Director of Advising and Student Persistence

Reports to: Dean of Student Success

Job Status: Exempt

Job Purpose

The Director of Advising and Student Persistence is responsible for the development, implementation, and ongoing support of the Student Success Specialist model, with specific focus on academic advising practices. This individual will organize successful initiatives, develop relationships with college deans and staff, and provide logistical support of the day-to-day supervision of the Student Success Specialists.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provides daily oversight of Student Success Specialists (SSS)
• Collaborates with Dean of Student Success in the development of SSS role
• Identifies and assigns students needing additional support to appropriate SSS
• Trains SSS in creating and utilizing roadmaps to success for students with specific areas of growth such as financial literacy, campus involvement, athletics, or academic concerns
• Maintains and oversees team budget
• Assists in the monitoring of student academic performance and their persistence towards graduation, compiling data and reports as needed
• Coordinates and develops university-wide academic advising
• Develops training for faculty and staff academic advisors
• Participates with SSS staff in implementation and planning of Summer Launch (in specific role as determined by Summer Launch team)
• Communicates and collaborates with academic colleges regarding SSS model and advising best practices
• Participates in committees, as assigned
• Maintains knowledge of current degree plans and pathways and effectively communicates changes across campus
• Cultivates relationships with Enrollment Management, Registrar, Financial Aid, and other partners
• Provides leadership in coordinating workshops and other events throughout the year for student development
• Manages new student outreach every summer to assist with freshmen transition and registration
• Creates, with team, marketing materials for advising and SSS to aid in social, academic, and spiritual integration, and to support student engagement and success

• Academically advises and supports designated cohort of students
• Coordinates registration outreach campaign each semester
• Maintains Super User role in online student services platform, overseeing program updates, resolving user obstacles, and utilizing scheduling and alerts to monitor student success and persistence
• Organizes and manages SSS and advising components of spring Pre-Registration and GO events
• Emphasizes discipleship and spiritual growth as a key component of student success through staff development and training
• Performs other duties as assigned by direct supervisor

Minimum Qualifications

• Commitment to the ministry and mission of Houston Christian University
• Ability and willingness to disciple students and foster spiritual growth
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team
• Master’s degree in related field
• Minimum 5 years prior experience in higher education with emphasis on academic advising and student support

Expectations

In addition to the above job responsibilities, some weekends or evenings may be required on a limited basis.

Additional Information

Houston Christian University is an independent, private Christian liberal arts institution with a diverse student body. It has access to all the cultural advantages of one of the largest metropolitan centers in the country. For more information about the University, visit hc.edu.

The University is in the process of implementing its Ten Pillars vision (hc.edu/vision) and anticipates significant growth in student enrollment and university programs. The successful candidate will also be able to articulate a vision for the role of his or her discipline at HCU that is supportive of the Ten Pillars vision statement.

Houston Christian University is committed to maintaining a teaching faculty and staff who share an active Christian faith. The Preamble to the By-Laws of the University sets forth a statement of belief which each University employee is expected to support and personify. Your submittal of an application for employment indicates your acceptance and affirmation of these statements.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of personnel.

**Disclaimer**

Background checks are performed on every new hire. If your application is selected to continue with the interviewing process you will be required to submit a Background Check form. If you decline, your application may be denied. By proceeding with the online application you understand and accept this process.