Director, College Advising Center

The Director, College Advising Center, directs the day-to-day center and staffing operations of the College Advising Center. The Director independently manages a comprehensive, proactive, and holistic academic advising and career readiness program for new, transferred, continuing, and re-admitted students to assigned caseloads.

• Provides leadership to the Academic Success Coordinators in academic advising, degree progress, career readiness, and student support services
• Oversees long-range planning for the College Advising Center; develops the budgets, ensures the Center is run in a cost-efficient manner that is consistent with institutional protocols
• Leads the review and approvals of college graduation applications. Maintains continuous communication with students via email, telephone, and in-person. Run communication campaigns in venues, such as EAB, and support efforts with the Early Alert and Mid-term grades for assigned caseloads.
• Provides leadership of academic advising, degree progress/audits, and timely graduation of students within the respective college
• Provides student career development strategies for the Advising Center and Coordinates with UHD Career Center
• Interprets and maintains online data and resource files related to this position in the student information and advising systems
• Guides students in career exploration, networking, and job-seeking strategies and coordinates career fairs for internships and job searches. Facilitates workshops and events for assigned caseloads
• Educates students on how to use advising tools, degree audits, and course prerequisites and serves as a student advocate, and assists students by making appropriate referrals to staff in Scholarships and Financial Aid offices, Student Business Services, Learning Support, and Counseling Services, and other campus support services
• Provides qualitative and quantitative assessments of the overall effectiveness of the Advising Center
• Develops and monitors data on advising, mentoring, and degree progression to track growth
• Manages, maintains, and audits student advising records; assists students with processing paperwork and other issues
• Mentors and develops staff personally and professionally
• Supports retention and timely graduation efforts for college and UHD students
• Participates in on and off-campus recruitment and registration activities with Houston area community colleges, high schools, and community events
• Participates, attends, and assists with pre-commencement and commencement ceremonies/activities
• Collaborates and coordinates with various departments and colleges as required concerning recruitment, retention, and graduation
• Maintains a strong, positive, and collaborative relationship with the College Leadership, Enrollment Management, and Faculty
• Represents college Advising Center on university committees and at functions as necessary

• Performs all other duties as assigned

Direct Reports:

• Full Time Employees

Delegation of Work:

• Regularly assigns work to subordinate(s)

Supervision Given:

• Makes final decision on evaluating employee performance, hiring new employees, disciplinary actions, scheduling work hours, granting time off, and making recommendations on handling employee grievances and complaints.

Required Education:

• Master's degree

Required Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years in academic advising or student support experience within higher education
• Management and supervision experience

License/Certification:

• None required

• None

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of trends, issues, and accepted practices relevant to the position

Skills:

• Candidate exhibits strong interpersonal skills, and experience working with students, parents, faculty, and staff
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external constituents
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office Word, Excel, and Outlook)

Abilities:

• Proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary student service
• Ability to comply with all UHD and UH System policies and procedures

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment or at off campus locations for recruitment and advising events

Physical Demands:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements
• Position is physically comfortable; individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc.
• Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks
• Typical work occurs during business hours Monday through Friday however this position may require flexible hours as needed to include evenings and weekends serving students in virtual, on-, and off-campus environments

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

• Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
• Continuously strives to improve work performance.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
• Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Integrity

• Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
• Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules.

Respect and Cooperation

• Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
• Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

Dependability

• Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines.
• Willing to accept new projects and/or commitments.
• Does due diligence to complete projects within specified timeframes and/or fulfill commitments.
• Arrives to work on time prepared and ready to contribute.

Proficiency

• Possesses required job skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to competently perform his/her job duties and assignments.

Flexibility

• Willingly adjusts to changing work assignments or conditions.
• Open to changes in operational procedures, technology, and/or organizational structure.
• Views changes as opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Displays a positive attitude to encourage others.
• Promptly responds to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations.

Decision Making

• Demonstrates the ability to make informed decisions in a timely manner.
• Assimilates and/or secures relevant information to assess the risks and benefits of alternatives.
• Considers impact of decision in the long and short term.

Operations Management

• Manages department or section operations consistent with department/section goals and objectives.
• Administers the department/section budget ensuring effective utilization of financial resources and appropriate disbursement of funds.
• Fosters a cooperative and productive work environment through motivation, encouragement, and mentorship of staff.
• Ensures department/section compliance with university and department policies, procedures, and work rules.
• Keeps management apprised of department/section activities and issues requiring senior management input.

Supervision

• Supervises the work of staff employees.
• Sets clear goals and expectations within reasonable timeframes.
• Motivates staff through constructive feedback, challenging assignments, and recognition of achievements.
• Provides mentorship and guidance by sharing expertise and best practices.
• Supports staff by providing essential resources, professional development opportunities, and open communication.
• Promptly addresses performance issues with appropriate measures and discretion.

Writing Proficiency

• Demonstrates the ability to express information clearly and concisely in writing.
• Formulates and writes information to effectively communicate messages, ideas, and/or concepts for the intended recipient or audience.
• Uses appropriate words and tone, and correct grammar.

Computer/Automated System Proficiency

• Proficient in the use of university applications or automated systems to perform job duties.
• Complies with related policies, procedures, and work rules to maintain system security and data integrity.

Problem Solving

• Formulates plans and strategies to proactively resolve anticipated problems.
• Prudently responds to unforeseen problems through careful consideration and analysis of problem and relevant information and circumstances.
• Recognizes and apprises appropriate university administrator when resolution requires senior management input and/or approval.

Student Success Direct Support

• Assists and/or advises students and/or prospective students with academic plans and course selection, financial options, career plans, and/or student opportunities.
• Contributes to student success through careful monitoring of student progress within caseload.
• Promotes student success through regular and persistent outreach to student caseload.
• Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success.
• Shares relevant knowledge and insight to apprise students of programs and services available to them.
• Listens and responds to student requests and concerns with patience and understanding.
• Treats students with respect.