Job Description

Job Location Forest Grove Campus - Forest Grove, OR 97116 Position Type Exempt

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

Enrollment Management & Student Affairs at Pacific University is dedicated to fostering student development in support of a more just, sustainable, and caring world. Guided by our core values—equity and inclusion, care, community, and learning—we center holistic student wellbeing, cultivate a sense of belonging, and champion equitable practices.

• Annual salary: $50,000 - 52,000. The position is grant funded, and renewable contingent upon grant funding. This is a full-time, in-person position on the Forest Grove campus.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply by February 1, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. for priority consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

Pacific University’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) federal grant program supports the success of students who are first-generation, low-income and who have documented disabilities.

The Academic and Career Advisor (TRIO Advisor) provides comprehensive academic and career advising, mentoring and educational guidance to both new and continuing TRIO students as part of Pacific University’s TRIO Program. The TRIO Advisor helps students explore options, set meaningful goals, and create action plans to reach those goals.

This position involves maintaining student records, collaboration with faculty and staff, and connecting students with campus and community resources to support their overall success. Reporting to the TRIO Director, the TRIO Advisor participates in the recruitment and outreach of prospective student participants and provides initial and primary advisement to prospective TRIO participants. In addition, the TRIO Advisor collaborates with partners in developing and delivering/teaching of workshops and curriculum related to TRIO student success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Successfully recruits and retains student participants for the TRIO program.
• Effectively and accurately advises new and continuing TRIO program students.
• Maintains accurate records, evaluations and assessments.
• Provides timely and accurate student outreach.
• Collaborates effectively with other staff and offices.
• Adheres to appropriate privacy and confidentiality protocols including FERPA.
• Actively participates in TRIO and Pacific University Student Affairs initiatives and activities.
• Serves as part of the Student Affairs “Middle Care Team” in responding to student needs.
• Works effectively in a team environment.
• Adheres to all requirements within the approved Dept of Education grant.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB SCOPE:

The TRIO Advisor operates within established university parameters and within the scope of Pacific University’s Federal TRIO Programs: Student Support Services (SSS) Program grant from the Department of Education.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

This position supervises a team of student workers across varying skill levels and manages team structure, workload distribution, and development.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 1-3 years of experience in an advising-related role, preferably TRIO or similar program.
• Experience with advising, career counseling, or mentoring in higher education, preferably in a role integrating those functions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of, or demonstrated capacity to learn, the NACADA core competencies for advising.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the eligible student population, including awareness of the barriers that eligible students encounter.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students of differing cultural backgrounds and identities, especially those who are low-income or first-generation college students.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders to accomplish shared goals and objectives.
• Preference given to individuals who demonstrate deep understanding of the circumstances and barriers faced by students eligible for TRIO SSS services.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision making. Takes responsibility to eliminate the source of problems.
• Uses effective communication skills, written and verbal in English.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in education, psychology or other related fields.
• Experience with developing and presenting courses, workshops and/or trainings.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills, especially in Spanish language.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This is a full-time, in-person (not remote) position based on the Forest Grove Campus.
• Standard weekday hours (Monday–Friday) but may include occasional evening and/or weekend responsibilities.
• Occasional regional travel to conferences/workshops.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Sedentary to light work – involves sitting most of the time or lifting up to 20 pounds

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter along with your Paycom application. Persons who do not follow and complete the application process are not applicants and will not be considered for employment.

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.

We, who make up Pacific University, aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust, civility, care, openness, and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems, through an asset-based mindset so that everyone is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at provost@pacificu.edu