Assistant Director Academic Advising

Assists in directing the provision of comprehensive academic advising services for a college or large unit.

• Provides training and development for academic advisors using best practices and core values.
• Participates in the development and implementation of programs, advising policies, procedures, goals, publications and budgets.
• Participates in inclusive outreach and recruitment of staff and student employees, supporting broader recruitment and retention efforts.
• Advises both enrolled and prospective undergraduate students on University, College, and departmental academic requirements, including admissions, general education, and specific program, major, and minor requirements. Applies an understanding of the diverse needs of students, faculty, and staff to provide effective developmental advising.
• Explains graduation requirements to students and provides information about course prerequisites, alternatives, and equivalents.
• Creates, reviews and updates graduation plans with students to promote personal growth, academic excellence, career development, and timely degree completion.
• Promotes and participates in professional development focused on the unique needs of students, faculty and staff, from a wide range of backgrounds. Fosters a safe and inclusive environment to advance equity.
• Supports students with registration and may assist in coordinating course scheduling. Demonstrates effective engagement and collaboration with faculty, staff, and students from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Leads, coordinates and completes projects as assigned.
• Supervises academic advisors, graduate assistants, interns, staff and student employees.

Minimum qualifications based upon job documentation and industry best practices. Any current employees not meeting these qualifications will be grandfathered until they move to a different job.

• Master's degree in a related field specific to hiring college, or higher education in general from an accredited institution.

• Five years’ professional academic advising experience.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Five years' experience working with college students.

• Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including evenings and weekends.

• Professional academic advising experience at WMU.
• Experience with facilitating training on topics related to academic advising, student success and diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating training on unique needs of culturally diverse students, faculty and staff or culturally responsive advising.

Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.

Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.

Revised: 2025-10-31