Summary/Objective

This position provides a holistic perspective in assisting first year students by incorporating their academic, social, cultural, and psychological adjustment to university life. This position instructs three sections of American University Experience I (AUx1) (1.5 credits each) in the fall semester and two sections of American University Experience II (AUx2) (1.5 credits each) in the spring semester. This position concurrently provides year-long professional academic advising and support to undergraduate students enrolled in their assigned sections of AUx1 during the students’ first academic year. The caseload for the Assistant Director is determined by enrollments in their sections of AUx1 courses. Under the general supervision of the Director of First Year Advising, FYA Assistant Director is responsible for managing a team of five to six full-time employees. This position works under general supervision and is expected to exercise professional judgment in all aspects of the position and has broad decision-making authority subject to review by the Director, First Year Advising.

Essential Functions

1. Instruct AUx Classes: Instruct three 75-minute classes of approximately 19 students each week in the Fall and two 75-minute classes of approximately 19 students each week in the Spring semesters. Synthesize and analyze assigned articles and online content; compile supplementary readings and research to inform classroom instruction. Prepare weekly lesson plans including dialogue facilitation and active learning components adhering and not altering the standardized curriculum, AUx program policies, and grading rubrics. Hold office hours (approximately 5 hours each week) with students to assist students in understanding course content, discuss assignments, course materials, and individual student concerns. Meet individually with one to three Peer Leaders each week per semester to discuss teaching plans and activities as well as individual student concerns. Evaluate student performance and provide meaningful and useful feedback to students regarding their performance on written assignments through Learning Management System. Assess students on participation and classroom activities/discussion.

2. Academic Advising: Advise and counsel approximately 60 undergraduate students utilizing knowledge of each students’ background and strengths obtained from individual weekly interactions, reading their reflective writings, and observation of their performance in class discussions and related activities. Support and teach students to develop competencies in decision making; conflict resolution; time management; stress management and goal setting. Assist students with academic and social adjustment issues, making appropriate referrals to campus partners. Communicate and coordinate with faculty regarding students in academic distress; and with other University departments that support students. These include but are not limited to those units that support: living learning communities, athletes, international students, first generation students, students of color, students with learning disabilities, honor students, and other unique populations of students; make appropriate referrals to other University student services; monitor and evaluate each student’s academic progress throughout their first academic year; assist students with understanding degree requirements, University policies, academic regulations, and selection and registration of courses; maintain accurate record of advising meetings for student files; make recommendations to VPUG regarding exceptions to academic regulations, academic warnings, probations, and dismissals; provide recommendations and solutions to streamline advising processes that improve students’ academic experience and address their developmental needs.

Essential Functions (cont.)

3. Management & Supervision: Responsible for hiring, training, and directing the work of five to six (5-6) full-time employees. Responsible for coaching, mentoring, providing regular feedback, managing performance, conducting performance evaluations for staff that report tothe position. Works to build trust, cohesion, and alignment between direct reports, between teams in the unit, and the unit’s leadership.

4. Academic and Programmatic Planning: Plan and participate in on-campus recruitment and conversion events, including leading presentations for both students and parents; create, implement, and deliver academic workshops for new students. Works collaboratively with the AUx Team, academic units, and other campus partners to identify and develop experiential education programs and other special initiatives that enhance the professional, intellectual, career, leadership, and personal development of undergraduate students.

Work Environment

• The Assistant Director, First Year Advising reports to the Director, First Year Advising. Reporting directly to this position are five to six (5-6) AUx Instructor and Advisors.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full time
• Sr. Coordinator/Analyst A
• Non-Exempt
• Currently allowing for full telework (Subject to change due to COVID-19 circumstances)
• Position works Monday through Friday. Standard business hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm, but exact schedule may vary each semester (fall and spring) based on time courses meet.

Salary Range

• $65,000 – $75,000 annually

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s degree
• 5-8 years of relevant experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Terminal degree
• Working in an environment striving to incorporate anti-racist practices
• Ability to represent diverse opinions
• Demonstrated commitment to servant and transformational leadership
• Experience identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills, including leadership development
• Experience teaching and advising undergraduate students, particularly first-year students.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Minimum of five to seven years’ experience providing advising or student services support in higher education. Must be able to obtain and maintain an adjunct faculty appointment. Teaching or small group facilitation experience with undergraduate students and strong student support focus required.
• Significant supervisory experience required, including demonstrated ability to provide and willingness to receive effective feedback. Demonstrated consideration for, knowledge of, and experience working with and managing a diverse team.
• Leading and supporting a diverse team. Active listening skills — giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, and asking questions as appropriate.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• Demonstrated public speaking ability and excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills with multiple demonstrated cultural competencies (LGBTQ, International, first-generation, socioeconomic class differences, students of color) to serve a diverse student population is required.
• Attention to detail and results orientation are required, along with initiative, drive, flexibility, and ability to excel in a multicultural environment.

Benefits

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