Director Academic Advisement

About the role

Regular, full-time, salaried, non-exempt and benefit-eligible staff position. Position typically works Monday–Friday from 8 am–5 pm in-office at UCO’s main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Position overview

Direct and manage programs related to student academic planning, registration, and program completion; design and develop resources for students. Measure and evaluate the performance of academic success advisors and develop ongoing training and development. Establish standards and procedures for related processes, such as student records maintenance, graduation checks, and advising. Monitor and report on utilization and impact of advising services.

Department-specific essential job functions

• Supervise, evaluate, and motivate all Office of Academic Advisement team/staff, including management team, advisement team and administrative staff.
• Work with Senior Advisors overseeing the management and supervision of office staff.
• Serve as primary Office of Academic Advisement liaison with/to academic departments.
• Coordinate and facilitate all Office of Academic Advisement meetings.
• Prepare Office of Academic Advisement Annual Report.
• Plan, execute, and manage Office of Academic Advisement budget.
• Coordinate hiring and interviewing processes and procedures for Office of Academic Advisement staff.
• Address and investigate all student and advisor grievances.
• Communicate and network with other advisement offices/personnel.
• Develop policies and procedures for student advisement, front desk management, academic advisors and support staff of the Office of Academic Advisement.
• Investigate and recommend to the Senior Director for Retention and Completion additional sections for filled/closed courses.
• Evaluate, edit, and grant final approval for all Office of Academic Advisement publications.
• Delegate and assign responsibilities and projects to all academic success advisors pertaining to the needs of the Office of Academic Advisement.
• Serve as a member or delegate a team member to serve on the Enrollment and Student Success Assessment team.
• Introduce planning, development, and refinement processes to assess and enhance student learning outcomes in Enrollment and Student Success activities.
• Oversee advising software to manage advising appointments, data collection, student interaction, etc.
• Utilize advising software and text messaging software to communicate with students and record interactions.
• Work with campus partners to identify and address systemic barriers to student success, retention, and graduation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Experience

• Requires bachelor’s degree in related field and 3+ years of experience in academic advisement or 7+ years of equivalent work experience in leading and planning, including program development, program prioritization, innovation, and assessment.
• Requires the application of expertise in a chosen field to achieve results.
• Extensive knowledge and comprehensive understanding of functional areas.
• Appropriate professional accomplishments and credentials.

Preferred qualifications / experience

• Master’s degree or above in education or related field.
• 3+ years of management, supervisory, or leadership experience in higher education.
• 5+ years of experience in academic advising or other closely related areas.
• Knowledge of student development and student success initiatives.
• Experience with CRM systems.
• Must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal Educational Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA) and assessment of student learning objectives.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and a student information system.
• Positive attitude and initiative to problem solve independently within organizational guidelines and policies.
• Strong commitment to customer service.
• Knowledge of student retention strategies.

Physical demands

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.