Director of the Academic Advisement Center

Job Title:

Full or Part Time:

Hours:

Exempt:

Supervisory Org:

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY:  The Director of the Academic Advisement Center reports directly to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs or Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and plays a pivotal role in advancing the university’s mission through the implementation of strategic planning, assessment of academic advising services, orientation, and supporting student success and retention. The director oversees academic advisors, new student orientation, develops advising policies and training programs, and collaborates with faculty and staff to ensure students receive high quality academic guidance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement a vision for advising services that aligns with institutional goals for student success and retention.

• Direct the operation, management, and evaluation of undergraduate academic advising services and related programming, utilizing current best practices.

• Provide leadership and supervision to Peer Advisors, the First-Year Programs Coordinator, Second Year Programs Coordinator, Coordinator of Orientation, and specialized programs of distinction such as the Global Foundation Scholars, Thompson Scholars, and the Academic Advisor for the Athletics Department, ensuring these initiatives effectively support student success and engagement.

• Manage the planning, coordination, and execution of Orientation, Transfer Orientation, and Parent Orientation programs to ensure a seamless and engaging onboarding experience for all participants.

• Supervise, train, and evaluate professional advisors, ensuring consistent and effective advising practices, including fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for students and staff.

• Collaborate closely with early enrollment and dual enrollment programs. Demonstrate a strong understanding of students entering the University with dual enrollment credits, Advanced Placement credits, or advanced class standing, while recognizing they are not classified as transfer students.

• Oversee the AI Chatbot, “Coop the Cardinal” that works with retention and information from orientation through graduation.

• Assisting in data analysis is essential for monitoring enrollment, retention, at-risk students, and course offerings.

• Implement professional development programs for departmental staff members.

• Oversee the development, implementation, and assessment of retention-based programs.

• Administer and manage departmental budgets.

• Engage with academic departments regarding curriculum and program changes.

• Prepare retention reports and program assessments by analyzing advising data and student feedback to assess the effectiveness of advising services and identify areas for improvement.

• Collaborate with other campus offices in providing programs and support services.

• Serve on appropriate university committees and councils, including enrollment management teams.

• Provide advising services for students when there is a need.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

General supervision is received from the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Functional supervision is exercised over all Advisement Center staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in a related field.

• Five years of related work experience in higher education in the areas of academic advising or student support services.

• Demonstrated administrative experience including supervision, program management, and budgeting.

• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently and under occasional pressure.

• Ability to work a flexible and varied schedule.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software quickly.

• Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community

• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated understanding of curriculum and curricular processes.

• Experience with student information systems.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Duties are generally performed inside and not exposed to adverse conditions.

• All work associated with this role must be performed within the state of Michigan.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of

duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job.  It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.  The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

About SVSU:

Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. SVSU was recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for 9 consecutive years (2016-2024).

SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.

SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels.  SVSU is constructing the first university research facility on Lake Huron to improve public health and the economy in the Saginaw Bay watershed.
 
More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2025). SVSU fields 20 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website, http://www.svsu.edu.