College Counselor
(Student Services Professional III)

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $5,540 - $5,817 per month

Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,540 - $7,893 per month

• This is a full-time, probationary, exempt position.
• Area of consideration is limited to on-campus, state funded employees only.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Senior Associate Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics and the Lead in the Advising and Resources Center, the incumbent performs complex Student Services professional work characterized by independent student advisement, judgment and guidance in individual and group settings. Such advisement involves counseling techniques and may concern academic, career, learning, campus life and/or related issues.

The position requires the application of a high degree of judgment, persuasiveness, professional skills and knowledge in the assigned college program, as well as a general understanding of the interrelationships and the need for coordinated action within the total campus Student Services programs. The incumbent plans, evaluates and implements a comprehensive academic advising program designed to support the success of students and requires developing creative solutions, which integrate approaches across campus organizational lines.

Key Qualifications

• Experience with leading or organizing student success initiatives and academic success at the College and University-level.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of individual and group behavior.
• General knowledge of the principles, practices and trends of the Student Services field.
• General knowledge of individual counseling techniques, student success strategies and retention intervention strategies.
• General knowledge, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge, of the organizational procedures and activities of the specific campus to which the position is assigned.
• Thorough knowledge of computer office systems and ability to use a broad range of technology, systems, and software packages. (Microsoft Office Suite, Google applications, social media).
• Thorough knowledge of effective workplace policies, practices, and procedures to resolve organizational and program challenges.
• General knowledge of research and interview techniques.
• Thorough knowledge, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge, of the organizational procedures related to degree requirements, academic policies, evaluating transcripts, computation of GPAs, transfer policies & procedures, and admission requirements.
• Skills Ability to:
  • Effectively organize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced team-oriented environment.
  • Interpret and evaluate descriptions and explanations of problems brought forward by individuals or student organizations, analyze and define the problem, draw valid conclusions and project consequences of various alternative courses of action.
  • Remain current on all information pertaining to majors in the college, student development theory, academic success, retention, graduation strategies and ongoing support programming.
  • Carry out a variety of professionally complex assignments without detailed instructions and plan for the development of creative solutions, which integrate approaches across organizational lines.
  • Understand and abide with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and State of California policy regarding the confidentiality of records.
  • Promote a positive and service oriented collegial work environment; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals.
  • Use initiative and resourcefulness in planning work assignments and in implementing long-range program improvements.
  • Advise students individually and in groups on complex student‑related matters and determine appropriate courses of action and proper techniques to utilize while engaged with individuals in personal interactions of an argumentative or sensitive nature.
  • Collaborate with other campus coordinators, staff, and faculty regarding student advising, support services, academic and professional development resources, recruitment events, and outreach activities.
  • Ability to be responsive, innovative, results-oriented, and student-centered in developing practices that help recruit students and address their academic program requirements.
  • Ability to research, analyze, and interpret policies, procedures, and complex situations and prepare justifications and recommendations for effective courses of action.
  • Present clear and concise information both orally and in written form. Effectively communicate and collaborate at all levels within the campus and external communities.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Effectively manage organizational change and develop a cohesive team environment.
  • Research and analyze data, draw valid conclusions, and prepare justifications and recommendations.
  • Ability to serve as a resource to students, staff and the campus community in responding to inquiries and providing detailed information concerning student academic success.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, conflict resolution or related field.
• Equivalent of three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience.
  • A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience.
• Preferred Skills:
  • Knowledge and experience with block-scheduling for first-year student cohorts.
  • Knowledge and experience with supporting co-curricular first-year experiences.
  • Knowledge of PeopleSoft, Degree Progress Reports, MyDegreePlan Grades First/Bulldog Connect, articulation and transfer policies and procedures, and admission requirements is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of issues relating to advising and careers in the sciences and/or health professions is desirable.

Department Summary

The College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) Advising and Resources Center (ARC) is committed to empowering all CSM students to make sound and reasonable academic decisions as they pertain to the pursuit of successful completion of a degree in biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental sciences, geology, mathematics, natural sciences, physics, or psychology. Our mission is to address all CSM students’ academic needs through providing resources and professional advising that is holistic and also culturally and socioeconomically sensitive. ARC is dedicated to student success and to assisting each and every student in an effort to assure their likelihood of degree completion.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by July 8, 2025 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

• Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)