Director of Academic Support and Advocacy

Responsibilities

• Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, training, conducting performance appraisals, developing and overseeing staff performance plans, and/or approving hours worked by employees.
• Serves as a member of the CCAS Core leadership team.
• Participates in the development of CCAS strategic initiatives to ensure appropriate use of administrative and staffing resources and alignment with CCAS mission and vision.
• Represents CCAS on College, School or University level committees as appropriate.
• Stays current with processes, technology, and computer skills relevant to advising and engage in relevant professional development activities, which may include: workshops, attendance at conferences, membership in professional organizations, etc.
• Lead and coordinate the activities of the Time Away team for undergraduate students who take voluntary or involuntary time away from The College.
• Develop specialized programming designed to support the unique needs of students during their time away and facilitate their successful return to the University.
• Facilitate the development of individualized Student Success Plans for students during their time away, monitors progress, and assists students during the transition back to The College.
• Manage the returning process of undergraduate students in The College.
• Serve as a member of the campus-wide Change of Status network; works collaboratively with offices across the college to best assist students taking and returning from time away.
• Re-establishes the CCAS Returning Student Task Force, which focuses on assessing, analyzing, and improving processes for students returning from time away.
• Facilitates student referrals to Financial Aid, Bursar, University Health Services, University Counseling Center, Academic Departments, and other relevant offices.
• Makes the Academic CARE referral process, creates guidelines and protocols for referral, escalation, and training related academic concerns.
• Attends weekly CARE Network meetings.
• Participates in case management meetings as appropriate.
• Serves as point of contact for College Advisors and faculty.
• Assists students and families who need support navigating campus resources.
• Develops and manages the programs and support for students impacted by voluntary or involuntary time away.
• Manages a temporary caseload of advisees during periods of staff transition due to vacancies or leaves.
• Connects students with faculty to explore academic interests and opportunities.
• Guides students on the development of four-year academic plans and connects students to academic and career development experiences and opportunities such as study abroad, undergraduate research, internships, and co-curricular activities.
• Effectively communicates and explains policies and procedures to students, parents, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Mets with students through individual appointments, walk-in advising, and group advising, both in-person and on a remote basis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in effective leadership and management in student success and support initiatives and services in higher education required.
• Excellent organization, time management, writing ability and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to relate to and work well with faculty, staff, students, and colleagues.
• Commitment to student-centered advisement; demonstrated ability to be sensitive to and understand the needs of students from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds.
• Desire to proactively and energetically support students' academic success and persistence toward their education and career goals.
• A working knowledge of databases and data analysis is required.