Director Academic Advising and Student Life

How to Apply

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 address your specific interest in the position, include salary requirements, and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a diverse learning community grounded in the principle that business can be an extraordinary vehicle for positive change in today's dynamic global economy. The Ross School of Business mission is to build a better world through business. Through our powerful ideas, purpose-driven leaders, and positive impact, we empower business leaders to improve the world. Learn more about Ross HERE.

Purpose:

Reporting directly to the Managing Director of Full-Time MBA Programs, you will oversee the strategy development, management and continuous improvement of two important student learning and development within the FTMBA Program: Graduate Academic Advising and Student Life Experience. You will provide guidance to a team of seven (7) professional staff members; organize and oversee daily operations. Working directly with the Managing Director, you will create a comprehensive student learning and development strategy that aligns with the broader FTMBA Program and Ross School strategic goals.

You will build relationships with students to guide their academic experience, ensure their academic success, and recommend and implement strategies for an evolving landscape of academic advising. This includes meeting with student academic representatives to share information and gain insights to improve the academic experience. Oversight of student life experience, this includes transition into the School, co-curricular and professional development programs, student club leadership guidance and event planning. This role is important to the development and satisfaction of a student's Ross experience and their personal development in the Program.

Responsibilities:

Graduate Academic Advising

• Develop and implement academic advising services that support the academic success of graduate students, promoting academic excellence and supporting student interest
• Provide leadership guidance and direction to the Lead Academic Advisor in the management of three academic advisors, providing guidance, feedback and support; collaborate on annual goals for the team and monitor progress towards those goals
• Interpret academic policies and recommend changes during the annual review process. Be the Ross liaison for University-level student services on campus with regards to academic standards and student concerns/issues.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of graduate academic advising to ensure advising standards are met and students are receiving excellent support per NACADA guidelines.
• Be the school's Dual Degree expert. Provide guidance and strategic direction to relevant academic program Managing Directors during implementation of curricular changes by working with Associate Deans, the University Registrar, and Director of the Ross Registrar's Office.

Student Life Experience

• Collaborate with the Managing Director to create the student experience strategy, including co-curricular and professional development programming, that differentiates the experience consistent with the strategy for the degree program.
• Provide leadership guidance and direction to the Student Affairs Program Manager, in the guidance of two student life professionals, providing guidance, feedback and support; collaborate on annual goals for the team and monitor progress towards those goals
• Collaborate with Ross Office of DEI and affiliated campus resources to integrate DEI strategic goals into the the student experience co-curricular offerings.
• Responsible for the strategic development of orientation planning and other events leading the Assistant Director, FTMBA Student Life in these endeavors.
• Develop and oversee the successful implementation of all transitional programming, including communication strategy, website for admitted students, and all pre-term activities, including orientation and international student orientation.
• Assist graduate student organizations with developing strategies to seek corporate sponsorship and ensure stewardship and processing of those donations, as applicable.
• Coach students on working in teams, managing and resolving conflicts, setting strategic direction, and helping students develop judgment and empathy, as applicable.

Relationship Management

• Collaborate with partners at Ross, including admissions, career services, alumni relations, development, and Ross centers and institutes
• Represent Ross to the University's student life unit in addition to serving on university-wide committees and task forces.
• Engage with prospective speakers, alumni, and faculty to support multiple events such as orientation, student club events, conferences.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in related positions such as academic advising and student life, program development, counseling students in an educational setting.
• Experience leading and supervising employees or related position(s) of influence.
• Proficient in excel (can maintain complex spreadsheets), Word, and PowerPoint.
• Manage data using Excel and CRM software, and present data in PowerPoint to faculty and staff, students, and other team members.

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off (Vacation, Holidays, Season Days)
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Flexible Work Program - This is a hybrid role with both remote and onsite work.
• Ross Onsite Fitness Center

Salary Information: The general salary range for this position is $90,000 - $100,000. You can expect to be paid a great compensation package. Factors used to determine salary include experience, knowledge and skills for the position. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor alignment and transparency throughout the recruiting process.

Application Deadline

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.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.