"Assistant Director of Academic Advising and Transfer Transition"

Assistant Director of Academic Advising and Transfer Transition

Campus Title: Assistant Director of Academic Advising and Transfer Transition, 1 year temporary

State Job Title: Assistant Director

Department: Academic Affairs

Job Code: HA6600

FLSA Status: Exempt

Funding: Grant1596-2439

Bargaining Unit: APA

Job Type: Full-time, 1 year temporary (with a strong possibility of a 1 year extension)

Timeframe: 52 Weeks

Shift: Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday

Supervision Received: Direct supervision received from the Director, Academic Advising and Transfer Transition.

Supervision Exercised: Provides direct supervision and professional development for office interns and trust fund/work study student employees. May supervise and provide professional development for academic advisors and graduate assistants.

Salary: $68,000.00-$70,000.00 (salary will commensurate with education and experience)

General Statement of Duties:

The Assistant Director of Advising plays a critical leadership role in advancing the mission of student success, retention, and timely graduation. Working in close partnership with the Director of Academic Advising and Transfer Transition, the Assistant Director provides operational oversight, strategic planning, and supervision in delivering high-quality, student-centered advising services. This position supports a diverse undergraduate student population across all academic disciplines, ensuring equitable access to advising and holistic support.

The Assistant Director collaborates extensively with faculty, academic departments, program area chairs, and campus partners to support proactive advising initiatives, identify and eliminate barriers to student progress, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Key responsibilities include supervising graduate assistants and student employees, providing professional development to academic advisors, managing advising programs and workshops, contributing to data-informed retention strategies, supporting transfer and continuing education students, and representing the office on key institutional initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties include but not limited to:

Essential:

• Provide leadership and operational support to the Director in managing the daily operations of the Academic Advising and Transfer Transition Office, including advising services, staffing, scheduling, and workflow coordination. Serve as backup academic advisor during peak periods or staff absences.
• Provide holistic support to students in achieving their educational goals through academic advising and guidance on university policies, academic programs, and institutional resources.
• Assist with the implementation of the dual advising model, collaborating with faculty advisors to guide students on course selection, major exploration, career pathways, academic policies, and degree requirements. Ensure a seamless transition between professional and faculty advising by providing consistent support and resources tailored to students' academic progress and goals.
• Assist students with registration, add/drop, withdrawals, and changes of curriculum. Review academic records for proper course recommendations.
• Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising student employees and graduate assistants.
• Develop and implement advising strategies and programming aligned with institutional retention goals and student success initiatives.
• Support the Director in strategic planning, assessment, and reporting for advising-related initiatives and outcomes.
• Lead the design and execution of advising materials, events, and workshops to promote student engagement, academic success, and a sense of belonging.
• Assist with the implementation of professional development workshops and create advising resources for faculty and staff around advising registration and University academic policies.
• Maintain current knowledge of university policies and procedures and provide guidance to advisors and students on matters related to registration, course selection, program changes, and degree completion.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with campus resources, including financial aid, career services, accessibility services, and wellness offices, to ensure holistic student support.
• Collaborate with faculty, program chairs, and deans to streamline advising practices, share student concerns, and improve communication between academic and student affairs units.
• Represent the advising office on university-wide committees and at institutional meetings.
• Serve as a club advisor to a national honor society or student organization that supports academic excellence and student leadership.
• Lead and participate in professional development, including presenting at local, regional, or national conferences related to academic advising, student success, and leadership in higher education.
• Maintain proficiency in university technology systems including Banner, Degree Works, Starfish (Westfield 360), Argos/Managed Reporting, and Zoom.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Social Work, Student Personnel, or related field from an accredited university; or a Master's in progress in a related field, with a minimum of three (3) years' experience working in a higher education setting (e.g., academic advising, admissions, financial aid, career services or student affairs), or offices or programs for first-generation college students.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in academic advising, student services, or related roles in higher education.
• Strong knowledge of academic affairs, student affairs, and financial aid procedures within a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and work collaboratively across departments and with diverse student populations.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating strong organizational skills, initiative, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage several complex tasks under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of FERPA and ability to handle sensitive student information confidentially.
• Experience creating and delivering presentations, workshops, and training sessions.
• Proficiency in data management and reporting systems; ability to interpret and report on student outcomes.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Higher Education, Counseling, Social Work, Student Affairs, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience.
• Experience in student-facing roles such as academic advising, counseling, mentoring, tutoring, or similar support services.
• Experience developing advising programs or initiatives that support retention and timely graduation.
• Experience advising transfer, adult learners, or continuing education students.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Experience using institutional data systems such as Argos, Banner, Starfish, and Degree Works.
• Professional involvement in NACADA or related organizations.

Additional Information:

Salary:

Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may be found on the Department of Higher Education's webpage.

Employee Benefits:

Benefits are an important component of an employee's total compensation package.

• Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately.
• Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.
• Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.
• Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.
• Additional information regarding employee benefits is available on the University's Benefits & Wellness webpage.

Disability Accommodations

Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (413) 572-8809 or visit us in the Horace Mann Building, 1st floor.

Background Check

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.