Associate Dean of Undergraduate Advising - Engineering

Tufts University; Medford (MA); On-site; USD 81,200 - 120,900; Full time

Job summary

Tufts University is seeking an Associate Dean of Academic Advising within the School of Engineering. This role entails providing strategic leadership, advocating for students, and enhancing their academic success through personalized support. The ideal candidate will work closely with faculty and other departments to ensure an equitable and responsive advising environment.

The successful applicant will have a Master’s degree and at least seven years of progressive experience in academic advising or student success. A strong understanding of engineering curricula is essential.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in academic advising or student success.
• Experience mentoring advisors, faculty, or peer leaders.
• Familiarity with engineering curricula.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary academic support contact for students.
• Liaise with faculty on student support matters.
• Implement academic standing policies.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Data assessment

Collaboration

Education

Master’s Degree

Graduate Degree in STEM field

PhD

Job description

Overview

Led by the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Advising, the advising team fosters academic growth, empowerment, and success of undergraduate students in the School of Engineering at Tufts University. We partner with faculty to plan and guide the academic experience from the time students accept their offers of admission to the time they graduate. Specifically, the advising team provides students with advising, academic support, direction, and the necessary information for students to make informed academic decisions. We take an individualized and holistic approach to helping students, while working to maintain fairness and consistency. We advocate for student needs while also educating them about University and School policies and procedures, and helping them understand their responsibility. We work closely with other campus offices and centers including Office of Student Life, StAAR Center, Global Education, Career Center, Office of the Registrar, BLOoM Center, Health and Wellness, Scholar Development, and the School of Arts & Sciences advising team. And we engage with university constituencies to improve the academic experience of undergraduate students at Tufts.

What You’ll Do

The Associate Dean of Academic Advising provides strategic leadership and partners with the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Advising to shape and implement the advising vision for the School of Engineering. This role supports student success by working directly with students from all majors and class years, and especially by serving as a key academic resource for students experiencing challenges. The Associate Dean works closely with faculty and plays a critical role in creating a supportive, equitable, and responsive advising environment that promotes student well‑being, academic progress, and timely degree completion.

• Student Support & Intervention: Serve as the primary academic point of contact for students and parents/guardians, as appropriate under applicable regulations, who require additional support during academically or personally challenging periods. Develop and implement proactive strategies to identify, monitor, and assist students experiencing academic difficulty or facing barriers to success.
• Faculty Partnership & Communication: Serve as a liaison for faculty seeking guidance in supporting students who are struggling inside or outside the classroom. Partner with academic departments and their Senior Academic Advisors to align advising practices and communicate updates to academic policies, procedures, and resources.
• Academic Standing & Policy Implementation: Participate in the academic standing process for the School of Engineering, ensuring consistent, equitable, and transparent policies and procedures. Collaborate with faculty committees on the development, interpretation, and implementation of academic and advising policies.
• Strategic Leadership: Support the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Advising in contributing to the development, refinement, and implementation of the schoolwide academic advising strategy. Translate strategic goals into actionable advising practices that promote student engagement, learning, and persistence.
• Special Initiatives: Support the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Advising with schoolwide projects, special initiatives, and continuous‑improvement efforts.

What We’re Looking For

Basic Requirements

• Master’s Degree
• 7-10 years At least 7 years of progressive experience in academic advising, student success, or faculty roles, including leadership or program coordination responsibilities.
• Experience training, supervising, or mentoring advisors, faculty, or peer leaders.
• Demonstrated familiarity with engineering curricula and direct experience advising engineering students.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to use data and assessment to inform decision‑making and drive continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate Degree in STEM field
• PhD

Pay Range

Minimum $81,200.00, Midpoint $101,600.00, Maximum $120,900.00. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.