Associate Director of Academic Advising

Job Details

Associate Director of Academic Advising

Department: DSGN Student Services

Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing

Salary: $70,000 - $78,000 per year

Compensation Band: OS-OA06-Fiscal Year 2025-2026

FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins: May 14, 2026; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Resume/CV
• Cover letter that describes how your experience aligns with the requirements of the position
• Complete Contact Information for Three Professional References (the candidate will be notified prior to references being contacted).

Department Summary

The College of Design Student Services office works collaboratively with both administrative and academic units to provide comprehensive career services and academic advising to students through a variety of activities including individual advising, presentations to classes & student groups, coordinating workshops, panels, and events linking students with professionals in the field.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Academic Advising plays a key leadership role in the College of Design, overseeing strategic planning, advising services, and student support strategies for undergraduate and graduate students across the College's three schools and one independent department: the School of Architecture & Environment; the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management; the School of Art + Design; and the Department of the History of Art and Architecture. This role supports the Eugene and Portland campuses and ensures alignment with the College's and University's strategic priorities around retention, completion, and access and equity.

As a member of the leadership team, the Associate Director provides strategic leadership and expertise on advising related and student support strategies and collaborates with key stakeholders within Design and across campus. On a broader level, this person is responsible for the supervision of the professional academic advisors, guiding the delivery of high-quality, inclusive, and innovative advising services while fostering consistency and best practices aligned with university and national standards (NACADA).

An integral part of this position is collaborating with other student services staff, faculty, and departmental partners across the college as well as professionals in the field to provide guidance and support as students make thoughtful educational choices and consider career decisions. This role includes creating programming to support students in navigating academic and career pathways while fostering partnerships with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to align student support services with curricular and career outcomes.

The Associate Director will design, implement, and facilitate college-wide training for all academic and peer advisors across the College to ensure best practices aligned with campus and national standards, emphasizing developmental advising theory, cultural competency, and strategies for student success. In addition, this position will oversee the student services peer advising program, including hiring and managing peer advisors, and lead the College's participation in major university events such as Duck Days, Duck Preview, College Block, and IntroDUCKtion.

A strong candidate for this position will have previous supervision, program management, and project management experience, and will share in the commitment to meet the needs of students through innovative, high-quality, and efficient delivery of advising services. This position requires a strong commitment to serving the needs of students and working collaboratively in a collegial, supportive environment. The Associate Director of Academic Advising position will report to the Director of Enrollment, Recruitment, and Student Services.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Three years' experience providing academic advising/student services in a college/university environment.
• Two years' experience supervising employees, OR three years lead staff experience with appropriate supervisor training.

Professional Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, administrative, and supervisory skills, as well as strong skills in written and oral expression.
• An understanding and willingness to respond to the needs of students in an increasingly technologically oriented society.
• Professionalism, adaptability, and initiative.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a complex and diverse environment with faculty, administrators, students, alumni, and businesspeople at all levels of an organization.
• Demonstrated commitment to student development and serving diverse populations.
• Understanding of current developmental advising theory.
• Ability to assess strategic partner needs and build trusting relationships.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and success working in a multicultural environment.
• Skill in advising students from a variety of backgrounds and abilities and assisting them with strategies for meeting academic goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years in program coordination and development within higher education.
• Experience with University of Oregon academic advising processes and requirements.
• Familiarity/experience with or training in an arts or design related profession.