DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT AND STUDENT RETENTION

Lanier Technical College; Georgia; On-site; USD 75,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Lanier Technical College in Gainesville, GA seeks a Director of Academic Advisement and Student Retention to lead advising operations and student persistence efforts across campuses. You will oversee service quality, coordinate with Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, and drive measurable improvements in retention and completion.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years in academic advising with supervisory experience; a Master’s degree and relevant systems experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Master’s degree preferred with relevant postsecondary experience.
• Supervisory experience in an academic setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for advising and student retention across multiple campuses.
• Oversee advising operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and accessible services.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, faculty, and staff to support student success.
• Analyze retention data and implement evidence-based interventions to improve persistence.
• Report performance metrics to leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Degree audit system

Knowledge Management Systems (KMS)

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!We are the force that drives Georgia!Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!Job Title:DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT AND STUDENT RETENTIONAgency:Lanier Technical CollegeJob Requisition ID:JR0000006327Shift:Day (United States of America)Compensation Details:$75,000 - $77,000 ANNUALLY, DEPENDING ON EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONSJob Description:Lanier Technical College – Hall County Campus; Gainesville, GA 30507 is conducting a search for the following full-time, FLSA-exempt, benefit-eligible, salaried position. NOTE : A background check and professional reference check are part of the selection process. Please contact Human Resources at 770-533-6903 or [e-mail] if any assistance/accommodation is needed in the application/interview process.POSITION : DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT AND STUDENT RETENTIONREPORTS TO: VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRSSALARY RANGE : Mid $70’s annually, depending on education, experience, and qualificationsEFFECTIVE DATE : This position is available nowRESPONSIBILITIES:The Director of Academic Advisement and Student Retention provides strategic leadership for the College’s advising and student persistence efforts across a multi-campus service area. Will oversee advising operations and ensure that advising practices align with institutional priorities for retention, completion, and student success. Will collaborate with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, faculty, and staff to ensure a comprehensive, student-center support system that enhances student success across all programs and modalities. Is accountable for measurable improvements in advising effectiveness, student persistence, and retention outcomes. Will provide regular performance reporting to leadership.Major Duties:Advising Operations and Service Delivery:Provide operational leadership for advising across all campuses;Coach and establish clear performance expectations and accountability standards;Manage budget and resources with fiscal responsibility;Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and service standards that ensure consistency and quality;Monitor advisement workload distribution to optimize service delivery;Ensure departmental goals align with divisional and institutional priorities;Maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;Monitor service delivery standards, including appointment availability, response time, and workflow efficiency, ensuring consistent and equitable student access across campuses.Retention and Persistence Initiatives:Analyze and interpret retention and enrollment data to inform decision-making, strategic planning, and targeted intervention efforts;Identify student success through data analysis and emerging enrollment trends, recommending and implementing evidence-based interventions;Lead cross-functional retention initiatives in collaboration with faculty, academic affairs, enrollment services, and student support units;Work with the advisement/retention committee to assess current campus retention efforts to improve student-focused academic support services across all campuses;Oversee proactive outreach strategies utilizing early-alert systems and predictive indicators to support student persistence;Establish, monitor, and report on key retention and persistence metrics, including term-to-term retention rates, early-alert response timeliness, and intervention outcomes.Advising and Student Success Strategy:Serve as a primary point of contact for students requiring complex advisement support;Perform continuous refinement of the advising model to support persistence, completion, and career alignment;Develop and implement training, professional development, and competency standards;Oversee the use of advising technologies;Identify systemic barriers to student success and recommend strategic improvements;Define and assess key performance indicators for advising effectiveness, including caseload management, student engagement, service responsiveness, and student satisfaction measures. IV. Other Duties as Assigned by Supervisor:Serve as an active member of the academic leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making;Apply and promote NACADA principles to enhance advising practices and improve student retention and completion outcomes;Leverage technology and data systems to optimize advising processes, track student progress, and inform decision-making;MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in an educational discipline or other related program major from an accredited college or university;Three (3) years of work experience in a postsecondary setting with a focus on academic advising and student retention;Demonstrated supervisory experience.COMPETENCIESKnowledge of TCSG’s program offerings and curriculum structureAbility to analyze and communicate information in a clear, concise mannerEffective organizational skillsEffective oral and written communication skillsSkill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the publicSkill in the operation of computers and various job-related software programsEffective decision-making and problem-solving skillsAttitude appropriate for the workplace, which includes interacting positively and cooperating with co-workers and students, working as a team member, functioning effectively under pressure, and responding in a positive manner to supervisorsAbility to travel to other campus locations; occasional overnight travel may be necessaryAbility to work a flexible schedule, including some weekend work as necessaryPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS : (in addition to minimum qualifications & competencies):Master’s degree in an educational discipline or other related field from an accredited college or university;More than three (3) years work experience in a postsecondary setting with a focus on academic advising and student retention;Experience using a degree audit system;Experience working with Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) or similar platforms.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Will occasionally lift or move objects of a light to medium weight, up to 25 pounds. Work is typically performed in an office environment with sitting, standing, climbing stairs, walking, talking, hearing and seeing in various settings. Full range of hand and finger motion is utilized for data entry purposes.STATE OF GA BENEFITS INCLUDE: A choice of retirement plans (Georgia State Employees’ Pension and Savings Plan or Teachers’ Retirement System), health and flexible benefits insurance options, sick leave and annual leave accruals (10 hours each monthly), and 13 state holidays. This position is available for one day of telework per week after six (6) months of employment.As set forth in its student catalog, Lanier Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following person(s) has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:Title IX Coordinator: Nancy Beaver, 770-533-7000, [e-mail] 504 Coordinator: Veronica Bowermaster, 770-533-7003, [e-mail]: Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Lanier Technical College is a registered participant in the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify. Lanier Technical College Federally-Issued User ID: 46367 Date of Authorization: 3/28/2007It is the obligation of Lanier Technical College to ensure orderly operation, to protect the rights of all members of the LTC community, to prohibit acts which materially and substantially interfere with legitimate educational objectives or interfere with the rights of others and to take disciplinary action where conduct adversely affects the College’s pursuit of its educational objectives. To this end, LTC complies with the Title II of Public Law 101-542, Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act – also known as the \"Jeanne Cleary Act.\" The Act requires that the College make available the report of campus crime statistics for the previous fiscal year by October 1st each year. The most recent LTC Campus Safety and Security Report is available at www.laniertech.edu. You may also request a paper copy from the Lanier Technical College Police Department located in the Breeden-Giles building on the Hall County Campus, 2535 Lanier Tech Drive, Gainesville, GA 30507.Minimum Qualifications:A Bachelor's Degree in Education, Counseling, or an equivalent field *and *a minimum of two (2) years of professional related experience in a college settingEqual Employment Opportunity EmployerThe State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.