Job Overview: Academic Advisor – Bilingual (Spanish)

Empire State University (SUNY Empire) is seeking an experienced, student-centered Bilingual Academic Advisor to provide high-impact, online advising services. This role is specifically designed to support undergraduate students—the majority of whom are transfer students—within the university’s Spanish-speaking academic programs.

As an advisor at a leading online institution, you will act as a mentor and navigator, helping students bridge the gap between their previous credits and their future professional goals. You will also provide specialized support for military-affiliated students, ensuring they successfully leverage university resources.

Key Responsibilities & Student Success Initiatives

Case Management & Outreach

Active Advising: Manage a dedicated caseload of advisees, providing proactive outreach and guidance from enrollment through graduation.
Educational Planning: Guide students in building degree programs that align with their intellectual and professional ambitions; when applicable, teach sections of the university’s Educational Planning course.
Military Support: Provide tailored advisement for military-affiliated students, understanding the unique challenges and lifestyles associated with service.

Academic Strategy & Evaluation

Transcript & Goal Review: Conduct detailed reviews of student goals and transcripts to provide accurate course recommendations in line with program requirements.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Help students identify and document university-level learning acquired outside the classroom that may be eligible for academic credit.
Resource Integration: Refer students to career services, financial aid, and other holistic support initiatives to ensure a well-rounded university experience.

Requirements & Qualifications

Mandatory Credentials

Education: Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in higher education, specifically in academic advisement or student development.
Linguistic Skills: Proficiency in spoken and written Spanish, with the ability to navigate complex academic contexts and support students in their primary language.

Technical & Professional Skills

Online Engagement: Strong skills in both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (email/discussion) communication modes for undergraduate learners.
Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a dispersed academic environment alongside faculty and staff from multiple departments.

Preferred Qualifications

Systems Expertise: Experience with Banner, CRM, or other data management and tracking tools.
Pedagogy: Knowledge of adult learning theories and online teaching methodologies.
Teaching Experience: Prior college-level teaching experience is highly desirable.

Compensation & State Benefits

Rank/Salary: Academic Advisor (SL3); $57,500 – $60,000, dependent on experience.
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive NYS health insurance, plus free dental and vision coverage.
Retirement: Access to competitive New York State retirement options.
Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation, sick, and holiday accruals, plus robust remote and flexible work options to support a healthy lifestyle.

Why Join SUNY Empire?

SUNY Empire is a pioneer in flexible, online education and an AA/EEO/ADA employer. By joining this team, you become part of an organization that actively seeks to enrich its diversity and provides a supportive environment for veterans and individuals with disabilities. This position offers the chance to work at the forefront of “Prior Learning Assessment” and bilingual student advocacy in a modern, digital campus setting.

Application Information

Interested candidates must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis (VISA sponsorship is not available). Occasional travel, evening, and weekend hours may be required to meet university commitments.

The Organization & Culture Empire State University is the State University of New York’s (SUNY) premier online institution, serving as a national leader in flexible, adult-focused education. In 2026, the university is defined by a mission of “radical accessibility,” specifically catering to working professionals, military-affiliated students, and neurodivergent learners. The culture is built on individualized mentoring rather than traditional lecture-hall models; every student is paired with a faculty mentor to design a degree plan tailored to their specific career goals. For the workforce, the environment is highly decentralized and innovative, emphasizing Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)—a core pillar that allows students to earn college credit for professional licenses, military training, and even volunteer experience.

The Location: A Statewide Virtual & Physical Hybrid While headquartered in Saratoga Springs, NY, Empire State University maintains a significant physical presence in the New York City metro area to support its hybrid and residency-based programs.

Manhattan Hub: Located at 4 Park Avenue, this site houses the prestigious Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies, which partners with major trade unions (like the IBEW) to offer degrees in labor relations and social sciences.
Brooklyn Location: The university operates out of 177 Livingston Street (6th Floor), providing a central touchpoint for Brooklyn-based students and administrative support.
Staten Island Office: Located at 1200 South Avenue, catering to the borough’s student population.
Virtual Campus: Approximately 98% of students study fully online, utilizing 24/7 digital support tools, including a fully-online library and virtual mental health counseling.

To apply for this job please visit sunyempire.edu.