Director of Academic and Career Advising

The Director of Academic & Career Advising is a leadership role within the Department of Academic Engagement & Student Success. Within this role, the director shall have the primary responsibility for supporting student success, and career preparation. Resolving & strategizing within and around academic-related matters pertinent to student engagement, matriculation, and retention. Manages the Center for Academic Resources and Support toward optimizing the University’s retention systems and meeting institutional goals. Assisting students with their academic pursuits and career exploration, ensuring they make well-informed decisions and receive the necessary support for their overall success. Grooming professional staff in delivering service excellence that supports the needs of our University community. This position reports to the AVP of Academic Engagement & Student Success.

Essential Functions:

• Program Development and Implementation: Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive program that encompasses both academic and career advising. This program aims to enhance student retention, promote degree attainment, improve graduation outcomes, and ensure high levels of student
  satisfaction.
• Academic and Career Advising: Serve as a representative and advocate for academic and career advising services. As well as oversee the administration and adherence to all necessary processes and procedures required for the effective delivery of academic and career advising services, implementing protocols to ensure
  that advising practices are in line with established standards and best practices.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Foster a culture of excellence at Florida Memorial University by actively engaging and building strong relationships with students, staff, and faculty.
• Working closely with key stakeholders to identify and address any potential barriers or challenges that may hinder student progress toward their degrees.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Take the lead in developing and implementing robust assessment strategies to gauge the effectiveness and impact of academic and career advising programs. Design methods to collect and analyze data that will allow for an evaluation of key metrics, including student satisfaction, retention rates, graduation rates, and career outcomes.
• Team Management and Leadership: Responsible for planning, directing, supervising, and coordinating the work activities of staff. This may include crucial tasks such as hiring new team members, providing ongoing coaching and support, and conducting performance evaluations, all strictly adhering to university policies and procedures. While fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment, promoting professional growth and development opportunities for staff.
• Academic and Career Advising Technology and Resources: Stay abreast of the latest advancement in advising technology and resources, continuously seeking ways to enhance the delivery of academic and career advising services to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and elevate the overall student experience.
• The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that logically relate to the position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with faculty, staff, and student populations.
• Exceptional customer service and organizational skills.
• Understands open-ended questioning, non-verbal communication, and active listening.
• Understands how to read and interpret reports and data.
• Presentation and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrates the professionalism needed to handle sensitive and confidential matters.
• Strong computer and analytical skills.
• Effective analytical and decision-making skills.
• Attention to detail and adaptability to a changing environment is extremely important as well as dependability.
• Ability to interact with personnel at all levels of the university.
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling objects of average weight up to fifty (50) pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
• Note: In compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), those functions of the job which are identified as essential are required to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Requests to facilitate the performance of essential functions will be given careful consideration.

Qualifications:

• A master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field such as higher education administration, business administration, organizational development, or a related discipline.
• Remarkable track record in fostering and managing relationships, with proven skills in partnership management.
• Previous experience in academic advising, career counseling, or student support services.
• Strong knowledge of academic planning, career exploration, and job search strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build relationships with students.
• An empathetic and compassionate approach to student support, with the ability to motivate and inspire.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Knowledge of educational technology and resources for academic and career development.
• Familiarity with data management systems and student information systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in student support services.
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours.
• Pre-Employment screening is required: criminal background check and drug testing.

Qualified applicants are asked to upload a cover letter of interest, resume/curriculum vitae, and/or certifications, if applicable.

Supplemental Information

In addition to the completed application, candidates must submit a list of three professional references (at least one from a previous employer) that includes names and contact information. Review of application materials will begin as soon as possible and will continue until the position is filled.

Florida Memorial University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.