Manager of Early College Academic Advising

Bethel University•St. Paul, MN

22h•$55,000 - $61,000

About The Position

The Manager of Early College Academic Advising provides strategic and operational leadership for the Academic Advising team dedicated to Early College. This role balances high-level management including hiring, training, and strategic planning with direct student support. The Manager is responsible for fostering a positive team culture, aligning advising practices with modern retention research, and serving as a key liaison across the university to ensure the success of Early College.

Requirements

Demonstrated strong and progressive leadership responsibilities in academic advising or higher education administration, with at least 2 years of experience in a supervisory or lead capacity.
Understanding of the unique lifecycle and needs of early college, and online learners.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate complex organizational hierarchies and "bridge" departments.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning: Contribute to the broader advising unit’s strategic plan and lead all work specific to the unit.
Metrics & Assessment: Track unit goals and oversee the compilation of data regarding student-advisor interactions, advisor performance, and student persistence.
Retention Research: Implement best practices and align unit policies with current research on student retention, completion, and change management.
Resource Management: Grow and maintain advising resources specific to student needs while contributing to the department’s general resource library.
Supervision & Growth: Supervise, hire, train, and mentor a team of Advising Specialists; and conduct performance evaluations.
Culture & Development: Build a cohesive unit culture and lead the planning and execution of professional development initiatives for staff.
Continuous Improvement: Stay current on innovative advising strategies and higher education developments to apply directly to student interactions.
Program Liaison: Act as a primary resource for Program Directors and Department Chairs, supporting them and Advising Specialists with complex academic policy questions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the Registrar, Director of Early College, Career Development, Admissions, and Faculty on special projects and student services.
Recruitment: Direct the unit's involvement in university-wide recruitment efforts and represent the advising department in ad hoc committee meetings.
Communication Oversight: Manage all communication streams tailored specifically to the unit.
Advising Excellence: Maintain a caseload performing all duties of an Advising Specialist, including degree planning and proactive outreach.
Escalation Support: Serve as the second-tier point of contact for complex learner concerns and interdepartmental alignment challenges.