New

Director of Academic Advising

Bethel University
United States, Minnesota, St. Paul
Jan 25, 2026
Director of Academic Advising Position Overview With oversight of the full advising experience from entry to graduation, the Director of Academic Advising supervises professional advising staff and partners with the faculty advising liaison to provide leadership to the college advising community. The Director provides institutional leadership for academic advising across Bethel University, overseeing Early College, undergraduate (traditional and online), graduate, and Seminary students. The Director sets and advances a shared advising vision aligned with the university's student success goals and leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of a cohesive, outcomes-driven advising strategy that supports retention, persistence, and degree completion. The Director collaborates closely with faculty stakeholders within the colleges/schools and offices across campus (e.g., Admissions, Academic Support Services, Student Life, Career Development & Calling, Accessibility Resources and Services, Registrar, and Financial Aid) to ensure coordinated, student-centered advising practices. The Director fosters innovation, aligns advising policy and practice with current research and best practices in student retention and completion, and represents Bethel's advising vision internally and externally. Primary Responsibilities Set University-Wide Vision and Strategy for Academic Advising Develop and lead a university-wide advising vision and strategic plan aligned with Bethel's student success goals and grounded in NACADA standards and student development theory, supporting retention, persistence, and completion. Advance advising initiatives and contribute to enrollment strategies to expand access and increase enrollment Foster a safe, inclusive, and student-centered advising culture that advances inclusive excellence. Lead an Integrated and Inclusive Advising Experience Coordinate across academic and administrative units to ensure holistic, seamless student support throughout the advising lifecycle. Collaborate and maintain professional relationships with faculty and campus partners to align advising efforts and student success initiatives. Contribute to university-wide recruitment and new student orientation efforts, ensuring appropriate advising leadership and staffing support. Oversee Advising Operations, Staff, and Resources Provide direct supervision and leadership to Advising Unit Leads (Early College, Undergraduate-traditional and fully online, and Graduate/Seminary), including consultation on complex advising cases. Manage designated advising budgets and contribute to institutional financial planning in collaboration with budget managers. Direct Advising Communication, Representation, and Collaboration Lead internal communication related to academic advising, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment across advising units and campus partners. Ensure consistent advising practices and interpretation of academic policies through shared communication, training, and documentation. Oversee external advising communications in partnership with Marketing-including advising web content and studentfacing messaging-while ensuring timely, accurate communication to students about curriculum changes, academic policies, and advising updates, and proactively conveying advising services, outcomes, and effectiveness to current and prospective students and campus stakeholders. Ensure Assessment, Compliance, and Continuous Improvement Lead the assessment, collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to advising effectiveness, student engagement, and student advising outcomes. Use the data for continuous improvement and to guide professional development. Prepare and archive annual reports summarizing key performance indicators related to student experience and success, enrollment, financial outcomes, and overall advising performance for senior leadership. Ensure that advising policies and practices comply with specialized accreditation standards, as well as all federal and state laws, system policies and regulations, HLC regulations, and university rules, procedures, guidelines, and directives. Qualifications Education: Master's degree in applicable field required Experience: Minimum 5 years of strong advising experience in higher education, preferably across modality and degree levels Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience Experience leading strategic initiatives that impact enrollment, student success, or program growth. Experience managing budgets Experience working with multiple stakeholders across an institution or organization. Strong familiarity with student information systems and student success/retention platforms Demonstrated ability to develop and use data-analytics to inform and guide practices. Demonstrated ability to build/maintain a collaborative team environment Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Student-centered approach: Deep commitment to creating transformative, mission-aligned student experiences. In-depth understanding of student development theories and how they apply to academic advising and student success initiatives. Strategic leadership: Ability to set vision, develop strategy, and implement innovative initiatives across complex organizations. Skilled at prioritizing and advancing multiple initiatives in a dynamic environment. Skills in change management and strategic planning. Relationship building: Skilled at cultivating partnerships with staff, administrators, faculty, and students. Demonstrated commitment to listening, learning, and integrating diverse perspectives Regulatory knowledge: Understanding, or proven ability to learn, and accurate application of federal, state, and institutional policy, and accreditation regulations related to academic advising. Financial acumen: Ability to manage budgets and contribute to revenue and enrollment planning. Communication excellence: Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills for diverse audiences, including the ability to utilize social media Collaborative influence: Ability to lead through collaboration and cross-departmental coordination rather than direct supervision. Analytical ability: Proficiency in using and communicating data for program evaluation, decision-making, and continuous improvement. Technological Knowledge and Application: Ability to strategically and responsibly leverage current and emerging technologies-including AI-to support academic advising, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement, while anticipating and guiding future innovation. Benefits Bethel is committed to offering meaningful benefits to our employees including health insurance, retirement plans, and a generous time off package. Learn more about these offerings here. Learn more about our commitment to diversity in hiring . Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time About Bethel University Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with approximately 4,700 students from 50 states and 32 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bethel offers bachelor's and advanced degrees in nearly 100 fields. Educationally excellent classroom-based and online programs equip graduates to make exceptional contributions in life-long service to God and the world. Bethel University's Christ-centered mission includes a commitment to equal educational opportunity and equal employment opportunity. Bethel does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, or age in its admissions, educational programs, or employment practices. $ATSSalary To apply, visit https://ats.rippling.com/bethel-university-staff/jobs/4f0c2e11-9f21-407f-b7e9-cda8cab252a7 jeid-ffbeea0e322bbd4ea2d312ebd0862ed2