Academic Advising Operations & Strategy Director

Job Summary

The Academic Advising Operations & Strategy Director is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and continuous improvement of advisor development, assessment, advising operations, and advising technology initiatives within University Advising Services (UAS).

Leverages subject matter expertise to ensure the delivery of high-quality advising practices that advance the university’s strategic objectives.

This position provides departmental leadership for onboarding, professional development, assessment, operational effectiveness, and technology adoption and utilization efforts that enhance advisor performance, support data-informed decision making, and advance student success.

About the Role

Serves as the departmental lead for advising technology adoption and continuous improvement, collaborating with campus partners to maximize effectiveness and user engagement.

Develops communication strategies, training resources, and implementation plans that support successful adoption of advising systems, tools, and operational processes.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic oversight for advisor development, assessment, advising operations, and continuous improvement initiatives across University Advising Services.
• Serves as the departmental lead for advising technology implementation, utilization, training, and assessment efforts.
• Develops, implements, and continuously evaluates a comprehensive advising talent development framework that supports onboarding, training, professional development, competencies, continuous learning, innovation, performance expectations, and promotion standards across University Advising Services.
• Designs, delivers, and evaluates training programs focused on advising best practices, student success coaching, institutional policies, advising technologies, and emerging trends in higher education.
• Directs the work and outcomes of departmental working groups focused on professional development, assessment, technology, and advisor onboarding to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and operational goals.
• Identifies organizational development needs and implements initiatives that strengthen advisor effectiveness, consistency of practice, and service quality across advising units.
• Develops, administers, and evaluates assessment frameworks that measure advising effectiveness, advisor engagement, professional development outcomes, operational performance, and student success indicators.
• Oversees the collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication of assessment and operational data to support strategic planning, accreditation efforts, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Produces reports, dashboards, presentations, and recommendations that inform decision-making and support departmental and institutional priorities.
• Evaluates advising processes and operational practices and recommends improvements that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, consistency, and student outcomes.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative partnerships with Academic Affairs, Institutional Research, Enrollment Management, Career Services, Information Technology Services, and other university stakeholders to advance advising and student success initiatives.
• Represents University Advising Services on university committees, cross-functional initiatives, and institutional projects related to advising, assessment, student success, and operational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Ten years of directly related full-time experience or a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Education, Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Organizational Development, Data Analytics, or closely related field and four years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Experience in academic advising or a related student services role.
• Experience in developing and implementing training, professional development, or assessment activities.
• Experience using assessment methodologies and data analysis techniques.
• Experience leveraging technology to assist with assessment, training and professional development efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting or leading training for professional staff in higher education.
• Experience with advising technologies, CRM systems, or student success platforms.
• Experience with change management, technology adoption, or process improvement initiatives.