Associate Director for Academic Success and Advising

Location: Northfield, VT Category: Staff Posted On: Thu Dec Job Description:

Fulfills the mission of Norwich University by being responsible for leading the Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) advising and academic success coaching programs. Supervises and mentors the team of academic advisors, success coaches, and peer mentors who provide direct support to residential, commuter, and Flexible Pathways students. Serves as CASA's lead resource for academic advising and student success strategies, building a cohesive and collaborative team culture while ensuring timely and appropriate interventions based on data insights provided by the Associate Director of Student Retention and Data. Manages CASA's day-to-day operations and fosters a welcoming, inclusive community that supports all students in achieving their academic goals.

This is a full-time, in-person position that may require weekend, evening, and other scheduling.

Essential Functions

• Collaborates with the CASA/IITL Director and Associate Director of Student Retention and Data to develop, coordinate, and assess programs and services intended to promote student academic success, retention, and graduation.
• Provides direct supervision, leadership, and professional development to CASA's team of academic advisors, success coaches, and peer mentors, fostering a collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Conducts regular individual and team meetings to ensure staff are well-trained and supported in their advising, registration, and student engagement work.
• Serves as CASA's lead resource for comprehensive academic advising, modeling best practices and mentoring staff in effective advising strategies that promote student autonomy and success.
• Provides direct advising and support to students as needed, particularly in complex cases or during peak demand periods, demonstrating expertise in supporting diverse student populations.
• Collaborates with advisors, success coaches, and peer mentors to support students who require additional assistance, including those identified for early intervention through data analysis.
• Engages in professional development to stay abreast of best practices in the field of academic advising, higher education learning support, and academic achievement.
• Trains and supports staff in the effective use of student success technologies, ensuring consistent and strategic utilization across the team.
• Collaborates with the Associate Director for Student Retention and Data to optimize technology platforms, respond to data insights, and ensure timely follow-up on student alerts and interventions.
• Engages with the Office of the Provost, Dean of Students, the Advising Coordinator, College Deans, Department Chairs/School Directors, and faculty and staff colleagues to develop responsive advising support and coordinate care for students with emerging or complex needs.
• Provides the Director with regular updates on team activities, student trends, and staff development needs, as well as a comprehensive annual report.
• Engages in professional development to stay abreast of best practices in academic advising, student success coaching, retention strategies, and student development theory.
• Works collaboratively and professionally with CASA/IITL colleagues to execute the Center's mission through specific tasks determined by the Director.
• Identifies and creates opportunities for ongoing professional development for staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
• Liaises with a broad range of Norwich campus offices, including but not limited to the Office of the Provost, College Deans, Department Chairs and School Directors, the Admissions Office, the Commandant of Cadets, the Dean of Students Office, the Advising Coordinator, the Norwich University Counseling and Wellness Center, Student Health Services, Residence Life, Athletics, and the Registrar's Office.

Other Functions

• Assesses the performance of direct reports and provides frequent feedback to optimize their performance.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive or private information.
• Communicates with employees, students, and others in a respectful and clear manner.
• Serves on University committees, councils, workgroups, or other designated bodies as assigned.
• Achieves, maintains proficiency in, and utilizes computers, telephones, and other job-related equipment, including related systems and software.
• Speaks, reads, and writes in English.
• Communicates by telephone, email, letter, in person, or other means or device.
• Performs other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Job Requirements:

• Master's degree in a related field (such as higher education, student affairs, counseling, educational leadership, or education)
• 2 years of experience in academic advising, student success coaching, or related student support services at the university level
• Demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience, with evidence of building collaborative and supportive work environments
• Strong expertise in comprehensive academic advising practices and student development theory
• Proven ability to effectively use student success technologies (such as CRM systems, early alert platforms, degree audit tools) to support advising and intervention efforts
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to build relationships and foster community among students and staff
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook) required.
• Able to sit, squat, reach, push, pull, and manipulate related equipment; lift 15 pounds; travel outdoors to various parts of the campus
• Work evening or weekend hours

Environmental Conditions

• Indoor work at a computer workstation
• Low level of exposure to noise, dust, fumes, vibrations, and temperature changes.

Additional Information:

Norwich University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a positive education and work environment that recognizes and respects the dignity of all students, faculty and staff. Reasonable accommodations will be made for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant. Please contact the Office of Human Resources at for assistance.

All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring immigration sponsorship, including but not limited to non-immigrant visas such as H1B, STEM, or F1, now or in the future. A post offer, pre-employment background check will be required of the successful candidate.