Academic Navigator

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE, USA

USD 44,500-44,500 / year

Posted on Aug 25, 2026
Working Title Academic Navigator
Department Undergraduate Educ & Student Success-8450
Requisition Number S_260684
Posting Open Date 08/24/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 09/08/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Description of Work
The Academic Navigator is dedicated to University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) undergraduates’ persistence and degree completion, especially historically underserved first generation, low-income, and ethnic minority college students. The position will be part of a ten (10) member team that is responsible for supporting the creation of an ecology of validation by utilizing UNL reporting and student information systems to identify students in need of academic support and serving as a validating agent. This position reports to the Director of the Academic Navigator program with a dotted line report to the colleges of UNL.

Responsibilities will include facilitating a case management model that includes triaging student concerns (i.e. personal, academic, or financial) and collaborating with campus partners to facilitate communication and connections with appropriate resources. Proactively engaging with students identified by campus stakeholders including responding to referrals made by faculty and staff across campus and supporting their retention efforts. Using provided university analytics and data to coordinate appropriate outreach and response using a variety of methods (i.e. in-person, email, text, phone, etc.) to targeted student populations and recording contacts in digital notes system. Be able to understand how cultural context, differences, and institutional/social barriers influence the student experience to best employ inclusive advocacy strategies to all students. Engaging in a community of collaborative relationships with student success stakeholders across student and academic affairs including University Housing, UNL faculty, academic advisors, and University Career Services. Engaging in continuous training and professional development to remain informed on existing and emerging strategies to promote student persistence and academic success

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Bachelors Degree and two (2) years of fulltime professional experience working with secondary to post-secondary aged individuals from underserved populations in a social work, educational support or achievement setting required.
  • Ability to build relationships with individuals in 1:1 advising/coaching/mentoring settings.
  • Must have experience providing academic and/or social supports for first generation, low-income, and/or underserved ethnic minority populations.
  • Evidence of working collaboratively within a team environment and with other units required.
  • Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills necessary.
  • Knowledge surrounding academic and/or social supports for first-gen, low-income, and/or underserved ethnic minority populations and be able to understand how cultural context, differences, and institutional/social barriers influence student experiences to best apply inclusive advocacy strategies to all students.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks and maintain confidentiality.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Four years of fulltime professional experience working with secondary to post-secondary aged individuals from underserved populations in a social work, educational support or achievement setting.
  • Demonstrated case management, advising, and/or counseling skills desirable.
  • Evidence of applying retention and student development strategies into student intervention programs and practices preferred.
  • Evidence of reviewing multiple forms of data to utilize case-based management protocols preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and/or deliver programs preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn and stay current of complex program requirements, policies and procedures preferred.
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required No
Physical Required No
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No
Criminal History Background Check Required Yes
Posted Salary $44,500/yr. minimum
How to Apply
Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file. You will be required to attach your cover letter, resume, and list of references as three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Eric Einspahr
Director of Academic Navigators
eeinspahr2@unl.edu
Job Category (old) Managerial/Professional
Job Type Full-Time
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)
Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? Yes
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date:
Appointment End Date
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