Senior Associate Dean for Academic Advising and Undergraduate Studies

Tufts University•Medford, MA

About The Position

The Office of Academic Advising supports undergraduate and graduate students in achieving their academic goals and enriching their educational experience. Through advising, academic support programs, and student success initiatives, the office promotes student retention, timely graduation, and persistence across disciplines, including STEM, within the School of Arts and Sciences and the College of Special Studies. The office serves as a central hub for undergraduate academic policy and advising, overseeing functions such as academic standing, petitions, and degree certification, while fostering strong collaboration between students and faculty. It also facilitates access to nationally competitive fellowships (e.g., Fulbright, Truman, Goldwater, Rhodes), supports undergraduate research and experiential learning, and delivers programs that enhance academic development and student engagement.

Requirements

Master’s degree
At least 10 years of progressive experience in academic advising, student success, student affairs, or faculty roles, including significant leadership and/or program management responsibilities
Teaching experience at the college level
Management experience in student affairs
Experience advising or mentoring college students
Exceptional written and oral communication, leadership, customer service, time management, and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated success designing and implementing academic support or student enrichment programs
Ability to analyze and synthesize complex data and issues
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and administration to develop programs
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and supporting a diverse academic community

Nice To Haves

PhD or other earned doctorate

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Office of Academic Advising and Undergraduate Studies, including staff, programs, and budget oversight
Provide strategic direction for undergraduate advising, academic policies, and student success initiatives across the School of Arts and Sciences and the College of Special Studies
Oversee core academic functions, including academic standing, degree auditing and certification, orientation, matriculation, and student academic petitions and appeals
Serve as Senior Associate Dean for undergraduate students, adjudicating complex academic cases, appeals, and disciplinary matters, and acting as the final appellate authority when appropriate
Uphold and interpret undergraduate academic policies in alignment with faculty governance, applying them to complex or exceptional student situations
Partner with faculty and academic leaders to strengthen advising systems, recruit and train advisors, and promote best practices in teaching and mentoring
Advance student success and retention through development and assessment of programs that support diverse student populations, improve time to degree, and enhance academic achievement
Expand high-impact opportunities for students, including undergraduate research, fellowships, and experiential learning initiatives (e.g., Undergraduate Research Fund, SPIRIT Fund)
Chair scholarship and fellowship efforts, guiding faculty and students through nationally competitive application and selection processes
Represent undergraduate academic affairs at major university events, including Matriculation, Commencement, Orientation, and Academic Awards ceremonies
Collaborate across the university to improve academic policies, streamline processes, and enhance the student and faculty experience through effective use of data and technology