The School of Education seeks a dynamic and experienced professional to launch and lead the school's new academic advising initiative. As part of an ongoing focus on student experience and success, the Director Academic Advising will report to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs & Enrollment Services and lead the effort to create a new advising model for SOE. The successful candidate will be focused on problem solving complex issues and employ established knowledge and skills in an evolving environment. The Director Academic Advising will also apply innovative strategies to navigate a complex organization, provide the highest level of customer service, and design a systems approach to schoolwide academic advising services. This position will directly support the school's overall student enrollment and retention efforts.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct initial needs assessment of current advising process.
• Develop and implement comprehensive operational plan which uses effective, efficient, systematic academic advising aligned with policies and procedures.
• Develop early alert/midterm grade check and reporting system and oversee and maintain system(s) to monitor students on academic probation.
• Serve on school team leading launch of Stellic degree management tool.
• Supervise team of advisors and provide initial and on-going training for staff. This will include comprehensive and on-going training on Stellic degree management tool.
• Work directly with academic program administrators and leadership to ensure accurate and updated academic plans for all students.
• Generate and present reports on student status, academic progress, and steps to degree completion. Schedule and facilitate meetings with school partners to discuss concerns and to provide recommendations for remediation.
• Work directly with program faculty to link process-related advising activities and faculty mentoring activities. Provide on-going training for faculty on advising policies and processes.
• Collaborate with Registrar's Office regarding course registration, withdrawals, leaves of absence, incomplete grades, etc.
• Utilize all available student support resources to assist students to persist to graduation, including mental health counseling services, health services, writing center, career services, disability services, coaching, etc. Make referrals, perform follow-up, etc.
• Participate in prospective and admitted student events to represent advising office and the larger Academic Affairs unit.
• Serve as advising liaison to University central offices, school departments, and other divisions within the University. Serve on relevant committees and participate in meetings, school and University-wide.
• Stay current with best practices in academic advising at the graduate level.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills with high attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Ability to communicate effectively with and to students.
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills. React instinctually and calmly to difficult situations should they arise.
• Work independently, identify priorities, show initiative, and be a self-starter.
• Ability to build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with school and University colleagues.
• Strong leadership and team building skills.
• Must be sensitive to the confidentiality of students and delicate situations and comfortable and flexible working with a diverse student population in a diverse environment.
• Contribute to a school environment of respect and appreciation of differences.
• Demonstrate genuine interest to work with graduate students and commitment to their success.
• Strong understanding of student development theory and current academic advising practices. Knowledge of best practices for student retention.
• Proficiency with technology and the ability to quickly learn systems, databases, and collaboration tools.
• Ability and willingness to work some evenings and weekends, when necessary.

• Masters Degree in the field of advising, higher education, or business administration or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of related experience in academic advising or counseling in higher education administration is required.

• Ten years of related experience with five years of supervisory experience, including the development and evaluation of staff.
• At least three years in an academic advising setting.
• Experience working with graduate students.

Classified Title: Director Academic Advising
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/ME
Starting Salary Range: $64,000 - $112,200 Annually ($90,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F 8:30am - 5pm
Exempt Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/Homewood Campus
Department name: Office of Student Affairs
Personnel area: School of Education

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• Academic Advising