, within the Amherst College Office of Admission, will join a national network of college advisors supporting rural and small-town high school students through the college search and application process. In this role, the advisor will advise students through virtual meetings, deliver presentations on applying to college and financial aid, and conduct regular in-person site visits to assigned high schools. The advisor will build and maintain strong relationships with students, families, school counselors, community partners, and others involved in the recruitment and advising process. The position also contributes to special projects, which may include developing outreach and marketing materials, supporting program assessment, and monitoring related budgets.

The position is a one-year term, which may be renewed for up to two additional one-year terms. The position is eligible for participation in the College’s hybrid work program. The role requires several weeks of annual outreach travel to assigned rural and small-town high schools, as well as occasional evening and weekend work.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Provides 1:1 college advising in a remote setting with assigned high schools
• Travels to assigned high schools for in-person meetings with students.
• Hosts virtual events with high schools to promote college-going, assist with application completion, provide essay support, and share information on applying for financial aid
• Responds to students and partner high schools via phone and e-mail

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's Degree
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, high school officials, and more
• Strong ability to articulate the value of a college education to diverse audiences with clarity, enthusiasm, and cultural awareness
• Proficiency with technology and digital tools, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and the ability to learn new software and systems
• Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to think independently while also contributing effectively as part of a collaborative, dynamic team
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and an understanding of how these values inform the work of college admission
• Willingness and ability to travel several weeks per year and to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Successful completion of required reference and background checks
• An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of Five College Risk Management driver credentialing program.
  (See: https://www.fivecolleges.edu/riskmgmt/driver_credentialing)

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen.) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.