Assistant Director of Student Success and Academic Advising

Rice University

6d•$50,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, The Assistant Director of student success and academic advising provides technical advice, problem‐solving assistance, answers to questions regarding program goals, and policy interpretation. The Assistant Director will design, develop, and coordinate projects. This position will also participate in committees and task forces involving student success and academic advising. The ideal candidate for this role is enthusiastic about supporting graduate students and enjoys interacting with students, staff, and faculty. They thoughtfully exercise diplomacy, discretion, and judgment in engaging stakeholders. They thrive working both independently and as a member of a team, taking initiative to improve processes and working collaboratively across teams. They should also have excellent time management and organizational skills, be proactive, detail-oriented, and service-focused. Rice Business primarily delivers residential classes and activities that take place almost daily between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. We value a highly collaborative and community-based culture, with expectations to provide in-person support and services to all members of our community. Remote work options are limited. Most employment activities are required to be performed in person and on campus. This in-person approach is central to the successful achievement of our research and academic missions. In this role, options for remote work vary depending on team responsibilities throughout the academic year. Candidates should be willing and available to be on campus five days per week, with the understanding that remote work options (~1 day/week) are offered when possible following successful completion of the probationary period. This role will require occasional evenings and weekends. Per Rice Policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
2+ years of professional experience
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to exercise diplomacy and foster rapport with stakeholders
Advanced problem-solving skills
Ability to manage a high volume of student meetings, email traffic, and projects
Strong organizational and time management skills
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Strong data analysis skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Adept at problem-solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessary
Strong client service orientation and attention to detail

Nice To Haves

Experience working in an institution of higher education in advising or a student support function
Ability to utilize or quickly learn enterprise student systems (current examples include Banner, DegreeWorks, and EAB Navigate)
Graduate degree

Responsibilities

Administers an area or program in student services
Evaluates and recommends decisions on program eligibility
Reviews decisions recommended by other staff
Collaborates with others to help resolve program issues and concerns, interprets policies, and mediates complex and sensitive issues
Resolves multi-dimensional matters in response to students in crisis, at risk, or who have other program issues; counsels students and parents on sensitive and confidential issues
Reconciles complex issues; analyzes diverse transactions from multiple sources
Summarizes data from multiple sources and prepares reports for management and presentations
Develops and implements plans for outreach efforts, maintains external community relationships, and represents the department and university at meetings and events
Provides advice to students on a range of issues, including but not limited to academic progress, academic program policies, career plans, accessibility, and community standards, to assist them in making appropriate choices and decisions
Informs students of research, fellowship, and scholarship opportunities, makes recommendations, and may award grants
Serves as a subject matter expert to other departments and represents the unit or department
Serves as a key member of university-wide teams or projects
May oversee, analyze, and assist in financial processes and the development of budgets
Performs all other duties as assigned
Manages student success tracking processes for students who may not be meeting academic standards (GPA, performance, or satisfactory progress toward degree)
Takes ownership of integrating multiple tools on behalf of the department and school, including the academic advising CRM system (e.g., EAB Navigate)
Coordinates communications with students regarding course selection, choices for elective courses, resources to aid in academic success, and degree completion