Assistant Director of Advising & Persistence

As a member of a dynamic student-centered team, the Assistant Director of Advising & Persistence provides programmatic support and oversight of the retention and persistence efforts within the Academic Advising Office. This position will collaborate with colleagues across the College to help ensure the retention and success of Stonehill's most vulnerable students. The successful candidate will be responsible for working inter- and intra-divisionally to create, assess, scale, and operationalize support for Stonehill students as well as to continually make improvements to academic support and recovery strategies. This position will holistically assist Stonehill students with all aspects of advising, including major and career exploration and affirmation, college procedures, programs, and services pertaining to registration, retention, persistence, and student success. The Academic Advising team is a part of the Navigation Center for Student Success at Stonehill College. Comprised of five offices (Advising, Accessibility, Career, Global, & Tutoring), the Navigation Center works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to accomplish mission-driven goals. The team devotes attention to the inclusive nature of the Stonehill community and celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion in all its endeavors. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Retention & Recovery Programming The Assistant Director helps execute strategies at the College to support students in academic jeopardy, as well as those coming from historically underrepresented backgrounds. In addition, they will work to proactively remove barriers for students who need additional transition support before enrolling, including first-generation, BIPOC, academically underprepared, and undeclared college students. With Academic Advising colleagues, work to create and scale the Academic Pathways Program (APP), a proactive retention program for students who may require additional academic support and intervention. Collaborate with colleagues in Admission, First-Year Experience, and Institutional Research to identify students needing additional support and implement programs to assist their transition into the College. With the Director of Advising & Academic Success, develop, evaluate, and execute the College's First-Generation Scholars Program (FGSP), serving as the primary point-person for the students enrolled in the program. Coordinate and teach (where appropriate) population-specific courses, including a specific section of First-Year Experience (FYE), Applied Learning Theory (study skills support), and Explore (course support for major exploration). Serve as the primary advisor for undeclared BA students, connecting them with resources through Stonehill's Explore program. Propose and develop additional retention and persistence programming based on available data and best practices. Academic Advising Provide academic support for all undergraduate students. Leverage innovative strategies and coaching techniques to engage students, connect them to campus resources, and facilitate their development and retention. Work as a member of a collaborative team of advisors to meet the ongoing needs of students on both a drop-in and appointment basis; work with students on major exploration, graduation planning, course withdrawals, academic appeals, course overloads, academic interventions, mid-semester assessments, early alert referrals, and other issues related to academic progress and engagement. Respond to and resolve student academic difficulties through the use of holistic appreciative advising, coaching, and advocacy. Mediate and resolve student-faculty concerns and/or communication issues through comprehensive case management. Implement, assess, and modify effective programs and best practices in academic support services. Education and/or Experience At least 3-5 years of progressive experience in higher education, advising and counseling undergraduates, working with administrators, faculty, and parents/guardians in an advising setting. Master's Degree preferred. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Demonstrated experience with, and commitment to, working with students from historically underrepresented communities, including first-generation and BIPOC college students. Demonstrated experience with retention and student support programming creation and assessment with a strong background in student development theory. Proven experience bringing stakeholders together to solve problems and execute student success strategies. Demonstrated commitment to making data-informed decisions and implementing technology to support scalability. Demonstrated capacity to develop and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and organizations reflecting a broad range of identities, perspectives, and experiences. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, sit, and use their hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Licenses/Certifications Competencies Posting Detail Information Special Instructions to Applicants Interested applicants are asked to submit a resume and a cover letter online.