In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must apply to this posting through this website. A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should specifically address how you have worked with others to solve a professional challenge or improve a process, and how you are prepared to multitask to support and coach individual staff members while maintaining an undergraduate advising caseload. 

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY  

The Associate Director for Academic Advising  in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) Newnan Academic Advising Center is one of the positions responsible for the supervision and support of general academic advisors. Newnan Advising Center plays a critical role in the undergraduate educational mission of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) at the University of Michigan. As the largest college on the Ann Arbor campus, LSA serves over 19,000 undergraduate students in over 100 degree programs. The Associate Director, in collaboration with the Director and other Associate Directors, will also contribute to the leadership team of the Newnan Advising Center. This position is primarily on-campus with allowances for hybrid work (i.e. 3 days in office, 2 days remote during academic year, and subject to change in accordance with unit requirements).

The Newnan Academic Advising Center engages students, fosters their success, and upholds academic standards in support of the liberal arts and the University of Michigan community. As a community of over sixty full-time higher education professionals, and in collaboration with key partners across the College and beyond, the Newnan Academic Advising Center aspires to be a valued resource and leader in support of the academic and personal experience of undergraduate students at the university. Overall, we are responsible for helping LSA undergraduates achieve the expectations and rewards of the liberal arts and science education afforded by the college.

General Responsibility:  

The Associate Director for Academic Advising in the LSA Newnan Academic Advising Center is responsible for creating and executing an array of innovative and diverse initiatives that effectively support academic advising and student success. The ideal candidate will be a positive, process-oriented leader who serves as a mentor and coach to staff. This individual will support team members in setting and achieving goals that align with the center's overall strategic objectives. They will play a vital role in enhancing the engagement strategies of the Newnan Academic Advising Center. They will be expected to work with the Director to build relationships with constituencies and stakeholders across the College and university. They will also be expected to cultivate and contribute to a culture that is welcoming, supportive, and responsive to your students and staff.

In addition to leading advising efforts, the Associate Director is expected to carry an advising caseload and provide general academic advising support to students. They will collaborate with a team of academic advisors within the unit, as well as across the college to provide support for students in LSA, including the development and implementation of advising information, workshops, and initiatives.

Leadership and Supervision

The person in this role will provide support, accountability, training, and resources to help advisors effectively promote student success. They will lead the onboarding of new advising staff and assist in the hiring process as needed. This individual will research, develop, and implement innovative advising strategies and lead initiatives to support advisor professional development. They will contribute to the evaluation and assessment of advising services and initiatives, using metrics to inform improvements aligned with the unit's goals. In collaboration with the Director, they will oversee staff participation in student engagement activities hosted by the unit. The role includes direct supervision of assigned professional staff, with responsibility for leading the year-round performance management process, including planning, coaching, and performance reviews. The individual will meet regularly with direct reports, both individually and as a team, to set short- and long-term goals in alignment with the unit's mission. They will coach advisors in responding to complex student and parent situations referred by unit leadership and actively engage staff in ongoing professional development opportunities. Additionally, this individual will represent Newnan and the College at events that support students, parents, and campus or community partners.

General Academic Advising
This role provides general academic advising to LSA students, supporting their exploration of the liberal arts both inside and outside the classroom. The advisor will help students understand college policies and curriculum requirements, connect them with appropriate resources and programs, and guide them through their academic journey. Responsibilities include maintaining timely and accurate records of student interactions, including outreach, referrals, exceptions to standard procedures, and decisions affecting degree progress. The advisor will also review, troubleshoot, and resolve student concerns related to academic progress, degree exceptions, and graduation requirements. Staying current on advising best practices, LSA policies, and professional development opportunities is essential. Additionally, the advisor will represent Newnan and the College at events that support students, parents, and the broader campus and community. They may also participate in recruitment and retention activities on behalf of Newnan or the College.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General supervision is received at the Director's level

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Functional and administrative supervision is exercised over full-time professional staff 

• Master's degree in a liberal arts field, higher education, communications, or area of study affording understanding of the undergraduate student experience
• At least three years academic advising experience in a college or university setting or an equivalent combination of experience in other sectors of education
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train and develop staff
• Track record of successful development and implementation of innovative programs, including evaluation and assessment
• Proven ability to successfully work in a collaborative team environment
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to establish positive and respectful working relationships with students, staff, and faculty
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to maintain the integrity of confidential materials and student information

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Newnan LSA Advising Center Mission 

To support undergraduate liberal arts students in achieving their success and growth by empowering them to make informed and purpose-driven decisions.

Newnan advisors work with students to:

• connect and synthesize experiences inside and outside the classroom
• co-create their academic journey
• talk through the decision-making process 
• navigate degree requirements, policies, and procedures
• plan for post-graduation experience
• use referrals and resources on campus and beyond

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.