Lead Academic Advisor at University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma

Job Description:

The Lead Academic Advisor is responsible for implementing, assessing, creating, and updating sustainable academic advising policies, procedures, and best practices within the College of Atmospheric & Geographic Sciences, and the academic units of the Department of Geography & Environmental Sustainability, the School of Aviation, and the School of Meteorology. This position will report to the Assistant Dean of Student Services. 

Essential Duties:
Responsible for providing leadership and oversight to include supervision of the advising center, student support initiatives, and program administration. Serves as a campus leader and an active member of the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Academic Advising’s (PACAA) Advising Leadership Council. Responsible for administrative, advisory and counseling duties.

• Leads and oversees all operations for the academic advising unit.


• Conducts fair hiring and supervisory practices in compliance with Human Resource policies.


• Coordinates onboard training to ensure advising professionals are well versed in university, state, and federal policies.


• Directs unit initiatives to enhance the delivery and quality of academic advising services.


• Fosters a community of care that values respectful relationships among staff, students, faculty, and administrative leadership.


• Offers guidance and consultation in the management of daily student interactions.


• Empowers advising team members to pursue professional development opportunities that expand advisors’ knowledge, encourage career advancement, and promote best practices.


• Monitors student enrollment and makes effective decisions regarding advisor assignments.


• Tracks policy changes that impact degree progression and completion.


• Applies advanced problem solving and decision-making skills to complex student cases


• Coordinates complete withdrawal petitions and college enrollment decisions in consultation with departments


• Engages with student retention strategies, tools and technologies, and methods of reporting.


• Coordinates student programming to ensure students are connecting with departmental resources and engagement activities.


• Partners with the Office of Admissions and Recruitment to showcase academic majors and degree options for prospective students.


• Represents the advising unit at special events sponsored by campus partners.


• Administers departmental operations including budget oversight.


• Establishes unit outcomes, designs metrics, and gathers and assesses data to inform effective advising practices.


• Identifies critical issues and areas for continuous improvement.


• Manages administrative tasks including time and leave, office coverage, and other personnel matters.


• Maintains direct communication with the Associate Provost for Academic Advising to ensure practices are aligned with campus strategic initiatives.


• Participates as an active member of PACAA’s Advising Leadership Council to identify critical needs, shape best practices, and consistently strive for high standards of excellence.


• Commits time and attention to developing areas of expertise and ongoing professional development.


• Serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) by fulfilling training and reporting obligations related to campus safety protocols.


• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.
   
  
  

Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree, AND:

• Minimum 84 months of experience as a full-time Academic Advisor in higher education.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept a Master’s degree and 60 months of experience or a Doctorate and 36 months of experience.

Skills: 

• Ability to lead well and build rapport with all stakeholders including students, staff, faculty, and administrative leadership.


• Effective verbal and written communication.


• Detail-oriented for accuracy of data and information.


• Highly organized and capable of handling multiple projects and deadlines.


• Demonstrated expertise to learn, interpret, and articulate complex policies and procedures.


• Self-directed and able to work independently, collaboratively, and under supervision.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and secure sensitive information.


• Proficient in Microsoft Office to include Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.


• Adaptive to emerging technologies that support position functions.

Certifications or Licenses:

• None 

Required Working Conditions:

• Sitting for long periods of time.


• Communicate effectively.


• Ability to engage in repetitive motion.


• Standard office environment.


• Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods.


• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.


• Requires contact with other departments and university officials.

Supervisor Duties:

• Academic advisors (3-5) within the Department of Geography & Environmental Sustainability, the School of Aviation, and the School of Meteorology.

Departmental Preferences: 

• Master's degree in academic advising, higher education administration, student development, or counseling preferred.

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

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