Lead Advisor/Retention Specialist (Director of First Year Experience)

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit:

The Bronco One Stop is a centralized space for students to access common student services to strengthen their ability to navigate Fayetteville State University. The goal of Bronco One Stop is to enhance the student experience with the application process, academic records, financial aid, making payments, speaking with an advisor to register for classes, gaining assistance with degree planning, receiving academic support, and navigating university resources. Fayetteville State University First Year Experience mission is to ensure that every first-year student is given access to academic support and campus engagement opportunities to create an enriched college experience. The First-year experience office delivers high quality services by providing support with educational planning, course selection, resource awareness, and success strategies.

Primary Purpose of the Position:

The Director of the First Year Experience coordinates and provides leadership for the successful conceptualization and implementation of an integrated first-year experience program; coordinates appropriate instruction (i.e. UNIV), instructional support (i.e. learning center) and student services support to meet the needs of first year and/or high risk students; enhances service to programs and its participants in order to enhance student success; and provide direction to college-wide, cross-functional efforts that promotes student learning, persistence, retention, and academic success during students' first year of matriculation.

Master's degree from an accredited institution with least 2 years' work experience in higher education. or other counseling related area. 2 years of experience in academic advising, counseling, admissions, enrollment management, or student affairs.

This position must have a general understanding of higher education and student development theory. The position must have excellent written and oral communication skills, combined with effective organizational skills as required to supervise several different programs. The position must be able to use effectively computer software such as Microsoft Office, EAB, Degree Works, Starfish, Canvas, Banner.

Knowledge of best practices in higher education for enhancing student academic skills; a thorough familiarity with the university catalog is essential for optimum performance of the responsibilities of this position; knowledge of current advising and registration technology; a working knowledge of the Transfer Articulation Agreement between the NC Community College System and the UNC Constituent institutions; broad knowledge of Admissions, Registration, Financial Aid, and bill payment processes to answer basic questions about these processes and direct students to appropriate resources as necessary; and student development/engagement, academic advising, early alert intervention, and working with high-risk students from diverse backgrounds.

Communication skills to explain, write, advocate for, and report on the needs of the program and academic outcomes; interpersonal skills to interact effectively with students, staff, and faculty; proficient use of computers, student success technology, Microsoft Office, and Zoom/ TEAMS; help students navigate the various platforms available to them (i.e., Banner, Microsoft Outlook, and Canvas). must be attentive to detail, possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize while multi-tasking and manage tasks in an efficient and timely manner.

The ability to respond effectively to unexpected events and make adjustments in plans as needed; listen and analyze academic needs; generate reports on academic progression; navigate student records; answer basic questions about processes and direct students to appropriate resources as necessary; occasional evening and weekend work required; and a viable candidate must comprehend and abide by federal and university student confidentiality requirements; establish and maintain productive working relationships; promote positive morale and teamwork within the department and provides exceptional customer service to students, faculty and community. Ability to function effectively with ambiguity and transition in an environment of dynamic academic program evolution. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and work occasionally after 5:00pm and on weekends (especially during peak times).

Please make sure that the work history listed on your application is identical to the work history listed on your resume. The application must be filled out completely, Do Not Use the phrase "see resume."
Please list at least three (3) professional references to include a current supervisor. References will only be contact if you are selected for the position and with your permission.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified prior to employment. Transcripts should be provided for all earned degrees and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements. Transcript requests are the responsibility of the candidate.

This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable).

Fayetteville State University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, political affiliation or sexual orientation. Moreover, Fayetteville State University values diversity and actively seeks to recruit talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.

Fayetteville State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.