Assistant Director, Center for Advising, Retention and Student Success

Columbia College•Columbia, MO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director provides operational support and leadership in the Center for Advising, Retention and Student Success which is a comprehensive, student-centered one stop shop that integrates registration, financial aid, billing and advising services at Columbia College. The Assistant Director assists in managing daily operations, coordinating student services, and overseeing a subset of staff to ensure high-quality advising and retention initiatives. The Assistant Director collaborates with leadership to enhance student persistence, degree completion and overall success through proactive and data-informed strategies.

Requirements

Ability to fluently read, write, and understand the English language.
Proficiency with the following but not limited to: active listening; speaking; writing; critical thinking; judgment and decision making; monitoring; reading comprehension; time management; coordination; and management of personnel resources.
Proficiency for using a variety of computer and technology-related software and equipment, including Microsoft Office products and database systems.
Proficiency in using web-based technologies, including database systems.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment, with or without direct supervision.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.
Demonstrates a strong commitment to student success, retention and degree completion through proactive advising and support strategies.
Ability to lead and mentor staff, fostering professional growth, accountability, and collaboration.
Effectively works with faculty, academic departments, students affairs, and other campus partners to integrate advising and student success initiatives.
Navigates complex student concerns, policy interpretations, and operational challenges with as solution-focused approach.
Organizes, implements, and assesses advising and coaching initiatives to improve student engagement and retention.
Minimum of three years progressive experience in academic advising, student success or related field, preferably a higher education setting.

Nice To Haves

Experience in student recruitment and retention efforts.
Familiarity with student information systems, advising software, CRM tools, and data visualization platforms.
Experience with appreciative advising, intrusive advising or other student success coach models
Knowledge of financial aid, registration or other enrollment-related student services
Experience working with varied student populations including first generation students, transfer students, adult learners and graduate students.
Supervisory or leadership experience

Responsibilities

Perform job duties in accordance with Columbia College’s vision, mission and values, and contributes to the development of the Enrollment Services Department.
Supervise and support a designated team within the Center, ensuring effective advising, coaching and student support services.
Implement and oversee advising and coaching strategies that support student retention, persistence and graduation.
Manage an assigned caseload of students, providing support and guidance to promote retention, persistence and degree completion.
Assist in implementation of student success initiatives, tracking progress and ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
Work closely with leadership team in the Center for Advising, Retention and Student Success as well as leadership within Enrollment Management & Marketing to deliver initiatives supporting long term goals in retention and recruitment.
Supports the execution of strategic initiatives by managing day-to-day tasks, gathering data, and ensuring timeline communication with Directors and Sr. Director.
Provides daily operational support for advising and success services, helping resolve escalated student concerns, and ensuring staff deliver consistent, student-centered support.
Support technology integration efforts that enhance case management, student communication, and service efficiency.
Coordinate professional development opportunities for staff focusing on student-centered approaches and continuous improvement.
Oversee the implementation of appreciative advising and coaching models to support students.
Assist in managing budget allocations and expenditures related to advising and student support initiatives.
Provide guidance and mentorship to staff, ensuring proper caseload management and adherence to student success frameworks.
Respond to student inquiries, referrals, and concerns across multiple service channels, ensuring timely and effective resolutions.
Assist with evaluating policies and procedures to improve the student experience and operational efficiency.
Support the execution of institutional retention and recruitment strategies in collaboration with the leadership team.
Monitor and assess student success data to inform decision-making and program improvements.
Represent the Center for Advising, Retention and Student Success at institutional meetings, committees and events.
Assist with hiring and other personnel matters within the department.
Execute performance evaluations and feedback and work scheduling.
Facilitate team members responding and referrals for students seeking assistance through multiple service channels.
Coordinate and refine training in best practices for phone support, case management, and walk-in services to enhance student support and promote continued enrollment.
Engage in professional associations and activities that promote student-centered processes, communication and support.
Practice superior customer service.
Display respect and civility to all constituencies regardless of method of communication.
Attend work timely and during the established hours of operation on a regular basis; work additional hours as business necessitates.
Actively seeks to understand not only our role in the college, but of other departments on campus so we can better serve students.
Demonstrate professionalism and confidentiality at all times
Successfully complete all Human Resources, Technology Services, and other annual training as needed.
Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned.