Job Title

Dean of Academic Advising and Retention

Agency

Texas AM University - Kingsville

Department

Avp-Student Success

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Kingsville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Job SummaryThe Dean of Academic Advising and Retention is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive, holistic, student-centered advising and retention strategy to improve student success outcomes, including retention, persistence, and degree completion for TAMUK students. Reporting to the AVP for Academic Success, the Dean will lead a coordinated approach to academic advising and retention across departments, working collaboratively with university stakeholders to enhance student pathways from admission to graduation. This position oversees a team of advising leads, each managing a group of academic advisors, and directly supervises an Assistant Director of Retention who is supervising staff to develop and implement retention initiatives across the university.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Oversight

Oversee the strategic direction and daily operations of the academic advising and retention teams, unifying the university’s advising and retention strategies under a holistic framework.

Lead an advising structure composed of five advising leads, each responsible for managing teams of advisors to provide comprehensive support for students.

Supervise the Assistant Director of Retention Initiatives, supporting retention and student engagement programs, such as first- and second-year student transition initiatives, Texas Leaders Scholars, and the Academic Collegiate Enhancement Program.

Design and implement a centralized, data-driven advising program that incorporates predictive analytics, advising technology, and evidence-based practices to proactively support at-risk students.

Establish consistent advising standards and procedures across departments, addressing processes such as change of major, academic petitions, and degree audits.

Direct efforts to reduce advisor caseload transitions, streamline student service interactions, and enhance student access to advising resources.

Program Development and Evaluation

Develop and evaluate short-term and long-term objectives for advising and retention, including an advising framework and student satisfaction feedback system.

Manage the integration and ongoing use of academic planning software to support students’ academic progress and registration.

Coordinate retention initiatives, collaborating with academic units and student services to address specific needs of first- and second-year students, including the Summer Bridge Program and other engagement-focused initiatives.

Serve as a liaison for the advising and retention team to academic, non-academic units, and external stakeholders, fostering community partnerships that support student success.

Supervision and Staff Development

Oversee a multi-level team structure, providing support, guidance, and development for all staff.

Develop and maintain effective training and professional development programs to ensure all team members have the skills and tools needed to support various student populations.

Conduct annual performance evaluations of direct reports and distribute regular updates on student success metrics and goals to promote accountability and continuous improvement.

Data Analysis and Reporting

Utilize data analytics to monitor student progress, generate reports on advising outcomes, and provide insights to inform university decision-making and strategic planning.

Develop an assessment plan to measure the impact of advising and retention programs on student outcomes and contribute to an evidence-based model for continuous improvement in student services.

Prepare and present reports on retention trends and risk indicators to university leadership, using insights to guide program adjustments and policy development.

The above represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

Master’s degree

Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, with experience managing teams and programs across various student populations.

Skills and Abilities

Exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills with the ability to oversee complex systems and implement holistic advising practices.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with students, faculty, and external partners.

Proficiency in data analysis and familiarity with advising and student success technologies

Ability to manage budgetary resources, organizational development, and compliance with university and state policies

Preferred Qualifications

Education and Experience

Doctorate degree in higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, or related field.

Seven years of progressively responsible experience in academic advising or retention/academic focused roles in higher education.

Skills and Abilities

Proficiency with advising and student success technologies, including Degree Works and EAB Navigate.Minimum Salary

The target base annual salary is $110,000 - $115,000 and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position. Texas AM University-Kingsville offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.