Vanderbilt University

Position Summary:

The Program Manager, Academic Advising, oversees Pre-Major Advising in the College of Arts and Science. In conjunction with college leadership, this position is responsible for the advising program's leadership, operation, and further development. The Program Manager is responsible for leading and managing professional advising staff; they will support department staff members by providing timely performance feedback, coaching toward professional goals, and opportunities for professional development. This role requires collaboration with faculty and staff from departments across campus to foster a college-wide supportive atmosphere for first- and second-year students. The position reports functionally to a faculty administrator in the Office of Academic Services and organizationally to the Senior Program & Projects Manager, Academic Affairs.

This is an on-campus position, where in-office presence is required for at least 4 days per week. A work from home option may be available 1 day per week.

About the Work Unit:

Pre-Major Advising is the primary advising for students upon matriculation through major declaration (all incoming first-years and roughly 25% of second year students). This office reports under Academic Affairs in the College of Arts & Science Dean’s Office and regularly collaborates with the Office of Academic Services and the A&S College Core. The office is dedicated to helping pre-major students in the College of Arts and Science define their academic and future interests. Our dedicated academic advisers provide specialized support as students navigate course selection, choosing a major, and understanding university policies.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Supervision – 40%

• Supervise and mentor a team of dedicated academic advisors, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure the delivery of exceptional services to pre-major students.
• Oversee the full employee life cycle (recruitment, hiring, onboarding, professional development, disciplinary action, offboarding) for advising staff.
• Develop comprehensive training programs for new employees, ensuring they possess

essential institutional knowledge, understand academic advising core competencies, and

guide professional growth.

• Coach and mentor staff, fostering their professional growth and goal development.
• Cultivate a positive, growth-oriented office culture while supporting staff in handling complex

student situations.

• Lead and supervise the advising team, ensuring consistent service delivery aligned with

student needs and institutional priorities.

Administrative – 40%

• Set and reinforce standards for high-quality academic advising in service to undergraduate

student success.

• Assess and evaluate student learning outcomes (SLOs); design and implement advisor

learning outcomes (ALOs).

• Collaborate with other advisers to create, maintain, and improve online orientation materials

for students using the Brightspace Learning Management System.

• Foster collaborations with faculty, departments, and university stakeholders to enhance

academic opportunities for pre-major students.

• Work closely with faculty and departmental staff to create a supportive environment for premajor

students, fostering partnerships that enhance academic opportunities.

• Utilize data-driven insights to assess the effectiveness of advising programs and initiatives.
• Implement improvements based on assessment outcomes to enhance student outcomes and

experiences.

• Serve as an advocate for pre-major students within the College, representing their needs and

concerns to relevant stakeholders.

• Act as a liaison between students, faculty, and administration.
• Manage the advising program's resources, including budget, supplies, and administrative

tasks, ensuring efficient operations.

Advising – 20%

• Meet with students with questions about semester and degree requirements.
• Provide clear information about A&S undergraduate academic policy and procedure, including

A&S core liberal arts curriculum.

• Accurately document advising conversations noting expectations, recommendations, and

next steps for students.

• Participate in professional development activities to remain competent and informed of the

most effective advising techniques and theories.

• Handle and maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information, including student health

and personal information.

• Provide strategic individual and group advising.
• Track students' progress to ensure they are meeting key benchmarking dates.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position is the primary supervisor for Pre-Major Advisors. This position reports

functionally to a faculty leader in the Office of Academic Services, College of Arts & Science

and administratively to the Senior Program & Projects Manager for Academic Affairs.

Education and Certifications:

• A Master’s degree and relevant experience in academic advising or program management

is preferred.

• A Bachelor’s degree is necessary.

Experience and Skills:

• 4 years of experience in student advising or support services, including counseling,

educational programming, working with faculty and employers, and administrative

responsibilities is necessary.

• 3 years of experience in student advising, career counseling, human resources, or an

equivalent setting is preferred.

• Excellent interpersonal written and oral communications skills are necessary.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information is

necessary.

• Ability to analyze and solve problems is necessary.
• Ability to analyze course prerequisites, certification, and/or curriculum/graduation

requirements is necessary.

• Ability to evaluate student transcripts and/or records is necessary.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills are necessary.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills are necessary.
• Records maintenance skills are necessary.
• Understanding of Student Information Privacy Laws and Ethics including FERPA is necessary
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports is necessary.
• Ability to work both as a member of a team and independently is necessary.
• Knowledge of student success and retention issues is preferred.
• Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate multiple projects is preferred.
• Knowledge of student success and retention issues is preferred.
• Microsoft Office proficiency (including Word and Excel) is required.
• Experience with REDCap is a plus.
• Experience with dashboard/data management is preferred.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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