Academic Advisor in The Dalles, Oregon at COLUMBIA GORGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Description

A collaborative, equity-minded leader to serve as Academic Advisor. The Academic Advisor is responsible for creating, assessing, and continuously improving the policies, processes, and practices necessary to: facilitate equitable student learning and success; deliver excellent service; and, accomplish the work of the Student Services division. The Student Services division includes academic advising and retention services.

This role reports directly to the VP of Student Services and serves on the advising team and Student Services division groups. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and be driven by a genuine desire to advance the College’s Mission and Priorities. Accordingly, the Academic Advisor will provide excellent service with a focus on closing equity gaps in educational access and attainment, and will work to promote inclusive prosperity throughout the Columbia Gorge region.

Who we are…

Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is a comprehensive community college dedicated to promoting an academic and social environment that serves the evolving needs of the vibrant and diverse communities across its district and beyond. The College aims to foster an inclusive and equitable climate where employees and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We understand these values are foundational to our mission and are critical to ensure the well-being of the communities in our service area. As a college CGCC commits to being accountable to communities who have been historically excluded from higher education, and to the land in the area it serves. Candidates from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Mission: CGCC prioritizes equitable access to education, empowers all students through learning, and drives inclusive prosperity throughout our community.

Vision: As an institution of higher education, CGCC innovates and excels, champions equity and inclusion, and nurtures belonging among our students, employees, and the community.

Priorities:

• Ensuring equitable access to education
• Advancing equitable student learning and educational outcomes
• Fostering economic growth, inclusive prosperity, and a thriving community

Guiding Principles: Open Communication, Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Equity and Inclusion.

Where we are…

Columbia Gorge Community College serves a diverse region in north-central Oregon and south-central Washington. CGCC acknowledges we are on the homelands of the Confederated Tribe of the Yakama Nation and neighboring tribes as well as the 14 bands along the Inchi I’wana (Columbia River). Our main campus is within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in The Dalles, Oregon. We also have a beautiful site in the city of Hood River.

What the area offers…

Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, our College offers more than just a job; it offers a unique lifestyle. Imagine waking up to stunning mountain views, enjoying outdoor adventures in your backyard, and being part of a tight-knit community dedicated to educational equity and innovation.

As a center of Native American trade for over 10,000 years and situated near the end of the Oregon Trail, the Columbia Gorge has a rich history. Much of the area is connected to agriculture, with large acreages of wheat fields, cherry, pear, and apple orchards. There are also dozens of world-class vineyards, wineries, and breweries that, together with outdoor recreation, have created a strong hospitality and tourism industry.

Organizations like Comunidades, The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Washington Gorge Action Programs, and The Next Door are representative of the groups that span the Gorge area to provide community resources and leadership. Manufacturing, technology, and IT companies are expanding rapidly in the area, which is home to companies such as Insitu, Tofurky, Cardinal Glass, Sagetech, HoodTech, and Google. Portland is roughly an hour away, with its various urban attractions and access to international travel.

What you will do…

• Provide Academic & Career Advising: Map out educational plans, track academic progress from onboarding to completion, and guide career pathway exploration.
• Support & Empower Students: Help students build skills in time management and financial planning, while connecting them to financial aid and campus wellness resources.
• Collaborate & Recruit: Partner with faculty, high schools, and community agencies to facilitate smooth student transitions and assist with recruitment.
• Advance Equity & Inclusion: Use culturally responsive practices to dismantle systemic barriers and support historically marginalized student populations.
• Manage Student Maintain accurate case files and track student progress to inform data-driven retention strategies.

What you bring…

• Student-Facing Experience: At least one (1) year of experience guiding and supporting college students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Advising Expertise: Proven background in student retention models, proactive outreach, and structured academic/career counseling.
• Strong Communication: Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, conflict resolution, and public presentation skills.
• Organization & Tech Skills: Strong task prioritization and proficiency with database management systems (e.g., Anthology, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
• Cultural Fluency: A deep understanding of and responsiveness to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, and cultural identities of community college students.

Minimum Requirements…

The successful candidate for the position will have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least one (1) year of experience guiding and supporting college students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Preferred qualifications:
• Bilingual/Bicultural in English/Spanish
• Direct Higher education experience
• Experience Supporting Rural, First-Generation, or Non-Traditional Learners

Position information

Studies have shown that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications for this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

Open until filled. An initial review of applications begins June 24, 2026.

Starting salary is based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Please include a resume, and letter of interest with your application materials