Assistant Director, Center for Advising, Retention and Student Success

Position Details

• Position: Assistant Director, Center for Advising, Retention and Student Success
• Location: Columbia, MO
• Job Id: 2672
• # of Openings: 1
• Department: Center for Advising, Retention and Student Success
• Type: Staff, Full-Time
• Pay: $55,000 per year
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Summary

The Assistant Director provides operational support and leadership in the Center for Advising, Retention and Student Success which is comprehensive, student-centered one stop shop that integrates registration, financial aid, billing and advising services at Columbia College. The Assistant Director assists in managing daily operations, coordinating student services, and overseeing a subset of staff to ensure high-quality advising and retention initiatives. The Assistant Director collaborates with leadership to enhance student persistence, degree completion and overall success through proactive and data-informed strategies.

Essential Functions

• Perform job duties in accordance with Columbia College’s vision, mission and values, and contribute to the development of the Enrollment Services Department.
• Supervise and support a designated team within the Center, ensuring effective advising, coaching and student support services.
• Position is approximately 40% direct supervision, staff support, collaboration and administrative support, 25% implementation and tracking student success initiatives, and 35% enrollment support which includes caseload management.
• Implement and oversee advising and coaching strategies that support student retention, persistence and graduation.
• Manage an assigned caseload of students, providing support and guidance to promote retention, persistence and degree completion.
• Assist in implementation of student success initiatives, tracking progress and ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
• Work closely with leadership team in the Center for Advising, Retention and Student Success as well as leadership within Enrollment Management & Marketing to deliver initiatives supporting long term goals in retention and recruitment.
• Support the execution of strategic initiatives by managing day-to-day tasks, gathering data, and ensuring timeline communication with Directors and Sr. Director.
• Provide daily operational support for advising and success services, helping resolve escalated student concerns, and ensuring staff deliver consistent, student-centered support.
• Support technology integration efforts that enhance case management, student communication, and service efficiency.
• Coordinate professional development opportunities for staff focusing on student-centered approaches and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the implementation of appreciative advising and coaching models to support students.
• Assist in managing budget allocations and expenditures related to advising and student support initiatives.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to staff, ensuring proper caseload management and adherence to student success frameworks.
• Respond to student inquiries, referrals, and concerns across multiple service channels, ensuring timely and effective resolutions.
• Assist with evaluating policies and procedures to improve the student experience and operational efficiency.
• Support the execution of institutional retention and recruitment strategies in collaboration with the leadership team.
• Monitor and assess student success data to inform decision-making and program improvements.
• Represent the Center for Advising, Retention and Student Success at institutional meetings, committees and events.
• Assist with hiring and other personnel matters within the department.
• Execute performance evaluations and feedback and work scheduling.
• Facilitate team members responding and referrals for students seeking assistance through multiple service channels.
• Coordinate and refine training in best practices for phone support, case management, and walk-in services to enhance student support and promote continued enrollment.
• Engage in professional associations and activities that promote student-centered processes, communication and support.
• Display respect and civility to all constituencies regardless of method of communication.
• Attend work timely and during the established hours of operation on a regular basis; work additional hours as business necessitates.
• Actively seeks to understand not only our role in the college, but of other departments on campus so we can better serve students.
• Demonstrate professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
• Successfully complete all Human Resources, Technology Services, and other annual training as needed.
• Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

Yes: Center for Advising, Retention and Student Success

Position reports to

Senior Director of Center for Advising, Retention and Student Success

Required Core Competencies and Professional Experience

• Ability to fluently read, write, and understand the English language.
• Proficiency with the following but not limited to: active listening; speaking; writing; critical thinking; judgment and decision making; monitoring; reading comprehension; time management; coordination; and management of personnel resources.
• Proficiency for using a variety of computer and technology-related software and equipment, including Microsoft Office products and database systems.
• Proficiency in using web-based technologies, including database systems.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, with or without direct supervision.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to student success, retention and degree completion through proactive advising and support strategies.
• Ability to lead and mentor staff, fostering professional growth, accountability, and collaboration.
• Effectively works with faculty, academic departments, students affairs, and other campus partners to integrate advising and student success initiatives.
• Navigates complex student concerns, policy interpretations, and operational challenges with a solution-focused approach.
• Organizes, implements, and assesses advising and coaching initiatives to improve student engagement and retention.
• Minimum of three years progressive experience in academic advising, student success or related field, preferably a higher education setting.

Preferred Core Competencies and Professional Experience

• Experience in student recruitment and retention efforts.
• Familiarity with student information systems, advising software, CRM tools, and data visualization platforms.
• Experience with appreciative advising, intrusive advising or other student success coach models.
• Knowledge of financial aid, registration or other enrollment-related student services.
• Experience working with varied student populations including first generation students, transfer students, adult learners and graduate students.
• Supervisory or leadership experience.

Required Level of Education

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Level of Education

Master's Degree

Special Requirements

• Must meet and maintain requirements as an approved driver for Columbia College.
• Valid US State Driver License.
• Some evening and weekend work required.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals seeking accommodation should contact the Human Resources Department without delay. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, talk, and hear. The employee is required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crawl. Employee must be able to type on a computer keyboard and use a computer monitor on a regular basis.

Work Conditions

The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions; however, possible exposure to hazards and personal safety risks may occur while operating certain equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually mild.

Background Check

The offer of employment and assignment to duties is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check. The information may include, but is not limited to, academic, residential, achievement, performance, attendance, disciplinary, employment history, credit history, driving history, and criminal history of public record.

Equal Opportunity

Columbia College is an equal opportunity employer.

Columbia College is committed to creating an inclusive employee experience for all regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability. The college maintains a safe place for open discourse and overall, fosters a sense of community that welcomes everyone.

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