Associate Vice Provost and Director of Academic Advising

Stanford University Job Opening Announcement 

Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (VPUE)

Working Title:         Associate Vice Provost and Director of Academic Advising

Job title:                  Academic Operations Manager 3

VPUE Unit:             Academic Advising

Location:                 Flexible Work Opportunities

JCC:                        4133

Grade:                     M

Status:                     Exempt, Full time

The Associate Vice Provost and Director of Academic Advising (AVP) applies a deep understanding of undergraduate advising to provide leadership, vision, and strategic direction to the Office of Academic Advising (Advising) which is one of seven units in the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, the AVP unifies the wide array of undergraduate advising and new student programs to maximize students’ attainment of a liberal education within a world class research university. 

The AVP collaborates closely with faculty and senior administrators to develop and improve policy, programs, and initiatives related to the academic experience of an increasingly diverse undergraduate student body. The AVP partners closely with schools and departments to ensure continuity of advising support for all undergraduates. The AVP also serves as a liaison to other campus departments that deeply impact the undergraduate experience such as Student Affairs, Residential Education, Athletics, Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid, and the Stanford Alumni Association. In addition, the AVP assists the Vice Provost in welcoming new undergraduate students and their parents through major university events including New Student Orientation, Parents and Family Weekend, and Admit Weekend. Advising has nearly 50 staff and a total budget of approximately $9 million. The AVP oversees the work of the entire unit through five direct reports who lead the different areas of Advising.

In this role, you will:

• Direct staff and provide inspiring, strategic leadership for policies, programs and initiatives related to all aspects of undergraduate advising and its programs for new students. Responsible for hiring and retaining staff, career coaching, personal development for direct reports and accountable for the performance of employees.
• In collaboration with local human resources and senior leadership, direct managers in the interpretation and implementation of human resources policies, procedures, and programs. 
• Independently initiate and create strategic plans for Advising and direct the implementation through Academic Advising management group. 
• Manage the direction of core academic advising to undergraduates through campus in-residence Undergraduate Advising Directors (UADs) to achieve liberal education aims and academic success.
• Responsible for the financial viability and success of Academic Advising. Oversee the allocation of personnel and financial resources within Advising.
• Advise the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education or other members of the senior management team (SMT) on programmatic and policy development for undergraduate education at Stanford.  May provide input to university leadership on institutional academic and administrative policies and guidelines.
• Represent the needs and perspectives of Academic Advising within VPUE leadership bodies including Unit Directors and Executive Cabinet; make recommendations, identify and resolve strategic issues of substantial significance that affect VPUE, and advise its senior management team (SMT).
• Develop robust advising resources for all undergraduates through their entire career at Stanford with special attention given to pre-majors (first two years). Create programming in conjunction with departments and schools to ensure students declare and transition into their majors by their junior year.
• Ensure NCAA compliance-requirements are well-integrated into academic advising practice. Coordinate with the athletic department to meet the unique advising needs of student athletes.
• Ensure pre-professional advisors provide comprehensive, up-to-date information and guidance to undergraduates considering professional school applications.
• Provide oversight of the first year and transfer student transition programs (including the Leland Scholars Program, Frosh 101, Sophomore Wayfinders, Approaching Stanford, and New Student Orientation) and seek ways to continually enrich these programs. Prepare and deliver formal presentations to prospective and matriculated students and their parents. 
• Set fair and equitable standards for all students in the academic standing and petition process and address relevant policy issues, including working with appropriate faculty senate committees as needed. 
• Collaborate and consult extensively with schools, departments, offices, and individuals across campus to understand and enhance the experience of all undergraduates.
• Collaborate and consult with senior administrators and faculty to resolve student crises and support students who are academically “at risk”.
• Interface with campus partners in the offices of Residential Education and Dean of Students, associate deans for student affairs in the three schools that offer undergraduate degrees (Humanities & Sciences, Engineering, and Earth), and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
• As needed, liaise with parent and family organizations and the Office of Development to keep them abreast of topical issues and to respond to questions, concerns, and issues that are raised through these groups.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and seven years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management, or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory, planning and change management skills.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills. Able to influence people, solve problems, trouble shoot, think creatively, and resolve conflicts.
• Strong negotiation and effective interpersonal skills. 
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Subject matter expertise for area(s) of responsibility.
• Ability to multitask and manage deadlines.
• Expertise in accounting and budget planning and financial forecasting.
• Expertise in grants and contract administration.
• Expertise in business and management computer applications and databases.

