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Director of First-Year Advising

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

Professional Staff - Project/Program Administration

Workstudy Position:

Job Type:

Regular

Work Shift:

Day Shift (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available:

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that’s redefining higher education. We’re on a mission to provide transformative, hands-on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi-faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. We’re committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas’s rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state’s varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Nestled along the Arkansas River, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Old West at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, explore the eclectic local art scene, or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque riverfront trails. With a welcoming community, diverse dining options, and a thriving downtown, Fort Smith is the ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking modern amenities.

Thank you for your interest in joining our university. Below you will find details for the position including any supplementary documentation and/or questions you should review before submitting your application. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at (479) 788-7080.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 479-788-7080. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position to which they have applied.

Department:

Student Success and Retention

Department's Website:

https://uafs.edu/academics/student-success/

Summary of Job Duties:

The Director of First-Year Advising functions as a member of the Student Success and Retention team as a proactive leader in program design and creative problem solving. The director oversees the university’s centralized first-year advising office as well as key campus partnerships to ensure the coordination, common understanding, and efficient progression of students from onboarding through graduation. The director works closely with Admissions, Financial Aid, New Student & Family Programs, and Registrar to implement components of our Strategic Enrollment Management plan and improve the yield, onboarding, and retention metrics for incoming first-year, transfer, and nondegree students. The director serves as a primary administrative advocate for staff/faculty advising, serves as a permanent co-chair of the Academic Advising Council, and works with internal and external stakeholders to support institution-wide advising effectiveness. The director leads a team of seven professional staff and oversees staffing and evaluation, team development, and healthy work/life balance. The director contributes to broader institutional success strategies by developing registration and onboarding processes, informing stakeholders of student needs, and working to resolve issues related to technology, degree progression, and career advising. The director serves on committees, including IT Projects, the Enrollment Leadership Team, the Academic Standing Appeals Committee, and other related efforts as needed.

The position reports to the Assistant Provost for Student Success and Retention.

Qualifications:

Required Education & Work Experience: Minimum qualifications include a master’s degree and three years of experience in academic advising, college student personnel, or related field. Demonstrated leadership experience is also required.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience:

Education or training in student development, leadership, or another related field.
Experience with institution-wide retention and student success programs.
Experience with technical platforms to support student communication or learning.
Experience with staff training and development.
Experience with marketing and facilitating public events.
Experience working with first-generation students and families.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Serve as an engaged, primary institutional leader for advising practice. Serve as a permanent co-chair of the Academic Advising Council. In collaboration with academic leadership and the Director of Academic Programs Support, research best practices in advising and facilitate collaborative training and informational resourcing for both professional advisors and faculty. Provide a voice for institutional leadership regarding the continual review of advising services, structures, policies, and resources. Work to incorporate all student success dimensions into AAC professional development, communication, and training.
As a member of the Enrollment Leadership Team, provide support for the university’s Strategic Enrollment Management plan, implementing strategies to improve metrics for yield, onboarding, and retention. Meet regularly with the ELT to discuss current needs, specific targets, and operational planning.
Working with campus partners, manage strategic communications and data sharing. Meet regularly with Admissions, New Student & Family Programs, and related offices to design strategic communication campaigns for incoming students. Monitor curricular needs for first-year courses and communicate with relevant departments, including academic leadership. Oversee student progression communications in collaboration with the college professional advisors and academic deans. Manage the development of digital forms, marketing materials, and advising guides.
Oversee the personnel dimensions of the ROAR First-Year Advising Center, including recruiting and onboarding staff, providing coaching and mentoring, assessing capacity and scheduling, and providing ongoing performance management. Work to incorporate best practices in support of ROAR operations and team dynamics. Work to ensure ROAR staff are engaged broadly and have their voices heard institutionally. Work with Associate and Assistant Directors to oversee budget processes, Workday tasks, and the hiring of student employees.
Provide advising and logistical support to effectively onboard transfer, nondegree, lifelong learner, and degree completion students. Work with Admissions, the Associate Provost, and the Director of Credit for Prior Learning to assess the needs of transfer and nontraditional students. Support onsite transfer programs at community colleges and partner institutions.
Serve as a member of the IT Projects Group and the Workday Student Project. Meet regularly with campus partners to review existing student IT needs, determine priorities, and implement necessary strategies. Work to report and resolve technical issues as they develop. Work with the Director of Student Information System Initiatives to fully implement and optimize Workday Student for all users.
Work with Athletics to review eligibility criteria and appropriate advising practices and academic supports for student athletes. Meet annually with the Compliance Coordinator to discuss athlete progression, eligibility, and case management.
At the direction of the Provost, serve on the Academic Standing Appeals Committee. Also provide support as requested to the policy implementation for students on probation and suspension. In partnership with the EAB Leadership Team, provide direction for ROAR case management interventions.
Provide leadership and support for campus events, including the Majors Expo, Admissions events, New Student & Family Programs (Mane Event and Lion Launch), and Commencement.
Serve as a valued member of the Student Success & Retention team, collaborating on division initiatives, research, and professional development. Provide leadership to ongoing or ad hoc projects as requested.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork
Consistent on-time attendance is required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: To perform the job successfully, the following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position:

