Associate Director of Exploratory Advising

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 59,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Life Insurance

Retirement Programs

Paid Tuition

13 Paid Holidays

Professional Development Opportunities

Dependent Scholarships

Annual Leave

Sick Leave

Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

University of South Carolina seeks an Associate Director of Exploratory Advising to provide operational leadership for Exploratory Advising and Academic Coaching services, supporting prospective, incoming, and current undergraduates.

You will oversee academic coaching programs, undergraduate studies, and staff training while using assessment data to improve retention and student success for over 5,000 students annually.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 5 or more years of job related experience.
• Master’s degree and 4 years of advising experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Exploratory Advising and office support for 5,000+ students annually.
• Lead staff training and optimize advising technologies (CRM-Advise, DegreeWorks, My Advising Portal).
• Ensure timely, accurate, student-centered advisement and collaboration with campus partners.

Skills

Advising coordination

Data analysis

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

CRM-Advise

Banner

My Advising Portal

DegreeWorks

Job description

Associate Director of Exploratory Advising

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by October 28, 2026.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• Paid Parental Leave

Business Title (Internal Title) Associate Director of Exploratory Advising

Campus

Campus Columbia

Work County

College/Division

College/Division Division of Academic Affairs and Provost

Department

Department PROV University Advising Center

State Pay Range G10

USC Market Range MRG - $58,934 $73,667 $88,401

Anticipated Hiring Range Salary commensurate with qualifications

Part/Full Time

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 37.5

Work Schedule

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category Student Services

About USC

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.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Position Description Advertised Job Summary

The Associate Director of Exploratory Advising provides operational leadership for Exploratory Advising and Academic Coaching services, ensuring timely, accurate, and student-centered support for prospective, incoming, and current undergraduate students. The position manages and coordinates academic coaching initiatives, Undergraduate Studies programming, and exploratory advising operations while also leading staff training. In collaboration with the Director and campus partners, the Associate Director uses assessment data to improve services, strengthen student retention and success, and maintain consistent advising policies, procedures, and communications across the university, ensuring the highest level of advisement service for over 5,000 students per year.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 5 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 4 years of advising experience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to organize, plan, and facilitate various advising services related to students’ academic success is critical.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to plan and execute both short and long-term projects.
• Must have excellent data analysis, reporting, and data visualization skills and working knowledge of reporting software such as Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to prioritize requests, meet time-sensitive deadlines, and communicate clear and accurate information to University constituents.
• Some night and weekend work may be required.
• Ability to use a computer and keyboard for extensive periods.
• Ability to speak and listen effectively.

Job Duty Coordinate Exploratory Advising and Office Support

Manage and implement advising functions related to advising current students changing majors and advising incoming freshmen and transfer students on major change before/during/after New Student Orientation. Coordinate appointment logistics to meet student need. Manage CRM -Advise campus referrals. Directly manage the Undergraduate Studies program for temporary Undeclared students. Assist the Director with implementation and oversight of the Academic Coaching program for mandated student populations, including policies specifically outlined in the Academic Bulletin that have a direct impact on undergraduate retention and graduation rates. Provide leadership in the ongoing implementation and optimization of current and future advising technologies for the EA office to include CRM -Advise, Banner, My Advising Portal, Self-Service Carolina, and DegreeWorks. Coordinate consistent student-messaging among advisors. Stay abreast of current issues and trends related to college students’ academic success and retention through active professional development. Assist the Director in expanding the centralized major change process to all USC colleges/schools, increasing efficiencies and streamlining procedures. Partner with campus offices and colleges/sch