Department: College of Engineering

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Range from $61,000-70,000/yr, based on qualifications

Work Schedule: General business hours; work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Solving problems is what we do, what this position does & what this program is known for! The field of study was established for just that purpose, covering so many aspects of life.

The arsenal of skills you need for success: detail focused, follow through, respect & empathy, efficiency, & professional communication to lead a team of professional advisors delivering superior service to engineering students.
Your understanding of the curricula are the driving force to have consistent & best practices, partnering with advisors, faculty & professional level. You will bring new standards of practice to the college & implement so all moving parts are effective & efficient while providing training to all. You are the front line to troubleshoot through changes you will implement. Designing a thorough plan for these standards, utilizing resources or operational methods from across the campus allows you to refine the practice for your team & college.

You will provide leadership and supervision for all academic advisors within the College of Engineering and will be a crucial driver in improving the overall quality of student success across the College. This role leads efforts to provide consistent, high-quality academic advising, strengthen the student experience, and identify opportunities to better support students throughout their academic journey.

The Director will build relationships across the university, advocate for the advising team and students, and support staff in carrying out the College's vision for advising and student success. Your communication will be with all levels & being assertive yet an advocate to establish partnering relationships for changes to launch, marks your position as the keystone of advising. You know how to assist staff to carry out the vision for a new foundation as well as growing them for the future. Being the consistent guiding light for the College's advising as well as the team you lead is needed.

We are looking at you to submit that application to get started leading our team & joining one of the top Engineering colleges in the country!

Job Summary

Directs the design, planning, and implementation of academic advising, recruitment, and/or retention programs, policies, and procedures for a specific business unit.

Essential Functions

Develops program goals and infrastructure to align with defined business strategy. Leads cross-functional teams and ensures resources are strategically assigned to meet program goals. Manages program direction through creating program plans, management tools and reporting capabilities. Develops program budget and monitors and adjusts plan as resource requirements change. Communicates and documents program quality outcomes and progress metrics. Addresses and resolves issues to ensure goals remain on track.

Job Duties

• Provide leadership and direct supervision for all academic advisors within the College of Engineering. Provide training, guidance, and professional development to academic advising staff.
• Oversee academic advising operations across the College and ensure consistent, high-quality service to students.
• Serve as a key driver of the College's student success efforts by identifying opportunities to improve the student experience, advising services, and student outcomes.
• Establish and implement consistent advising standards and best practices.
• Build collaborative relationships at all levels of the university and advocate for changes and improvements to advising.
• Troubleshoot complex advising issues and issues associated with changes to policies, procedures, and advising practices.
• Develop plans for advising standards and utilize resources and operational practices from across campus to refine advising within the College.
• Develop advising program goals and infrastructure aligned with College strategy.
• Lead cross-functional efforts and strategically assign advising resources to meet program and student needs.
• Manage program direction through program plans, management tools, and reporting.
• Communicate and document program outcomes and progress metrics.
• Address and resolve issues to ensure advising goals remain on track.

Required Education and Experience:

• 60 hours of college coursework in Business Administration, Education, or Social Science.
• Ten (10) years of experience in academic advising or related field, with two (2) years of experience in a leadership role. Every 30 hours of college coursework beyond 60 hours can be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Commitment to meeting students where they are to help them succeed.
• Knowledgeable leading a group of professionals.
• Ability to take initiative and be resourceful in deploying best practices across the College.
• Excellent communication skills with individuals at all levels of the university.
• Ability to effectively advocate for students, staff, and advising needs.
• Excellent organization, project management, and follow-through skills.
• Familiar with interpreting policy and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field by hire date.
• Experience working at a four-year higher education institution.
• Experience with Banner, Navigate360, or similar student information and advising systems.
• Experience interpreting and applying academic policies, procedures, and degree requirements.
• Experience working with Faculty or Department Chairs.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.

Additional Physical Requirement: