Associate Director of Advising

Position Title: Associate Director of Advising
# of Openings: 1
Department/Program: BA Advising 44000
Work Location: Hybrid On-Site/Remote
Campus Location: Arapahoe Campus
Reports to: Jessica Del Castillo
FLSA Classification: Exempt
FTE: 100% (40 hrs/week)
Compensation: $62,000-$77,000

Application Deadline: 8/26 or until filled

Job Summary
The Associate Director of Advising provides essential leadership across departments and serves a key role in supporting the Senior Director of Advising & Career and Life Development in the overall success of the department. This position supports all operations related work with a focus on the Graduate School of Counseling Operations, but supporting all advisors by strengthening advising services, optimizing workflows, writing, revising and implementing policy, and leading training and development among critical advising and retention related operations while intentionally/strategically guiding students through their academic journey at Naropa, from new student orientation to graduation. This role works with the Senior Director and Associate Director of Career and Life Development to create strategic plans and operational goals. Together with Associate Director of Career and Life Development, this position provides shared leadership for the Office of Academic Advising and Career and Life Development

Success in this role is measured in three (3) key areas of accountability: 1) Leadership and Advising Operations, 2) Student Success & Retention, and 3) Strategic support to Senior Director and University success initiatives

Key responsibilities include optimizing Advising workflows, planning, writing, and implementing policy, coordinating the training and use of Supervision Assist and other University systems, providing an extra layer of support to all advisors and students, and collaborating with the GSC Dean, Chairs and faculty to ensure a positive and organized
student experience. The Associate Director also trains and supervises GSC advisors, standardizes advising practices and documentation, and provides direct support to a caseload of at-risk students.

This position contributes to institutional efforts through participation in key committees such as the NOC, CARE
Team, and Clinical Placement Clearance, ensuring effective communication and timely student support. It also works closely with senior leadership to develop strategic plans and operational goals for the department.




As a liaison across academic programs, site supervisors, and university departments, the Assistant Director promotes inclusive, student-centered advising that supports retention, clinical placement, and career readiness. The role also includes academic support/meditation instruction for up to six credits per academic year.
Due to the nature of this positions' work the position is primarily remote but must come to campus when work demands.

Job Duties & Responsibilities
• In the absence of the Senior Director, provide leadership for the department in collaboration with the Associate Director of Career & Life Development.
• Collaborate with relevant academic units and student services departments throughout the University to facilitate ongoing communication and comprehensive student support
• Participate in the revision and updating of GSC Guidebook, Student Handbook and Course Catalog
• Support faculty and advisor training in appropriate interventions to assist students in professional development and career choices
• Advise a caseload of at-risk or returning graduate students on course planning, academic progress, and university policies.
• Meet with advisees regularly to support academic and professional goals.
• Refer students to appropriate academic, social, and wellness resources.
• Support special student populations, including those on leave, re-admitted, or pursuing licensure.
• Onboard, train, and supervise GSC Advisors.
• Academic Support/Meditation Instruct six credits per academic year.
• Adjunct Instruction six credits per academic year.
• Lead professional development initiatives and share best practices across advising teams.
• Provide interim advising support during staff absences and ongoing support to all advisors and students.
• Standardize advising tools, processes, and communication practices.
• Collaborate with GSC Dean and support staff to ensure student success and retention initiatives are operationally sound.
• Monitor and improve student experience across learning environments.
• Serve as point of contact for Supervision Assist and coordinate with internal/external stakeholders.
• Ensure advising documentation is timely, accurate, and consistent.
• Participate in NOC and CARE team meetings.
• Help implement and document policies and processes related to student retention and clearance.
• Support equity and transparency in applying academic policies (e.g., Notice of Concern, Probation, Dismissal).
• Act as liaison between GSC and university support structures.
• Encourage interdepartmental consistency in advising and communication.
• Contribute to ongoing improvement of advising and student support services.
• Can represent the division as a senior leader of the department when the Senior Director is not available.

Minimum Requirements:
• Master's degree required
• 5 or more years of academic advising experience or related experience in higher education
• Exceptional Administrative Expertise
• Strong technical writing capabilities
• Robust organizational and communications skills and ability to manage multiple applications and deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to manage conflict and ambiguity effectively
• Extensive demonstrated research skills and attention to detail
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn the Clinical Mental Health Counseling curriculum; accreditation requirements and licensure requirements for licensed professional counselors.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively with students, alumnx, faculty, and staff
• Strong communications skills (verbal, written, and listening)
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft 365 suite of applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, etc.)
• Able to self-direct and be a self-driven learner to create system for credentialing efficiency.
• All job candidates must demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of and appreciation for the values of Naropa University and the capacity to demonstrate an integration and embodiment of these values as evidenced in work, communication, collaboration styles, and other general workplace behaviors.
• Five years of work experience in higher education or similar setting
• Familiarity with the Naropa University Graduate School of Counseling
• Familiarity with the concept of contemplative education

Naropa recognizes the following holidays throughout the year: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Fall Break, 4th Thursday and Friday in November, and Winter Break, the last two weeks in December encompassing the Christmas holiday as well as New Year’s.

Naropa’s health and welfare benefits include the following: medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment, an employer-sponsored pre-tax retirement savings plan, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching, and a variety of voluntary, employee-paid supplemental insurance plans.

A comprehensive benefits package is available to full-time employees who work a minimum of 30 hours each week. Employees who work 20 – 29 hours each week are eligible for only the employer-paid short-term & long-term disability, employer-paid life insurance & accidental death and dismemberment, and the retirement plan, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching.

Employees who work fewer than 20 hours per week are eligible to participate in Naropa’s retirement plan only, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching.

All regular full-time and part-time faculty and staff, including student workers, accrue sick leave benefits. Full-time and part-time staff positions accrue vacation and personal time. All leave accrual rates vary based on the position, hours worked, and years of service.

The University recognizes the importance of including its employees in its organizational mission and values and welcomes employees into the classroom to “touch the magic.” Specifically, regular employees are provided generous tuition remission opportunities for themselves and their family members.

Naropa University participates in the Council of Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP). CIC-TEP is a network of CIC colleges and universities willing to accept, tuition-free, students from families of full-time employees of other CIC participating institutions (full-time as designated by the employer/institution). Additional information can be found here:

Naropa University is an equal opportunity, non-discriminatory employer and Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits gender discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual and relationship violence. This law applies to all students, faculty, and staff.

JOB CODE: AY2627 0033