Manager of Graduate and Seminary Academic Advising

• →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.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Proven leadership and people-development skills, with the ability to coach, mentor, develop, and hold advising staff accountable while fostering a positive and collaborative team culture.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, navigate differing perspectives, and communicate effectively with students, faculty, administrators, and staff across the University.
• Strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to use data, assessment, and research to identify trends, evaluate effectiveness, and improve advising practices and student outcomes.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to navigate complex situations, interpret policies, exercise sound judgment, and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to lead through change and ambiguity, with the initiative and adaptability to move work forward when circumstances, priorities, or processes are evolving.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to balance strategic initiatives, team leadership, institutional partnerships, and a student caseload while maintaining quality and follow-through.
• Commitment to student-centered service and continuous improvement, with a proactive approach to identifying needs, strengthening processes, and creating an excellent advising experience.
• Knowledge of academic advising and student success practices, including retention, persistence, degree planning, and the needs of undergraduate, early college, and online learners.