Job Title: Lead Academic Advisor

Req Id: 43343 | West Lafayette

About the role

The College of Science at Purdue University seeks an experienced academic advising professional to lead a dedicated team of advisors and contribute to exemplary academic advising services for undergraduate students pursuing a Computational Science degree at our Purdue West Lafayette location. This role offers the opportunity to work in a high-support team environment with a culture of collaboration, helping to lead a highly trained and committed advising team.

Responsibilities

• Advising Leadership & Supervision
  • Serve on the College of Science advising leadership team, contributing to advising practices, policies, procedures, strategic priorities, and continuous improvement.
  • Supervise five P2 Academic Advisors, providing daily leadership, performance feedback, mentoring, training, professional development, and advising practice support.
  • Represent the College of Science advising team on college and university committees and initiatives, contributing subject-matter expertise and advancing consistent, student-centered advising practices.
• Administrative & Operational Leadership
  • Report to the Computational Sciences Associate Director of Academic Advising and collaborate on advising operations, policies, curriculum, and student success initiatives.
  • Manage assigned administrative processes, develop work plans, and prepare reports and documentation in alignment with unit and department objectives.
  • Build collaborative partnerships across campus and the college to support student success and effective advising.
• Computer Science & Data Science Program Support
  • Serve as the primary advising liaison to Computer Science, coordinating policies, curriculum, operations, and student success initiatives with the department and Associate Director.
  • Serve as the advising point of contact for Data Science programs, coordinating with Mathematics and Statistics on advising, curriculum, and catalog updates.
  • Provide administrative support to the Applications in Data Science Certificate faculty committee, including responding to inquiries and coordinating certificate exceptions and processes.
• Student Advising & Education
  • Maintain a 0.5 FTE Computer Science advisee caseload.
  • Provide academic advising to assigned students; guide course selection and scheduling, monitor academic progress, address academic concerns, interpret University policies and curriculum, make referrals, and maintain confidentiality of student records.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in higher education, academic advising, education, or a related field.
• Minimum four (4) years of experience in academic advising or student services, including demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of post-secondary academic systems and student development theory; ability to model the core values of NACADA.
• Strong leadership and management skills, including supervision, work scheduling, prioritization, coaching, planning, and process execution.
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative initiatives and build consensus among faculty, staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, public speaking, writing, and active listening.
• Strong organizational, project management, and customer service skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-informed decisions.
• Experience executing departmental initiatives and working effectively across diverse constituencies.
• Proficiency in student information systems and administrative platforms (e.g., DegreeWorks, Banner, Edunav, Slate, Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook) and ability to support their use by advising staff.
• Demonstrated accountability, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a dynamic, team-oriented environment while building and sustaining professional relationships.

Benefits

• The Advisor Certification Program: The University Undergraduate Academic Advising Office offers this centralized professional development opportunity that allows new advisors to develop their foundational skills with other new advisors in a cohort setting.
• Participation in the Inclusive Advising initiative: This unique learning experience is grounded in Purdue students' and advisors' specific voices and experiences. Inclusive Advising learning opportunities are cohort-based and designed to encourage learning and intentional reflection.
• An advising ratio of 225:1: Purdue University is committed to maintaining one of the lowest advising caseloads in the country.
• The Purdue Academic Advising Association: This association boosts the longest-standing allied membership in NACADA, with a proud tradition of 36 years of professional development support and community among Purdue advisors.
• Retirement Eligibility: Immediate Defined Contribution by the university.
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days.