Director, Academic Advising

University of North Texas System•Denton, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The G. Brint Ryan College of Business is the choice of nearly 9,000 students, making it one of the largest business schools in the nation. Since 1961, the college has been continuously accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a hallmark of the world’s best business schools. Nationally recognized, cutting-edge degrees enable students to learn beyond the classroom, preparing them to become leaders in their fields. Directs college-wide undergraduate academic advising activities and student retention initiatives at G. Brint Ryan College of Business to ensure their alignment with the RCOB and UNTs strategic priorities through (1) the setting of priorities and goals for RCOB undergraduate advising and retention; (2) performance planning and management; (3) the identification and implementation of best practices in the area of undergraduate student advising and retention; (4) leadership, and development of undergraduate advising staff and direct supervision of senior advising staff; (5) the development and enforcement of RCOB advising and retention policies and procedures that promote student academic success and ensure outstanding advising experience for RCOB students; (6) timely planning, acquisition development and efficient utilization of RCOB undergraduate advising resources.

Requirements

Master's degree and four years of experience in student affairs, student services, counseling, professional academic advising, or related experience.
Considerable knowledge of University policies and procedures related to the functional area (or ability to rapidly assimilate).
Current knowledge of student development and counseling theory.
Strong leadership skills appropriate for a supportive, dynamic environment.
Strong presentation skills, critical thinking skills, and creative problem-solving skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations verbally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

Change management
Scale and capacity management
Data-driven decision-making
Adaptability and the ability to pivot

Responsibilities

Strategic planning and communication for RCOB advising and retention: In collaboration with RCOB leadership, defines strategic priorities and goals for RCOB undergraduate academic advising and retention to ensure their alignment with UNT and RCOBs strategic priorities. Actively communicates strategic priorities and goals for RCOB advising and retention with RCOBs Undergraduate Programs Office leadership, advising staff, as well as with RCOBs faculty and staff.
Performance planning and management for RCOB advising and retention: Sets RCOB advising and retention performance objectives in alignment with the defined strategic priorities and goals. Designs and implements RCOB advising and retention performance metrics; monitors and communicates the progress towards the set goals with the advising staff and RCOB leadership; ensures the alignment of individual RCOB advising staff motivation and performance metrics with RCOB advising and retention priorities and performance goals.
Best practice management: Continuously monitors and identifies best practices in the area of undergraduate academic advising and retention through active participation in UNT committees, continuous partnership with the area of Student Success in the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, attendance of advising conferences, and active research of academic advising and retention best practices. In collaboration with RCOB Undergraduate Programs Assistant Dean, RCOB Academic Associate Dean and the area of Student Success in the area of VPAA plans the implementation of identified best practices (including those related to the implementation of SW solutions) at RCOB advising; Manages the implementation of identified best practices and solutions at RCOB advising through effective communication, staff engagement and change management.
Talent development and management for RCOB advising and retention: Leads and develops RCOB advising staff through goal setting and providing mentorship, guidance, professional development opportunities and work direction as required. Ensures the development of positive and collaborative work culture, and fosters productive working relationships among advising staff. Provides direct supervision of senior advising staff and counselors.
Policy management for RCOB advising and retention: Develops and implements RCOB advising policies and procedures to ensure that they promote student academic success and ensure outstanding advising experience for RCOB students. Continuously monitors changes in the regulatory environment and UNT policies and procedures as they relate to undergraduate advising and retention. Plans and implements changes to RCOB advising policies and procedures to ensure their compliance with UNT policies and procedures and state and federal regulations. Assists in the interpretation of complex directives and regulations and helps resolve issues concerning policies and procedures for advising staff and students at RCOB and across campus. Serves as backup signature authority for items needing Academic Dean/Assistant Dean signature as needed.
Resource management at RCOB advising and retention: In collaboration with RCOB Undergraduate Programs Assistant Dean and Academic Associate Dean, identifies advising resources necessary for the achievement of RCOB performance goals. Plans and manages resource acquisition, including the hiring of advising staff. Develops and implements processes and solutions to ensure effective and efficient utilization of RCOB advising resources. Continuously monitors and identifies improvement opportunities for effective and efficient utilization of advising resources at RCOB.
Academic Advising oversight: Oversees operations relating to scheduling of advising appointments, orientation process, new hire training for advising staff and maintains the continuity of advising staff and practices for assigned area.
Special Projects: Lead/participate in special projects associated with UNT and RCOB strategic initiatives and related to duties and responsibilities of the position (if applicable).