Associate Director of Exploratory Advising

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number STA00770PO26 Job Family Academic and Career Counseling Job Function Academic Advising USC Market Title Academic Advising Manager Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/131708 Job Level M2 - Managerial Business Title (Internal Title) Associate Director of Exploratory Advising Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division Division of Academic Affairs and Provost Department PROV University Advising Center State Pay Range G10 USC Market Range MRG - $58,934 $73,667 $88,401 Anticipated Hiring Range Salary commensurate with qualifications Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule

• Standard working schedule: 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis 12 months Job Search Category Student Services

About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The Associate Director of Exploratory Advising provides operational leadership for Exploratory Advising and Academic Coaching services, ensuring timely, accurate, and student-centered support for prospective, incoming, and current undergraduate students. The position manages and coordinates academic coaching initiatives, Undergraduate Studies programming, and exploratory advising operations while also leading staff training. In collaboration with the Director and campus partners, the Associate Director uses assessment data to improve services, strengthen student retention and success, and maintain consistent advising policies, procedures, and communications across the university, ensuring the highest level of advisement service for over 5,000 students per year.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 5 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree and 4 years of advising experience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to organize, plan, and facilitate various advising services related to students' academic success is critical.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to plan and execute both short and long-term projects.
• Must have excellent data analysis, reporting, and data visualization skills and working knowledge of reporting software such as Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to prioritize requests, meet time-sensitive deadlines, and communicate clear and accurate information to University constituents.
• Some night and weekend work may be required.
• Ability to use a computer and keyboard for extensive periods.
• Ability to speak and listen effectively.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Coordinate Exploratory Advising and Office Support:Manage and implement advising functions related to advising current students changing majors and advising incoming freshmen and transfer students on major change before/during/after New Student Orientation. Coordinate appointment logistics to meet student need. Manage CRM-Advise campus referrals. Directly manage the Undergraduate Studies program for temporary Undeclared students. Assist the Director with implementation and oversight of the Academic Coaching program for mandated student populations, including policies specifically outlined in the Academic Bulletin that have a direct impact on undergraduate retention and graduation rates. Provide leadership in the ongoing implementation and optimization of current and future advising technologies for the EA office to include CRM-Advise, Banner, My Advising Portal, Self-Service Carolina, and DegreeWorks. Coordinate consistent student-messaging among advisors. Stay abreast of current issues and trends related to college students' academic success and retention through active professional development. Assist the Director in expanding the centralized major change process to all USC colleges/schools, increasing efficiencies and streamlining procedures. Partner with campus offices and colleges/schools to ensure curricular and information accuracy. Oversee the Hardship Withdrawal Consultation program. Oversee the reporting and dissemination of course registration restrictions information to internal staff and campus partners. Oversee the "no show" missed appointment procedure and fee assessment. Hold office hours in evenings and/or participate in campus events on weekends as needed. Perform the duties and responsibilities of the Director in their absence. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty

Advising: Provide Academic Coaching, Undergraduate Studies Advisement and/or change of major advisement to undergraduate students on a regular and as-needed basis (an average of 150-200 hours per semester). Learn curriculum and program requirements for all majors/minors/focus options at USC including academic regulations, university policies/procedures. Serve on-call weekly, manage staff callouts to avoid appointment rescheduling, and provide general support and internal messaging to team regarding any procedural or policy questions related to advising duties.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty

Assessment of EA and Office Support: Assess exploratory advising services, including fill rates, post-appointment surveys, student trend data, and student success metrics that affect university-wide strategic planning. Evaluate and report on major migration patterns that impact enrollment management decisions and course availability/course schedule planning at the department, college, and university level. Develop and implement standard operating procedures for tracking and reporting of longitudinal data. Develop and share reports on appointment no-show rates and staff appointment availability monthly and/or as needed. Produce reports to evaluate impact on undergraduate student retention and EA office services on student success. Assist the Director in development of Exploratory Advising website resources and information. Co-present impact and assessment reports to university partners and wider advising community. Assess training, outreach, and resources related to Exploratory Advising. Identify and implement streamlining efforts and efficiency capabilities of the Exploratory Advising and Academic Coaching Office.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty

Supervision: Hires, supports, evaluates, and oversees training for Exploratory Advisor Is. Uses appropriate management principles according to University policy and procedures, completes EPMS reviews timely and accurately, and monitors employee progress. Provides feedback and communication to assist with employee performance improvement and personal development. Oversee front desk operations. Assist in the creation of On-Call and Drop-In shift rotations as well as staff coverage plans during high-volume advising cycles.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10

Position Attributes

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No Hazardous weather category Non-Essential

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Job Open Date 10/14/2026 Job Close Date 10/28/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by October 28, 2026.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.

Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/214506 EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have at least a Bachelor's degree in a job related field and 5 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience?

• Yes

• No

• • In your experience, what makes an effective academic advisor?

(Open Ended Question)

• • How do you manage people but at the same time also prioritize multiple projects, responsibilities, and other demands on your time?

(Open Ended Question)

• • Define leadership and explain at least three essential qualities of a leader."

(Open Ended Question)

• • Please describe a past experience where you were directly involved with strategic planning utilizing data driven assessment.

(Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents