Student Affairs Advisor - St Cloud

Position Overview

The Student Affairs Advisor serves as the primary Student Affairs professional supporting medical students at the University of Minnesota Medical School CentraCare Regional Campus St. Cloud. Working closely with campus leadership and the central Office of Student Affairs, this position provides comprehensive academic advising, career advising, student engagement programming, and case management to promote student success and well-being throughout medical school. As the primary Student Affairs professional on the regional campus, this position serves as a highly visible and trusted resource for students while partnering with campus and Medical School leadership to cultivate an exceptional student experience.

Using a proactive, relationship-centered advising model, the Student Affairs Advisor partners with students from matriculation through graduation to support academic progress, career exploration, wellness, professional identity formation, and engagement in campus life. The position collaborates closely with faculty advisors, learner development specialists, disability services, counseling resources, career advisors, and Student Affairs colleagues across all three Medical School campuses to ensure students receive coordinated, individualized support.

This position reports to the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education at the St. Cloud Regional Campus with functional collaboration and guidance from the central Office of Student Affairs.

The Medical School is committed to providing an excellent employee experience and offers a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve.

This position follows a hybrid work arrangement with an expectation of working on-site at the St. Cloud Regional Campus at least three days each week, with flexibility for remote work on other days as operational needs allow. Occasional travel to the Twin Cities or Duluth campuses may be required.

Duties/Responsibilities

50%: Academic Advising

• Proactive Individualized Advising: Act as the first point of contact, providing guidance on curriculum, clinical immersion scheduling, clinical phase planning, specialty-specific electives, graduation requirements, and academic policies.
• Progression Tracking & Advocacy: Monitor student progress to intervene early when academic difficulties arise; coordinate with the Committee on Student Scholastic Standing (COSSS) and other Student Affairs leaders regarding student progression.
• Strategic Case Management: Develop and document formal academic plans for remediations, decelerations, and leaves of absence. Coordinate with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to ensure seamless accommodation compliance.
• Holistic Wellness Support: Utilize active listening and empathetic questioning to build rapport. Identify students in mental health distress and facilitate immediate referrals to appropriate professional resources.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Cultivate a robust network of relationships with faculty and staff to ensure successful implementation of academic plans.
  Professionalism Guidance: Coach students regarding professional expectations and collaborate with faculty and Student Affairs leadership when professionalism concerns arise.

20%: Career Advising & Professional Development

• Individualized Career Advising: Serve as the primary career advising resource for regional campus students, collaborating with central career advisors throughout all phases of training.
• Career Exploration & Specialty Discernment: Facilitate career exploration utilizing AAMC Careers in Medicine and other advising tools to help students make informed decisions regarding specialty choice.
• Programming & Educational Events: Coordinate specialty panels, informational sessions, career development workshops, networking opportunities, and other programming that supports students' professional development.
• Faculty & Mentor Engagement: Collaborate with Faculty Advisors, specialty mentors, and central Career Advising leadership to connect students with meaningful mentoring relationships and career resources.
• Professional Development Planning: Assist students in identifying scholarly, leadership, research, service, and extracurricular opportunities that align with their professional interests and long-term career goals.
• Regional Campus Liaison: Serve as the primary liaison between the St. Cloud Regional Campus and the central Office of Student Affairs for career advising initiatives, ensuring students have equitable access to career development resources and programming across all campuses.
• Career Resource Development: Support students in developing individualized career plans, professional portfolios, and residency preparation strategies while promoting awareness of career advising resources available throughout the Medical School.

15%: Student Affairs Programming & Campus Engagement

• Student Leadership Support: Serve as the primary advisor and administrative resource for the Regional Campus Student Council, providing guidance on leadership initiatives, student advocacy, and campus engagement.
• Student Organizations: Support student organizations, specialty interest groups, and student-led initiatives by facilitating programming, connecting students with institutional resources, and advising student leaders.
• Campus Programming & Traditions: Coordinate student leadership opportunities, wellness activities, service initiatives, and campus traditions that foster community and professional identity formation.
• Signature Events: Assist in the planning and execution of student-facing events including Orientation, White Coat Ceremony, Match Day, Graduation, Student Appreciation activities, and other regional campus celebrations.
• Community Building & Belonging: Partner with faculty, staff, and campus leadership to cultivate an inclusive learning environment that promotes student belonging, professionalism, wellness, and engagement.
• Student Experience Enhancement: Collaborate with regional campus and central Student Affairs colleagues to identify opportunities for continuous improvement of the student experience and respond to emerging student needs and feedback.

15%: Student Support, Case Management & Central Student Affairs Liaison

• Student Support & Case Management: Serve as the first point of contact for students experiencing academic, personal, or professional challenges, providing individualized support and coordinating appropriate interventions.
• Resource Navigation & Referral: Utilize active listening, strengths-based coaching, and sound judgment to connect students with appropriate campus and University resources, including Bridge Counseling, Learner Development, Disability Resource Center, financial wellness, and other student support services.
• Care Coordination: Coordinate communication among students, faculty advisors, course directors, learner development specialists, disability services, counseling, and campus leadership to ensure students receive timely, coordinated support while maintaining confidentiality.
• Student Advocacy: Advocate for students by helping them navigate institutional policies, processes, and available resources, while promoting student success, well-being, and professional development.
• Tri-Campus Collaboration: Serve as a regional campus liaison to the central Office of Student Affairs by participating in tri-campus meetings, implementing school-wide initiatives, and ensuring consistent delivery of student support services across campuses.
• Continuous Improvement & Assessment: Identify emerging student needs, monitor trends affecting student success and wellness, and provide feedback to regional campus and Medical School leadership to support continuous improvement of Student Affairs programs and services.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus four years of related experience, or Master's degree plus two years of related experience.
• Experience advising, coaching, counseling, case management, or supporting adult learners in higher education, health professions education, or a related field.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and confidential information.
• Experience coordinating programs, events, or student engagement activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom, and related technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Educational Psychology, Public Health, or related field.
• Experience supporting medical, health professions, or graduate students.
• Experience working with students in academic difficulty or navigating complex student situations.
• Knowledge of medical education, residency advising, or physician career development.
• Experience with case management or student success coaching.
• Familiarity with AAMC Careers in Medicine or similar career development resources.
• Experience working collaboratively across multiple departments or campuses.

Key Competencies

• Student-Centered Advising
• Commitment to supporting student success through proactive, relationship-centered advising.
• Demonstrates empathy, emotional intelligence, discretion, and sound judgment when working with students facing academic, personal, or professional challenges.
• Communication & Relationship Building
• Builds collaborative, trusting relationships with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
• Communicates effectively with diverse stakeholders through strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Collaboration & Student Advocacy
• Works effectively across departments and campuses to coordinate student support services.
• Advocates for students while balancing institutional policies, professionalism, and student well-being.
• Organization & Project Management
• Effectively manages multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and confidential information.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills and attention to detail in advising, event coordination, and case management.
• Problem Solving & Initiative
• Approaches complex student situations with critical thinking, sound judgment, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Exercises initiative, adaptability, and self-direction while working independently and collaboratively.

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.

Pay Range: $55,000 - $56,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Work Location: St. Cloud (In Person / Hybrid)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.