Academic Advising Operations & Strategy Director

Job Summary

The Academic Advising Operations & Strategy Director is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and continuous improvement of advisor development, assessment, advising operations, and advising technology initiatives within University Advising Services (UAS). Leverages subject matter expertise to ensure the delivery of high-quality advising practices that advance the university's strategic objectives.

This position provides departmental leadership for onboarding, professional development, assessment, operational effectiveness, and technology adoption and utilization efforts that enhance advisor performance, support data-informed decision making, and advance student success. The Academic Advising Operations & Strategy Director serves as a key resource and subject matter expert for advising practices, advisor competency development, assessment, and organizational effectiveness and utilizes resources and administrative processes to ensure that goals and objectives of the program are accomplished.

FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Provides strategic oversight for advisor development, assessment, advising operations, and continuous improvement initiatives across University Advising Services.
• Serves as the departmental lead for advising technology adoption and continuous improvement, collaborating with campus partners to maximize effectiveness and user engagement
• Develops communication strategies, training resources, and implementation plans that support successful adoption of advising systems, tools, and operational processes
• Provides strategic oversight for advising technology implementation, utilization, training, and assessment efforts.
• Develops, implements, and continuously evaluates a comprehensive advising talent development framework that supports onboarding, training, professional development, competencies, continuous learning, innovation, performance expectations, and promotion standards across University Advising Services.
• Designs, delivers, and evaluates training programs focused on advising best practices, student success coaching, institutional policies, advising technologies, and emerging trends in higher education.
• Directs the work and outcomes of departmental working groups focused on professional development, assessment, technology, and advisor onboarding to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and operational goals.
• Identifies organizational development needs and implements initiatives that strengthen advisor effectiveness, consistency of practice, and service quality across advising units.
• Develops, administers, and evaluates assessment frameworks that measure advising effectiveness, advisor engagement, professional development outcomes, operational performance, and student success indicators.
• Oversees the collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication of assessment and operational data to support strategic planning, accreditation efforts, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Produces reports, dashboards, presentations, and recommendations that inform decision-making and support departmental and institutional priorities.
• Evaluates advising processes and operational practices and recommends improvements that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, consistency, and student outcomes.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative partnerships with Academic Affairs, Institutional Research, Enrollment Management, Career Services, Information Technology Services, and other university stakeholders to advance advising and student success initiatives. Represents University Advising Services on university committees, cross-functional initiatives, and institutional projects related to advising, assessment, student success, and operational effectiveness.

Other Duties:

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either ten years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Master's degree from an accredited institution in Education, Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Organizational Development, Data Analytics, or closely related field and four years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Experience in academic advising or a related student services role.
• Experience in developing and implementing training, professional development, or assessment activities.
• Experience using assessment methodologies and data analysis techniques.
• Experience leveraging technology to assist with assessment, training and professional development efforts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting or leading training for professional staff in higher education
• Experience with advising technologies, CRM systems, or student success platforms.
• Experience with change management, technology adoption, or process improvement initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to the position.
• Knowledge of academic advising practices, student success frameworks, and coordinated care models in higher education.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Skill in designing, delivering, and evaluating training and professional development programs for professional staff.
• Skill in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to assess program effectiveness and inform improvements.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in advising software, learning management systems, and data visualization tools.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to understand, interpret, apply, and explain policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage and coordinate assignments to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently to complete assignments.
• Ability to provide professional customer service.
• Ability to present to large groups.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
• Ability to interpret assessment results and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Ability to adapt training and development approaches based on evolving institutional needs and advising trends.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation:

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Pay Grade 20

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.