Assistant Director, GPS Student Advising

Job Title: Assistant Director, Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Student AdvisingDepartment: Enrollment Management - Graduate AdmissionsPosition Reports to: Director, Graduate Enrollment Management Position Class/Position Type: Full Time, Exempt, Primary PositionJob Summary The Assistant Director Graduate and Professional Studies Student Advising will provide guidance to graduate students of Jacksonville University, collaborate with staff and faculty to enact retention strategies, participate in campus-wide events, and serve as an integral part of the Graduate Admission's mission and student's professional and academic growth Supervisory Responsibilities:Sets team performance targets and goals, Interview, hires and trains new staffOversees the daily workflow of the departmentHelps to resolve employee issues and disputesAssesses job performance, and provides constructive feedbackHandles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with university policyApproves time off requests and timesheetsDuties/Responsibilities:Build a partnership with graduate students to clarify their personal, academic, and career goals and articulate expectations of advisor-advisee relationshipDevelop a path to degree completion and implement goal-setting strategiesConduct appointments via web conference and phoneManage communications with graduate students via email and text according to established timelines and the departmental communication planCoach graduate students regarding degree options and academic standing, continuously monitoring their successMaintain timely and accurate notes and records Gain a thorough understanding of course prerequisites, degree equivalents, degree requirements, and University policies to effectively coach students with regard to program and course selectionRespond immediately to at-risk cases, making appropriate referrals to campus support services and resources (i.e. counseling, career planning, tutoring, disability services) and consulting with the departmental directors as neededUtilize Colleague to update academic records, process transfer credits and course substitutions, conduct registration transactions, and process program changesCustomize advising sessions based on the unique needs of each student, applying understanding, compassion, strength-based coaching and competence when working with individuals from diverse backgroundsApply conflict management and conflict resolution skills when working with dissatisfied studentsCollaborate with relevant faculty, staff, and administrators for academic updates and to ensure satisfactory academic progress for all assigned studentsDevelop and facilitate workshops to foster student's professional development and support academic success and retentionProvide opportunities to engage (special) populations (i.e. veterans and international students) and accommodate their unique academic requirementsCollaborate with key departments across campus to enhance student services and the student experienceAssist with implementing retention strategies for studentsParticipate in assessment efforts to gauge the department's performanceAttend recruitment, outreach, and campus activities such as student orientations and CommencementRequired Skills/Abilities:Excellent supervisory skillsAbility to establish and maintain positive and professional relationships with advisees, faculty, and staffDemonstrate a strong desire and ability to coach, motivate, and support studentsUnderstand and be sensitive to the needs of a diverse and non-traditional population of studentsCommunicate clearly, concisely and persuasively in oral and written forms.Demonstrate group presentation skillsEarn trust and maintain confidentialityWork strategically and take initiativeExercise sound judgment in decision making and problem solvingManage multiple projects and work assignments within established time framesWork independently and collaborate within a teamWork occasionally on weekends and eveningsDemonstrate competence and skills with adopting and learning new technologiesHigh proficiency with MS Office and Salesforce with a willingness to efficiently learn new technologies Education, Certificates, Licenses, and Experience:Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and experienceExperience working in a graduate academic setting, in a business school, with students who are professional working adults, and/or with international students is preferred.3+ years of successful work in a University and/or advising role Physical Requirements:Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach.Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines.Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phoneImportant Note:This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs. To Apply: Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume, cover letter, and list of references with this application.

Created: 2026-04-02