Job description

Job #: 042058
Location Syracuse, NY
Pay Range: $87,700 – $100,000
Hours:
Standard University business hours.

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type: Full Time

Job Description:

The Director of Academic Advising provides leadership and operational oversight for the Whitman Advising team, ensuring students receive comprehensive and personalized academic guidance as they move towards degree completion. This position oversees and coordinates the management of student records for all Whitman students including monitoring of degree requirements, degree certification, transfer credit, first-year registration, and community engagement. This includes programs at the undergraduate, masters and PhD levels, and for both online and residential programs. The Director will manage a team of nine academic advisors, foster their professional development and create a high-performing team environment. This position reports to the Assistant Dean.

Education and Experience:

• Masters degree required.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in academic advising, preferably in a business school or university setting.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and supervising a team.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with various populations of students, faculty, and staff.
• Data-driven and results-oriented approach.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of business curriculum and career paths.
• Proficiency with technology including, but not limited to, MS Office/Excel, PeopleSoft, Degree Audit systems, Salesforce, AI, and a drive to stay updated with technology tools
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills required.
• Ability to de-escalate situations, show empathy, and navigate potentially stressful situations.
• Proactive and adaptable mindset with the ability to take initiative and solve problems independently.
• Ability to engage and collaborate with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail, organization, and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management:

• Provider leadership for the operational oversight of the Whitman advising team.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of nine academic advisors, promoting their professional growth and development.
• Conduct regular team meetings and provide ongoing training and support.
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of advising services and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.

Advising & Student Support Operations:

• Oversee the delivery of high-quality advising services to business students (undergraduate and graduate; residential and online), including course selection, degree planning, and academic support.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to academic advising.
• Serve as a point of escalation for complex student advising issues.
• Respond to inquiries from students and parents regarding academic policies.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with faculty, staff, and students.
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders regarding advising updates and important information.
• Represent Whitman at university and school-wide committees and events.
• Facilitate the implementation of new projects within the college as needed.

Student Records Management & Retention Efforts:

• Oversee the effective use of technology and advising software (e.g., Orange Success, DegreeWorks, Myslice, DataInsights, Salesforce, Blackboard) and ensure the accuracy and integrity of student advising records.
• Manage waitlists for course registration for all programs.
• Maintain all records including probation, degree certifications, and deans list.
• Develop and support routine follow-up for recent, non-certified students to facilitate degree completion.

New Student Experience:

• Responsible for all aspects of first-year, external transfer, and new graduate student (residential and online) registration including written communications to incoming students, work with Registrar on planning course selection process, and collaborate with Syracuse Welcome committee to coordinate advising-related new undergraduate student events.

About Syracuse University:

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the Universitys 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area:

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

How to apply

To apply, visit