JOB SUMMARY
Directs the administration, coordination, and supervision of exploratory and developmental advising to meet the needs of undergraduate students related to the selection of academic curriculum, educational and career goals, and fulfillment of requirements for graduation. Manages day-to-day operation of ACES; supervises professional staff and interns; makes academic decisions on individual student issues, including readmissions and major changes; supports Department advising processes; oversees unit coordination and logistics, Department projects, and division-related initiatives; facilitates training and professional development of exploratory advising and student major-selection processes across the UConn system; evaluates and reports on advising, staff, and student engagement metrics; resolves problems and makes changes to accommodate changing priorities and needs; represents the Division and University on select institutional and external committees; writes and collaborates on grant proposals; develops budget requests; allocates budgeted allocation to best support advising efforts; provides leadership within the Office of Student Retention in the absence of the Executive Director.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manages day-to-day operations of ACES. Recruits, trains, orients, and supervises professional advising, support, graduate/undergraduate student staff, and interns.
- Oversees fiscal and administrative operations for ACES. Manages annual budget allocations according to departmental needs. Develops budget requests to address the needs of the unit. Allocates budgeted allocation to best support advising efforts. Assists with fundraising and grant development.
- Provides oversight of the academic advising system for exploratory students, including The Major Experience program. Develops strategies and programming for advising engagement to assist students in declaring their program of study, completing degree requirements, and pursuing post-graduation options.
- Oversees the planning and execution of orientation programming for incoming exploratory students. Identifies and resolves problems related to departmental advising processes, structures, or student engagement.
- Evaluates and assesses departmental practices, processes, and procedures. Compiles and prepares statistical reports on enrollment, admissions, dismissals, registration, school changes, student/advisor engagement, and similar matters.
- Provides oversight of review and approval process of student requests for readmission, change of college/major, dual degree programs, student withdrawals, and/or transfers into or out of the school/college/division. Evaluates student records, hears appeals, and makes decisions regarding dismissals, non-degree tagging, and other academic matters.
- Coordinates with administrators across the UConn system regarding issues related to student advising and the path to timely graduation. Maintains ongoing liaison relationships with various campus programs/departments, regional campuses, and transfer institutions.
- Interprets and applies University and college policies and regulations related to admission into academic programs, residency requirements, exemptions, substitutions, and other academic requirements, serving as a resource regarding these matters.
- Assists with general advising for exploratory and other University populations through scheduled and drop-in appointments. Advises and counsels students in planning an academic program and choosing an educational career goal. May advise specific student populations to increase student success efforts of the division.
- Represents ACES on various institutional committees, including the University Advising Council and Nexus Steering Committee. Plans and/or participates in special projects, workshops, and seminars. Facilitates presentations, programs, and workshops for students, faculty, and staff related to student success, advising, academic progression, professional development, and similar topics.
- Oversees preparation, editing, and dissemination of information about academic policies, regulations, and options. Prepares and reviews information for publishing in the University catalog.
- Manages departmental recruitment, outreach, and marketing efforts, including the Department website; student satisfaction efforts; digital communications; and participation in University, community, and state-wide education/student success efforts.
- Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in counseling or a related field.
- Five or more years of experience as an academic advisor or counselor in an academic setting.
- Strong organizational, administrative, leadership, and supervisory skills.
- Ability to exercise independent sound academic judgment.
- Good communication skills and ability to relate well to students, faculty, and/or parents.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation and other traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
- Prior experience in facilitating, developing, or leading programs to support student success.
- Demonstrated experience in assessment and/or reporting.
This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Target salary will be high $70K. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498127 to upload a resume, cover letter, diversity statement, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Review of applications will be ongoing and continue until the position is filled. Preference will be given to applicants who apply before February 1, 2024.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.