Assistant Director of Advising and Senior Academic Advisor for First- and Second-Year Students

Assistant Director of Advising and Senior Academic Advisor

for First- and Second-Year Students

Fordham College at Lincoln Center

Fordham College at Rose Hill

Fordham University

Fordham University has an excellent reputation as a dynamic institution located in New York City.  Founded in 1841, Fordham enrolls more than 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students in its 9 Colleges and Schools. 

• Fordham University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to its employees, which includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• We offer tuition remission for employees and their dependents 
• A generous immediate employer match towards a 403(b) retirement plan.
• As a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Fordham is considered a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, a federal program designed to forgive student loan debt for employees of certain public and certain nonprofit employers.
• As part of its work-life balance program, the University provides generous PTO including 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 2 personal days, 6 summer Fridays, and holidays that include paid time off between Christmas and New year.  
• University employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP provides no-cost, professional, and confidential services, to help employees and family members address a variety of personal, family, life, and work-related issues.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director position represents a unique opportunity for individuals committed to student academic success to contribute to a major restructuring in undergraduate academic advising in Fordham’s two liberal arts colleges.

In late summer 2022, Fordham’s two undergraduate liberal arts colleges, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) and Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) will phase in a new, shared approach to academic advising. The new Fordham College Advising Center will be staffed by full-time, professional advisors who will provide holistic, personalized guidance to students aimed to bolster their academic success and facilitate a smooth transition to college life.

In the first phase, planned for academic year 2022-2023, a newly hired cohort of academic advisors will support the academic transition and progress of all students in the Class of 2026. In the second phase, planned for academic year 2023-2024, these advisors will continue to advise this group and a new set of academic advisors will be hired. After that, all advisors will be expected to advise both first- and second-year students.

The colleges are hiring two Assistant Director and Senior Academic Advisors, one for each campus, who will supervise the campus-based advisors and work closely with the new Associate Dean for Academic Advising to support the implementation of the new advising model.

Essential Functions        

• Works closely with advising center leadership and the academic deans to strategically implement the new advising model, develop regular assessment, and revise the approach as needed.
• Oversees the day-to-day campus-based academic advising program for all first-year students (and, eventually, all first-year, sophomore, and transfer students).
• Provides training, mentoring, and supervision for academic advisors.
• In collaboration with advising center leadership, organizes regular professional development activities for all advisors and share best practices/literature on topics such as DEI, student success, and retention, especially in the context of a private, highly residential college.
• Develops programming and provides resources to advisors with regard to student academic progress and career development; develops and supports the delivery of programs that build student retention and graduation rates.
• Promotes best practices to guide advisors in assisting students in selecting programs of study, discerning fields of study, and finding experiential opportunities such as undergraduate research, study abroad, community engaged learning, and internships.
• Leads the development of a strong advising community. Builds collaborations between the advising center and other key areas on campus, including the Gabelli School of Business, Academic Records, IT, and the Office of the Dean of Students.
• Works collaboratively with advisors and others to guide decisions regarding academic progression and supports students on academic probation.
• Supports academic advisors in developing and demonstrating expertise regarding core and program offerings and requirements.
• Works collaboratively with the student success team, departmental associate chairs, program directors, major advisors, and faculty on student academic progression and student concerns.
• Leads the implementation of the student hub / advising software into the advising infrastructure for first- and second-year advisors; develops a culture of using data-based tools to identify and prioritize students who need intervention and support.
• As needed, attends regular case conferences and works collaboratively with others across the institution, including Counseling and Psychological Services, Campus Ministry and Student Affairs, in identifying and supporting at-risk students.
• Responds to regular inquiries from students, parents, faculty, and other administrators with regard to academic and course related issues. Understands and complies with all FERPA regulations and maintain appropriate confidentiality.
• Some weekend and evening hours required, on occasion.

Required Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or related field.
• 5 years of higher education experience in academic advising or transfer student support, with progressive responsibility; a minimum of 3 years supervisory experience.
• Familiarity with best practices in academic advising and in working with a varied, diverse population of students.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with undergraduate students, parents, peers, faculty, and deans.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, organize, prioritize, and work collaboratively.
• Proficiency in various software tools such as Microsoft Office Suite and G-Suite. Experience with Banner, Salesforce, and web management systems a plus.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt

START DATE: ASAP

APPLY HERE: https://careers.fordham.edu/postings/3167

ABOUT FORDHAM

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its 9 colleges and schools.  It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom. 

Fordham University is committed to excellence through diversity and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.

Fordham is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories