Lead Academic Advisor

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Advisor Certification Program

Inclusive Advising initiative

225:1 advising ratio

Purdue Academic Advising Association

Job summary

Purdue University is seeking an experienced Computational Science Lead Advisor to guide a dedicated advising team at the West Lafayette campus. The role focuses on leadership, program coordination, and data-informed student support for undergraduate Computational Science students.

The position requires a Master’s degree in a related field with at least four years of advising or student services experience, including supervision. A collaborative, student-centered culture is emphasized.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education, academic advising, education, or related field.
• Minimum four (4) years of experience in academic advising or student services, including leadership and supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the College of Science advising team and contribute to practices, policies, and strategic priorities.
• Supervise five academic advisors, providing leadership, mentoring, and professional development.
• Represent the advising team on committees and university initiatives to advance student-centered practices.
• Manage advising operations, develop work plans, and prepare reports aligned with unit objectives.
• Coordinate CS and Data Science advising, including curriculum and catalog updates.
• Provide academic advising to a 0.5 FTE CS advisee caseload and guide course selection and scheduling.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Data-driven decisions

Project management

Stakeholder collaboration

Student information systems

NACADA values

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Master’s degree in higher education/academic advising

4+ years advising experience

Tools

DegreeWorks

Banner

Edunav

Slate

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

The broad scope of science at Purdue is our strength.

The College of Science seeks an experienced academic advising professional who will help lead a dedicated team of advisors and contribute to exemplary academic advising services for undergraduate students pursuing a Computational Science degree at our Purdue West Lafayette location. If a high-support team environment, culture of collaboration, and opportunity to help lead a highly trained and committed advising team appeal to you, you may be our next Computational Science Lead Advisor.

Essential Function of Position

Advising Leadership & Supervision

• Serve on the College of Science advising leadership team and contribute to advising practices, policies, procedures, strategic priorities, and continuous improvement
• Supervise five P2 Academic Advisors, providing daily leadership, performance feedback, mentoring, training, professional development, and advising practice support
• Represent the College of Science advising team on college and university committees and initiatives, contributing subject-matter expertise and advancing consistent, student-centered advising practices

Administrative & Operational Leadership

• Report to the Computational Sciences Associate Director of Academic Advising and collaborate on advising operations, policies, curriculum, and student success initiatives
• Manage assigned administrative processes, develop work plans, and prepare reports and documentation in alignment with unit and department objectives
• Build collaborative partnerships across campus and the college to support student success and effective advising

Computer Science & Data Science Program Support

• Serve as the primary advising liaison to Computer Science, coordinating policies, curriculum, operations, and student success initiatives with the department and Associate Director
• Serve as the advising point of contact for Data Science programs, coordinating with Mathematics and Statistics on advising, curriculum, and catalog updates
• Provide administrative support to the Applications in Data Science Certificate faculty committee, including responding to inquiries and coordinating certificate exceptions and processes

Student Advising & Education

• Maintain a 0.5 FTE Computer Science advisee caseload
• Provide academic advising to assigned students; guide course selection and scheduling, monitor academic progress, address academic concerns, interpret University policies and curriculum, make referrals, and maintain confidentiality of student records

If you desire to significantly impact the Purdue undergraduate experience in a collaborative team environment where your strengths and contributions are called upon to meet unit goals, this may be the professional experience you’ve been working towards.

What We’re Looking For

Education and Experience Required

• Master’s degree in higher education, academic advising, education, or a related field
• Minimum four (4) years of experience in academic advising or student services, including demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience

Skills Required

• Knowledge of post-secondary academic systems and student development theory; ability to model the core values of NACADA
• Strong leadership and management skills, including supervision, work scheduling, prioritization, coaching, planning, and process execution
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative initiatives and build consensus among faculty, staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, public speaking, writing, and active listening
• Strong organizational, project management, and customer service skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-informed decisions
• Experience executing departmental initiatives and working effectively across diverse constituencies
• Proficiency in student information systems and administrative platforms (e.g., DegreeWorks, Banner, Edunav, Slate, Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook) and ability to support their use by advising staff
• Demonstrated accountability, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a dynamic, team-oriented environment while building and sustaining professional relationships

Benefits of being an advisor at Purdue:

• The Advisor Certification Program. The University Undergraduate Academic Advising Office offers this centralized professional development opportunity that allows new advisors to develop their foundational skills with other new advisors in a cohort setting.
• Participation in the Inclusive Advising initiative. This unique learning experience is grounded in Purdue students’ and advisors’ specific voices and experiences. Inclusive Advising learning opportunities are cohort-based and designed to encourage learning and intentional reflection.
• An advising ratio of 225:1. Purdue University is committed to maintaining one of the lowest advising caseloads in the country.
• The Purdue Academic Advising Association. This association boasts the longest-standing allied membership in NACADA, with a proud tradition of 36 years of professional development support and community among Purdue advisors.

Additional Information:

Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position

A background check will be required for employment in this position

FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)

Retirement Eligibility: Immediate Defined Contribution by the university

Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.