Director, Advising and Retention

Texas A&M University System•Killeen, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Advising and Retention, under general direction, oversees and coordinates academic advising and retention services grounded in best practices and appropriate advising and student development theories. This position leads institution-wide academic advising and retention services, manages change initiatives related to advising structure, workflows, and technology, and adapts services based on student needs and assessment results. The Director is responsible for establishing and monitoring key performance indicators, allocating resources, and collaborating with campus partners to enhance student success and graduation rates. They will also establish a program for advisor professional development, develop reference materials, lead reporting and assessment strategies, and conduct research in the field of academic advising.

Requirements

Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Knowledge of budget management and strategic planning
Knowledge of software applications used in higher education; including student information systems, degree audit systems, and student success/retention platforms.
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Strong verbal and written communications.
Bachelor’s degree in applicable field from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Eight (8) years of related experience in higher education with three (3) years in academic advising.
Three (3) years of supervisory experience.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any US employer. The department is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Banner, DegreeWorks, and Civitas Learning platforms preferred.
Master’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with student caseloads.

Responsibilities

Responsible for leading institution-wide academic advising and retention services that are grounded in academic advising and student development theories and best practices.
Leads change management efforts associated with advising structure, workflows, and technology adoption.
Proactively adapts advising and retention services in response to students’ needs and assessment results.
Establishes, monitors, and reports on key performance indicators for department staff in support of institutional goals for student success and graduation.
Allocates fiscal and personnel resources and advocates for additional resources.
Coordinates with campus partners to develop strategies that ameliorate conditions that inhibit student success and that amplify conditions that foster student success.
Works collaboratively with deans and department chairs to ensure that academic advising services meet distinct needs of programs and students.
Establishes a program of advisor professional development based in theory, best practices, and recent research.
Develops reference materials for advisors that reflect common practices, policies, and guidelines.
Leads the development of reporting and assessment strategies in support of continuous improvement.
Leads strategic planning for advising unit(s).
Conducts research and presents on best practices and theory within the field of academic advising, students in transition, and related topics to foster professional growth and improve the student advising experience.
Works with campus partners to implement and maintain applicable technology to support student advisement, learning mobility, and student success/retention.
Identifies emerging trends and develops strategies for initiatives that increase student retention and graduation.
Actively seeks opportunities to serve on committees or in leadership positions for professional organizations that promote advising or student success.
Identify and procure technology and applications that support advising and student success.