Director, Academic Advising

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Director, Academic Advising

Employee Classification: Director, Academic Advising

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

Sub Division-Department: UNT-Ryan College of Business

Department: UNT-RCOB-Undergrad Programs-131200

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Salary commensurate with experience.

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at

Department Summary

The G. Brint Ryan College of Business is the choice of nearly 9,000 students, making it one of the largest business schools in the nation. Since 1961, the college has been continuously accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a hallmark of the world’s best business schools. Nationally recognized, cutting-edge degrees enable students to learn beyond the classroom, preparing them to become leaders in their fields.

Position Overview

Directs college-wide undergraduate academic advising activities and student retention initiatives at G. Brint Ryan College of Business to ensure their alignment with the RCOB and UNTs strategic priorities through (1) the setting of priorities and goals for RCOB undergraduate advising and retention; (2) performance planning and management; (3) the identification and implementation of best practices in the area of undergraduate student advising and retention; (4) leadership, and development of undergraduate advising staff and direct supervision of senior advising staff; (5) the development and enforcement of RCOB advising and retention policies and procedures that promote student academic success and ensure outstanding advising experience for RCOB students; (6) timely planning, acquisition development and efficient utilization of RCOB undergraduate advising resources.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree and four years of experience in student affairs, student services, counseling, professional academic advising, or related experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of University policies and procedures related to the functional area (or ability to rapidly assimilate).
• Current knowledge of student development and counseling theory.
• Strong leadership skills appropriate for a supportive, dynamic environment.
• Strong presentation skills, critical thinking skills, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Change management
• Scale and capacity management
• Data-driven decision-making
• Adaptability and the ability to pivot

Job Duties

• Strategic planning and communication for RCOB advising and retention: In collaboration with RCOB leadership, defines strategic priorities and goals for RCOB undergraduate academic advising and retention to ensure their alignment with UNT and RCOBs strategic priorities. Actively communicates strategic priorities and goals for RCOB advising and retention with RCOBs Undergraduate Programs Office leadership, advising staff, as well as with RCOBs faculty and staff.
• Performance planning and management for RCOB advising and retention: Sets RCOB advising and retention performance objectives in alignment with the defined strategic priorities and goals. Designs and implements RCOB advising and retention performance metrics; monitors and communicates the progress towards the set goals with the advising staff and RCOB leadership; ensures the alignment of individual RCOB advising staff motivation and performance metrics with RCOB advising and retention priorities and performance goals.
• Best practice management: Continuously monitors and identifies best practices in the area of undergraduate academic advising and retention through active participation in UNT committees, continuous partnership with the area of Student Success in the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, attendance of advising conferences, and active research of academic advising and retention best practices. In collaboration with RCOB Undergraduate Programs Assistant Dean, RCOB Academic Associate Dean and the area of Student Success in the area of VPAA plans the implementation of identified best practices (including those related to the implementation of SW solutions) at RCOB advising; Manages the implementation of identified best practices and solutions at RCOB advising through effective communication, staff engagement and change management.
• Talent development and management for RCOB advising and retention: Leads and develops RCOB advising staff through goal setting and providing mentorship, guidance, professional development opportunities and work direction as required. Ensures the development of positive and collaborative work culture, and fosters productive working relationships among advising staff. Provides direct supervision of senior advising staff and counselors.
• Policy management for RCOB advising and retention: Develops and implements RCOB advising policies and procedures to ensure that they promote student academic success and ensure outstanding advising experience for RCOB students. Continuously monitors changes in the regulatory environment and UNT policies and procedures as they relate to undergraduate advising and retention. Plans and implements changes to RCOB advising policies and procedures to ensure their compliance with UNT policies and procedures and state and federal regulations. Assists in the interpretation of complex directives and regulations and helps resolve issues concerning policies and procedures for advising staff and students at RCOB and across campus. Serves as backup signature authority for items needing Academic Dean/Assistant Dean signature as needed.
• Resource management at RCOB advising and retention: In collaboration with RCOB Undergraduate Programs Assistant Dean and Academic Associate Dean, identifies advising resources necessary for the achievement of RCOB performance goals. Plans and manages resource acquisition, including the hiring of advising staff. Develops and implements processes and solutions to ensure effective and efficient utilization of RCOB advising resources. Continuously monitors and identifies improvement opportunities for effective and efficient utilization of advising resources at RCOB.
• Academic Advising oversight: Oversees operations relating to scheduling of advising appointments, orientation process, new hire training for advising staff and maintains the continuity of advising staff and practices for assigned area.
• Special Projects: Lead/participate in special projects associated with UNT and RCOB strategic initiatives and related to duties and responsibilities of the position (if applicable).

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. 

Environmental Hazards

• No adverse environmental conditions expected. 

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm, with occasional nights and weekends.

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.