*-Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Advanced degree (strongly preferred).
• 5+ years of successful Academic Advising Director experience at the university level.
• 8+ years of strategic planning experience in an educational context.
• 8+ years of experience in budget management, including planning, forecasting, and reporting.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible educational administration in a complex organization, preferably in a university environment.
• 10+ years of supervisory experience, including professional development and performance management of staff.
• Deep familiarity with the philosophy  and objectives of a liberal education and with a broad range of issues facing higher education in general and Stanford in particular.
• Ability to motivate staff to attain high standards of job performance in a multi-faceted, team-work oriented academic program.
• Understanding of the complex structure of administration in an academic environment and knowledge of university policies in relevant operational areas.
• Proven ability to establish program goals and administrative priorities and to oversee their implementation.

About the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (VPUE)
For undergraduates, VPUE is the nexus for programs and initiatives that help students define and achieve their intellectual ambitions at Stanford. These include investigative introductory courses taught by esteemed faculty, targeted classes in writing and rhetoric, undergraduate research support, academic advising and mentoring, overseas and off-campus study programs, and undergraduate scholarships and fellowships. For faculty, VPUE serves as a principal conduit for furthering interaction with undergraduates and discovering ways in which working with students can enrich one’s research agenda. VPUE advocates for undergraduate education in collaboration with faculty, departments and schools across Stanford. All VPUE resources are dedicated to involving faculty with the undergraduate experience, connecting students with phenomenal opportunities and fully realizing a liberal education at Stanford.

https://undergrad.stanford.edu/about

The mission of the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (VPUE) is to partner with Stanford faculty, staff, and students to produce and educate knowledgeable, engaged citizens and creative, confident leaders for our future world.  

The Office of Academic Advising directly impacts the experience of Stanford undergraduates in three major ways: first year and transfer student transition; pre-major and pre-professional advising; and academic standing and petitions. The AVP sets the strategy and vision for the policies, initiatives and protocol related to these functions and develops the staff talent needed to carry out these functions. 

As the hub of critical aspects of the undergraduate experience, the entire Advising staff is highly visible in the lives of undergraduates. Advising staff is also uniquely responsible for and responsive to issues and concerns from parents regarding students’ transition to college and their academic welfare over the course of their undergraduate years. 

https://undergrad.stanford.edu/

VPUE advocates for and supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Stanford through our teaching, policies, programming, and partnerships across the university. VPUE seeks to create a work environment motivated and shaped by the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, in which all staff explicitly and mindfully act to implement these principles. We seek a work environment which values input from all, transparency and openness in decision-making, and respectful and supportive engagement.

Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven individuals to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or course auditing opportunities. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

About Stanford University

Stanford University, located between San Francisco and San Jose in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, is one of the world’s leading undergraduate teaching and research universities. Since its opening in 1891, Stanford has been dedicated to finding solutions to big challenges and to preparing students for leadership in a complex world and to advance human knowledge and research in the many fields of humanities, social science, engineering, arts, and sciences.

Supporting that mission is a staff of more than 10,000, which is rooted in a culture of excellence and values innovation, collaboration, and life-long learning. To foster the talents and aspirations of our staff, Stanford offers career development programs, competitive pay that reflects market trends and benefits that increase financial stability and promote healthy, fulfilling lives. An award winning employer, Stanford offers an exceptional setting for professionals looking to advance their careers.

Work Standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues, faculty, and stakeholders, and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all dimensions of higher education.

*-Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

How to Apply 

If you’re ready to work for an organization that nurtures diversity, respect, professional development and a comfortable work-life fit, we invite you to explore this opportunity and apply online. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and resume along with your online application.

http://stanfordcareers.stanford.edu

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APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION WILL BE REVIEWED ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022, AND ON A ROLLING BASIS THEREAFTER.

General inquiries about the application or interview processes may be addressed to Guy Margard, Executive Search Consultant at gmargard@stanford.edu.