About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Inclusive Excellence Statement
At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the About Benefits section on the Applicant Portal at uscjobs.sc.edu.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The Associate Director (AD) of DMSB Academic Advising will manage a comprehensive, four-year advising model in the Darla Moore School of Business. Supervising a team of Undergraduate Academic Advisors, this position will oversee required advisement of DMSB undergraduate students every semester from new student orientation to graduation. The AD supervises a team of professional staff academic advisors to ensure assigned Undergraduate Academic Advisors (UAAs) are trained and certified to provide undergraduate students comprehensive advising. Special emphasis includes first-year student/pre-business advisement, transfer advisement, academic/curriculum guidance, experiential learning, and career readiness. The AD also manages and assesses DMSB’s implementation of strategic priorities including utilization of caseload management/scheduling software, DegreeWorks degree audit, academic intervention and outreach, assessment, and holistic advising practices. This position will carry a caseload of advisees and supports college-specific operations determined by DMSB leadership.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree and 3 years related experience, or bachelor’s degree and 5 years related experience
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree and 3 years advising experience. Previous experience supervising staff is preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
The position requires knowledge of undergraduate advising practices and student service as well as experience with technology. Strong critical thinking, communication, and supervisory skills, as well as the ability to work independently while developing strong collaborative relationships with campus partners. Ability to possess thorough knowledge of University policy, procedures, and functions. Excellent verbal, written and oral communication skills. Ability to possess a high level of organizational and coordination skills. Ability to maintain flexibility and professional image while providing leadership under stressful conditions, deadlines, and constant changing schedules. Ability to exercise a high level of confidentiality and independent initiative and judgement. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Strong supervisory and mentorship skills.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Four-Year Advising Management & Assessment: Manage a team of DMSB Undergraduate Academic Advisors to academically advise DMSB students from new student orientation to graduation. Ensure undergraduate advisors follow institutional and national best practices for advising. Monitor DMSB progress towards university strategic priorities including advisor engagement with academic intervention, assessment, and holistic advising to include academic guidance, experiential learning, and career readiness. Collaborate with various offices including the University Advising Center, DMSB Office of Career Management, Office of the Registrar, and Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning and others to advance student and advisor engagement with university strategic priorities. Regularly collect and analyze a variety of university, college, and individual metrics on the success/impact of Undergraduate Academic Advising practices in DMSB. Identify areas of growth in college advising policies/procedures and offer solutions for improvement.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
UAA Supervision: Hire, support, train, and evaluate 5-8 full-time professional undergraduate academic advisors in collaboration with the University Advising Center. Provide direct supervision and oversee on-the-job guidance, shadowing, and college-specific training of assigned UAAs. Direct and monitor UAA advising practices. Meet individually with advisors and host team meetings, serve as the EPMS (performance) rater, provide daily/weekly supervision and support to UAAs, and manage employee time off work. Support the UAC Tiered Career Ladder by identifying additional duties or responsibilities (ADR) available to UAAs eligible for promotion.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Assigned College Operations: The Associate Director will support the efforts of their assigned College/School/Department(s) both individually and through their assigned undergraduate academic advisors. Assigned college operations may include, but are not limited to, coordinating graduation and athletic certifications; reviewing course schedules each semester and putting in restrictions for courses; coordinating the internal change of major process for DMSB; serving as a point of contact for DMSB department heads on scheduling and/or advising concerns; coordinating logistics for prospective student sessions and presenting information sessions for this group; and assisting with recruiting events sponsored by USC Undergraduate Admissions. Other duties as assigned.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Training, Technology, Academic Intervention, and Student Outreach: Provide on-going college-specific training and updates. Support the UAC Advisor Training and Certification Program. Ensure and measure Advisors’ active utilization of university technologies, including by not limited to Banner Self-Service, DegreeWorks degree audit, and caseload management/scheduling software. Liaise with Office of the Registrar and college staff to ensure accurate and efficient use of DegreeWorks degree audit. Ensure advisors maintain systematic and frequent contact with advisees and engage in university academic intervention initiatives in conjunction with the University Advising Center. Develop and coordinate dissemination of additional college-specific student communications through advising staff.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15
Job Duty
Academic Advising: Manage a caseload of DMSB undergraduate students in times of advisor vacancy and/or gaps in advising assignments and/or special student population advisement. Meet one-on-one with all advisees and serve as a primary academic support resource for students. Advise students on curriculum, progression requirements, selection of courses, and provide information regarding institutional policies and procedures. Review and interpret placement and other standardized test scores, transcripts, courses prerequisites, degree applicability of AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, and transfer work. Perform degree audits, monitor student registration activities, and recommend strategies to assist with academic difficulty. Provide guidance on experiential learning opportunities, career readiness, and effective referrals. Keep accurate and confidential electronic records of every student interaction including in-person and virtual visits. Assist students with resolution of registration issues. Utilize technologies including EAB Navigate, Self-Service Carolina, Degree Works, etc. Assist with New Student Orientation planning and advising efforts during Freshmen and Transfer Orientation sessions.
Essential Function