Academic Counselor

Job Overview

Beginning August 2026

POSITION SUMMARY. Loras College seeks a dynamic, creative, and collaborative professional to serve as an Academic Counselor in the Lynch Learning Center. The Academic Counselor is a 10-month, titled faculty position that provides individualized advising and academic support to students with disabilities, contributes to the design, delivery, and review of the ARCH and Enhanced Program curricula, and provides professional development and educational outreach to faculty and staff.  Reporting to the Director of the Lynch Learning Center, the Academic Counselor supports students personal, academic, and professional growth across their Loras experience.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

The Academic Counselor

• Given that the College is a diocesan Catholic college, will carry out your functions of your position in support of the College’s Catholic Identity, mission and in support of Church teachings.
• Assists students with disabilities in developing skills needed for achieving academic success in a post-secondary setting.
• Participates in, and contributes, to the collaborative design, delivery, enhancement, and review of the curriculum of the ARCH Program and Enhanced Program.
• Creates innovative tools and services as part of a broader advocacy and learning strategies program.
• Works collaboratively with the Lynch Learning Center team members to create teaching materials such as online tutorials, web pages, handouts and professional development training for faculty, staff & student workers.
• Develops and implements outreach programs to better engage faculty and staff members in the best practices of disability services.
• Develops new relationships and creates new initiatives that respond to trends in Disability Studies, teaching and learning.
• Meets with students seeking accommodations each semester to review, approve, and update requested accommodations.
• Conducts weekly, individual meetings with students in the ARCH Program and the Enhanced Program.
• Hosts weekly tutoring hours with ARCH Program & Enhanced Program students.
• Effectively communicates with faculty, staff and parents, and advocates for students when appropriate.
• Assesses the assistive technology and support service needs of students.
• Maintains documentation and statistical information related to student meetings, interventions, retention and student success.
• Contributes to the Lynch Learning Center Annual Report.
• Develops short and long-term goals and conducts self-evaluation annually.
• Is professionally active and contributes to developments in the field.
• Maintains awareness of developments in assistive technology, disability studies and post-secondary education best practices
• With the entire Lynch Learning Center staff, participates in setting department goals, plans and implements programs and events, and supervises student workers and interns.
• Reviews documentation (psychological, diagnostic tests, school documentation and other reports) submitted by students.
• Represents the Lynch Learning Center as participants on, and leaders of, committees and work groups on and off campus.
• Supports the mission and vision of the College and respects its Catholic tradition.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE. A Master’s degree in education or related field from an accredited institution and 2-4 years of experience working with students with disabilities is required. Additional qualifications include:

• Demonstrated effectiveness and excellence in teaching and/or training
• High level competency using Microsoft Office Suite, online delivery methods, and assistive technology
• Knowledge of best practices for study skills, time management, note-taking, reading comprehension, and writing skills
• Knowledge of instructional design and the principles and practices in the field of disability services.

COMPENSATION. Commensurate with qualifications, education and experience. Fringe benefits include medical/dental/life/disability insurance, flexible spending plan, TIAA retirement plan, tuition remission program, family membership in Graber Sports Center/San Jose Pool, free admission to many college events and free off-street parking.

LYNCH LEARNING CENTER The Lynch Learning Center is home to three full-time titled-faculty members and offers three types of support for students with diagnosed disabilities, including specialized programs for students with autism (ARCH) and learning disabilities (Enhanced). Lynch Center programming seeks to support students emotionally, academically, and socially across their Loras experience.  In addition, the Lynch Center provides a vibrant space for community, education, and collaboration for all Loras faculty, staff, and students.

THE COLLEGE. Founded in 1839, Loras College is a Catholic, primarily undergraduate, liberal arts institution that includes pre-professional and career preparation programs, as well as several graduate programs. The Loras College community embraces the core values of truth, respect, responsibility, excellence, and service that define the way we work, behave, and relate with others. These values align with our college mission: Loras, as a Catholic liberal arts college, creates a community of active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision-makers and responsible contributors in diverse professional, social and religious roles.  The student body consists of approximately 1,100 students.

THE COMMUNITY. Loras College’s 60-acre campus is located on one of Dubuque’s highest bluffs, overlooking the Mississippi River at the junction of the states of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, about 3 hours west of Chicago. Dubuque’s population is approximately 60,000 and its nineteenth-century architecture is woven into limestone bluffs and provides a picturesque backdrop to the river landscape. Many residential and commercial areas have been designated as historical districts to preserve Dubuque’s unique heritage. Its strong education base supports numerous cultural activities, and in addition, there are sporting events, shopping facilities, schools, and churches that are convenient to its residents. The climate has marked seasons with a comfortable summer, cool spring and fall, and a winter that encourages a variety of sports that have in recent years attracted a growing tourism industry.

APPLICATION DEADLINE.   Review of Applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Applications must be complete to be considered.  For more information contact Academic Counselor Search Committee, Sabrina Schultz-McClain, Sabrina.schultz@loras.edu, 563-588-7921.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE.  Applicants must go to: https://loras.applicantpool.com/jobs/ to apply.  Please upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume, and the names and contact information of three references.  References will not be contacted without prior approval from the candidate. The finalist will need to pass a background check before receiving a written employment offer.

Loras College is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an educational and work environment that is inclusive, rich in diversity, and supportive of all students, faculty and staff. Individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.  Please visit www.loras.edu for additional information about Loras College.