Director of Academic Advising and Retention

About the role

The Director of Academic Advising & Retention serves as the director for professional advising on campus. The Director is responsible for working with the SEA Center personnel and campus departments to forge practical solutions for complex problems, accumulate and disseminate academic information, interact with faculty in coordination with academic advising functions, and leverage data analytics to inform decision-making and improve student success outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Cook up and implement advising and registration activities for the Student Engagement & Achievement (SEA) Center.
• Develop, implement, and assess academic advising goals in collaboration with the Executive Director of the SEA Center.
• Design and deliver effective, ongoing training programs for Academic Advisors to ensure consistent, high-quality advising services.
• Provide timely updates on students' academic performance throughout the semester to Academic Advisors, Academic Success Coaches, and other support personnel.
• Collect, analyze, and review student data using various reporting systems to identify trends, evaluate enrollment levels, retention rates, and learning outcomes, and assess academic progress and graduation success.
• Oversee and coordinate the activities of the academic advising unit.
• Plan, develop, and implement policies and programs that impact the student population and facilitate campus-wide coordination.
• Compile and present reports, proposals, and recommendations related to academic advising.
• Support recruitment, retention, progression, and graduation efforts through effective academic advising.
• Provide administrative support and monitor students' academic, emotional, social, and professional development.
• Aid in developing academic, social, cultural, leadership, and professional activities outside the classroom.
• Serve on Academic Appeals, Registration, and Retention Committees, as well as other committees as assigned.
• Collaborate with other SEA Center leaders as needed.

Qualifications

• A master's degree in Higher Education Leadership, Counseling, Student Personnel Services, or a related field is required.
• Documented experience in academic advising, preferably in a supervisory role.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret student data to identify trends, inform advising practices, and support retention and graduation initiatives.
• Experience working at an institution comparable in size and mission to FVSU, with a strong understanding of student needs and established professional standards in academic advising and student success.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.

Knowledge Required by the Position

• Knowledge of student success and retention principles and practices.
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of university personnel and budget management policies.
• Knowledge of higher education practices and standards.
• Knowledge of current and developing trends in academic advising, student retention, engagement, and achievement.
• Skills in data analysis and reporting techniques to identify trends, inform decision-making, and improve student success outcomes.
• Skills in the delegation of responsibility and authority.
• Skills in the operation of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skills in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
• Skills in oral and written communication.

Working Conditions

The work consists of varied management, administrative, and supervisory duties that require balancing strategic planning with individualized student needs. The complexity is heightened by the responsibility to obtain, analyze, and interpret student data to inform advising practices and retention strategies.

Supervisory Controls

• Oversee all aspects of academic advising and retention for Freshmen and Sophomores.
• Supervises the Assistant Director of Academic Advising & Retention.

Guidelines

• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Title III guidelines
• University and Board of Regents policies and procedures

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

• Keeps supervisor informed of professional program successes, challenges, and concerns through written reports and 1-on-1 meetings.
• Attends staff, and other University related meetings and events related to the position and approved by supervisor.
• Represents Fort Valley State University in various campus community, state, and national settings when needed and approved by the supervisor.