The Director of Academic and Career Advising provides leadership, vision, and organizational oversight for UNE’s undergraduate advising operations, guiding the day-to-day management of the Academic and Career Advising Center (ACAC). In this role, the Director is responsible for deep knowledge of academic curricula, policies, and best practices in academic and career advising, serving as a central resource for staff and faculty advisors.
Advancing academic and career advising as a key driver of student retention is a primary focus of this position. By fostering close collaboration with undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, as well as with student support units and other critical university partners, the Director supports the development of advising strategies that enhance student success and engagement. Drawing insights from ACAC operations, the Director will make informed recommendations to the Associate Provost for Student Success and other university advisory bodies on policies, budget, personnel, and programmatic needs relevant to advising services.
The Director leverages national best practices alongside UNE-specific data insights to drive continuous improvement in professional advising services. By ensuring ACAC staff deliver high-quality, integrated support, the Director plays a vital role in fostering an advising environment that holistically promotes both academic success and career readiness for UNE students.
About the University of New England
UNE is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to positively impact a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts.
Benefits Overview
- Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage.
- Up to 8% retirement plan match.
- Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year.
- Educational benefits:
- UNE tuition waiver for employees, spouses, and domestic partners.
- UNE tuition waiver for dependents of employees with 1 year of full-time service.
- 50% tuition reduction if less than 1 year of full-time service.
For more information about our outstanding benefits, please visit: UNE Benefits Overview.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Operational Oversight
- Lead, supervise, and support ACAC staff in delivering high-quality academic and career advising aligned with the university’s goals for student success and retention.
- Develop and manage annual budgets for the Center, ensuring compliance with university policies and efficient use of resources.
- Work with the Associate Provost for Student Success to establish strategic plans, assess outcomes, and develop data-driven improvements for advising services.
Advising Strategy and Implementation
- Oversee and uphold an integrated academic and career advising model, ensuring alignment with best practices and UNE’s advising philosophy.
- Collaborate with campus partners, including academic departments, IT, Admissions, Registrar, Financial Services, and Residence Life, to deliver cohesive advising services and foster student success.
- Support and enhance ACAC’s use of CRM Advise and other platforms in coordination with the Senior Director of Operations, facilitating efficient tracking and support of student progress.
Relationship Building and Outreach
- Serve as a key liaison between ACAC, faculty, and staff, fostering collaborative relationships that advance advising work and student retention efforts.
- Communicate the mission and goals of ACAC effectively to internal and external constituencies, enhancing the Center’s visibility and partnerships across the university community.
- Represent ACAC in orientation planning, student events, and campus-wide initiatives that support student engagement and academic achievement.
Student Support and Intervention
- Ensure advisors provide timely and accurate information to students regarding academic programs, career pathways, and preparation for professional programs.
- Track and assess student progress, guiding advisors in providing individualized academic support, referrals, and resources that foster student success.
- Collaborate with the Director of Interventions and Student Success to develop, execute, and monitor strategic student interventions delivered through ACAC.
Staff Development and Other Responsibilities
- Implement national best practices and data-informed insights to enhance the quality and effectiveness of advising services.
- Lead the development and implementation of training programs and resources for staff and faculty advisors; cultivate a high-performing team and foster professional growth.
- Coordinate ACAC staff travel, professional development, and training opportunities that align with divisional goals.
- Serve on university committees as needed.
Qualifications
Master’s degree (in a relevant field) required plus 5-7 years of progressive responsibility in academic and/or career advising, with experience in people and change management within a higher education setting. Proven record of success leading advising or other teams and building cross-functional partnerships within a university or like environment.
- Integrated Advising Expertise: Strong background in both academic and career advising, with an understanding of best practices for integrated student support.
- Data-Informed Decision-Making: Ability to interpret and apply data insights to guide advising strategy and assess program outcomes effectively.
- Technology and CRM Familiarity: Experience as an end-user or administrator of CRM systems (preferably Navigate or CRM Advise), with knowledge of how technology enhances student advising.
- Interpersonal and Team Leadership: Skilled in rallying and supporting diverse teams, fostering collaboration, and building a positive work environment that drives toward office and institutional goals.
- Communication and Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty, academic departments, and university administration to advance ACAC’s mission.