This full-time academic advisor position - focused on Biology/Pre-Health - will provide comprehensive guidance to upper-level biology majors and campus-wide pre-health students through degree planning, purposeful graduate and professional health preparation, and personalized academic support. The advisor will foster student development through individualized advising, targeted outreach, and collaborative programming designed to enhance retention, engagement, and success.

As part of the Office of Academic Advising at the University of Northern Iowa, you’ll join a collaborative, student-focused team committed to helping students navigate academic transitions, build confidence, and thrive throughout their educational journey.

This is a full-time, 12-month appointment with an anticipated start date of Monday, January 26, 2026.

Key Responsibilities:

Advising & Student Support:

Serve as the primary academic advisor for upper-level biology majors, guiding students through degree planning, graduation preparation, and career/graduate school pathways.

Advise pre-health majors and exploratory students pursuing professional health careers (e.g., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy).

Provide support to students experiencing academic challenges or reassessing their academic direction.

Interpret and apply university policies to individual student circumstances.

Recruitment & Outreach:

Lead recruitment initiatives for the Biology Department, including participation in admissions events, campus visits, and prospective student engagement.

Respond to inquiries from prospective students and families, providing information about academic programs and campus resources.

Develop and maintain print and digital materials to promote biology and pre-health programs.

Retention & Programming:

Design and implement outreach strategies, workshops, and events to support student transition, persistence, and success.

Collaborate with campus departments to support institutional retention and enrollment management efforts.

Maintain timely and relevant communication with students through email, print, and electronic resources.

Professional Development & Collaboration:

Stay current on advising practices, student development theory, and trends in pre-health education.

Participate in university committees, departmental initiatives, and professional associations at the local, state, and national levels.

Successful Candidate Will:

Demonstrate a strong commitment to student development and academic success.

Build meaningful relationships with students, faculty, and campus partners.

Effectively manage multiple priorities in a dynamic advising environment.

Take initiative in developing and implementing student support programs.

Represent the University and the Biology Department with professionalism and enthusiasm at recruitment events.

Candidates may Thrive in this Role if they Possess:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.

Strong organizational and time management abilities.

Ability to interpret and apply academic policies and procedures.

Knowledge of advising practices, student development theory, and pre-health academic pathways.

Proficiency in student information systems and advising technologies.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Required Qualifications: Master’s degree; at least two years of advising or related experience in higher education; and strong communication and interpersonal skills. Graduate student experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in college student personnel, advising content specialty area, or related field.

Application Instructions: All application materials received by November 17, 2025, will be given full consideration. To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. The following materials must be attached when applying:
1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

You will be presented with the opportunity to attach multiple documents when completing the application. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL required materials listed above have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email careers-support@uni.edu or call 319-273-2422.

UNI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or on any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.

The University offers an excellent benefits package including a vacation plan, employer sponsored retirement plans, health and dental insurance, and life and disability insurance. Benefits package details can be viewed at https://careers.uni.edu/benefits. Application materials received by 11/17/2025 will be given first consideration. For more information or to apply, visit https://careers.uni.edu/. Criminal and other relevant background checks are required. UNI is a tobacco free campus.