Excellent communication skills, both in writing and public presentations
Critical thinking and problem solving
Willingness to try new ideas and embrace change
Ability to foster a healthy, motivating team dynamic
Strong organizational awareness and attention to detail
Commitment to collaboration and healthy interdepartmental relationships
Technical competency with student information systems, learning management systems, and student success platforms
Ability to conduct analytic research on student behavior and outcomes

Additional Information:

Employees Supervised:

Associate Director of Training and Technology
Assistant Director of Operations
Five Professional Advisors

Working Relationships: Works regularly with a collaborative team of faculty, staff, and students from across the institution. Frequently interacts with parents or other family members in support of student success. Occasionally works with external stakeholders.

Special Job Dimensions: Work performed primarily in an office setting, normatively 8:00-5:00pm. Flexible and/or weekend hours occasionally required. Infrequent travel may be required.

Salary Information:

$65,000

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please include a resume/CV, cover letter, unofficial transcript of highest degree, and list of references.

Recruitment Contact Information:

Human Resources 479-788-7080

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Child Maltreatment, Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

N/A

Frequent Physical Activity:

N/A

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Average salary estimate

$65000 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$65000K

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What You Should Know About Director of First-Year Advising, UASYS

Are you excited about helping students thrive during their first year? The University of Arkansas Fort Smith is looking for a passionate and proactive Director of First-Year Advising to join our Student Success and Retention team. In this pivotal role, you will oversee our dedicated first-year advising office, working collaboratively with departments like Admissions and Financial Aid to enhance the student experience from the moment they step on campus to their graduation day. As a leader of a diverse team, you’ll foster a supportive environment that not only advocates for effective advising practices but also ensures our students' progression in their academic journeys. You’ll contribute to strategic initiatives aimed at improving enrollment metrics and enhancing retention rates, keeping our students engaged and informed. If you're a strong communicator with a master’s degree and a track record in academic advising or related fields, we want you! Join us in creating transformative educational experiences and making a significant impact at UAFS. Enjoy a balanced work-life, competitive benefits, and the vibrant community of Fort Smith, where history and modernity come together beautifully. Apply now and be a part of our mission to empower students and shape future leaders!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Director of First-Year Advising Role at UASYS

What are the main responsibilities of the Director of First-Year Advising at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith?

The Director of First-Year Advising at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith is primarily responsible for overseeing the centralized first-year advising office, collaborating with admissions, financial aid, and other departments to ensure a smooth student onboarding experience. This role involves developing strategic plans to improve student retention and success, leading a dedicated team of professional staff, and advocating for effective advising practices across campus.