Job Description

Posting Summary
Working Title Program Advisor - Liberal Arts & General Studies
Role Title Education Support Spec III
Role Code 29144-SW
FLSA Exempt
Pay Band 04
Position Number 28600216
Agency Virginia Western Community College
Division Virginia Western Community College (Div)
Work Location Roanoke (City) - 770
Hiring Range $44,192 to $55,000
Emergency/Essential Personnel No
EEO Category B-Professional
Full Time or Part Time Full Time
Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs- No
Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference? No
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Sensitive Position No

Virginia Western Community College is a two-year public institution of higher
education operating under the Virginia Community College System, a statewide
system of community colleges. The College operates under the policies established
by the State Board for Community Colleges and the Virginia Western Community
College Local Advisory Board.
Virginia Western is located on a 70-acre campus in southwest Roanoke, VA. The
service region of the College includes Roanoke, Salem, Roanoke County, Craig
County, Franklin County, and southern Botetourt County. The College was
established in 1966 and has grown from an initial enrollment of 1,352 to its current
annual enrollment of over 9,000 students in credit courses and more than 1,400
enrollments in fast-track workforce and continuing education courses.
Virginia Western Community College is accepting applications for a Program Advisor
(Education Support Specialist III) position for the School of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences (LASS) to support Liberal Arts, General Studies, and Visual Design majors. The Program Advisor serves returning students as they continue their educational programs after initial enrollment to the college. Duties performed are in accordance with delivery of a team approach for successful student learning outcomes utilizing a progressive advising model. Incumbents fulfill the mission of academic advising, which includes efforts to partner with students to help them define, plan and progress towards their educational goals by fostering independence, facilitating a professional, supportive environment and promoting student development skills. Located within the assigned academic school, the Program Advisors will serve returning program-placed students with guidance and information relative to course requirements for specific programs, program differentiations, details about guaranteed admissions and articulation agreements with four-year institutions, graduation requirements and processes, goal-setting for program completion, and financial planning for sustained enrollment through graduation. Program Advisors will actively participate in college-wide retention efforts, including proactive student outreach, to promote equity, access, success, and completion. Establishment and maintenance of close working relationships with teaching faculty and academic deans is essential in this role. Located in and specific to the assigned academic school, the position is a member of the overall Advising team of new student advisors, program advisors and faculty advisors.
Special Assignments
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's/Required Qualifications
Excellent interpersonal skills; knowledge of word processing and computer applications; ability to effectively manage information and processes in multiple technology platforms; ability to work well with diverse types of people - supports the strategic goal of encouraging a respectful, nurturing, and caring environment of cultural diversity and equity; excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly listening skills; ability to perform well with or without supervision; demonstrated ability to assess needs and develop goal-oriented action plans; ability to organize and prioritize work to achieve goals and meet deadlines in a change-oriented environment; knowledge of the purpose and mission of the community college; and, knowledge of the academic advising process. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teaching faculty, program heads and academic deans. Professional working experience providing service to a diverse population is required. Experience that exhibits strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks under time pressure.
Additional Considerations
Experience in admissions, academic advising, or related field in a higher education setting, preferred. Experience working in a community college setting, preferred.
Operation of a State Vehicle No
Supervises Employees No
Required Travel
N/A
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number CLS_4088P
Recruitment Type General Public - G
Number of Vacancies 1
Position End Date (if temporary)
Job Open Date 10/14/2025
Job Close Date 10/27/2025
Open Until Filled
Agency Website www.virginiawestern.edu
Contact Name Lindsey Weston
Email hrapps@virginiawestern.edu
Phone Number 540-857-7305
Special Instructions to Applicants
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth's Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155
Additional Information
Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate's offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth's Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link:
EEO Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.
ADA Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.
E-Verify Statement
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
Quicklink for Posting
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents * Resume

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents * Unofficial Transcripts

• Other Document
• Alternative Hiring Process Letter

Skills Required