Working/Functional Title

Director of Academic Initiatives

Position Summary

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

This is a full time Academic Specialist - Advisor position in the continuing system. The Director of Academic Initiatives will support student journeys from recruitment to graduation by taking on the primary administrative load for the college, supporting the work of academic advisors within the college, and aligning college efforts with larger university initiatives.

The critical job responsibilities of the Director of Academic Initiatives include:

• Assisting and supporting the Assistant Dean with annual planning and processes vital to the operations of the Office of Undergraduate Studies/Office of Undergraduate Affairs
• Approving administrative forms, processing credit/no credit forms, completing RNR forms, and processing student requests to exceed repeat credit limit and/or to exceed 20 credits in a term
• Administering Academic Standing for Undergraduate Students (ASUS) decisions and signing off on the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process
• Providing leadership, strategic vision, organization, and administrative oversight for New Student Orientation (NSO)
• Providing college level organizational structure for advisor onboarding, training, and manage requests for systems access
• Overseeing college-wide initiatives to streamline degree clearance/audits, conferrals, and course substitutions
• Developing relationships with key regional and national associations that support orientation and/or advisor professional development
• Supporting college-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and policies for the benefit of students, enhancing the student academic experience, and communicating with individuals and groups from diverse social/economic/cultural backgrounds
• Supporting university and college initiatives, including colloquium and commencement

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Student affairs or related field

Minimum Requirements

• Masters degree in student affairs or related field
• A minimum of five (5) years of academic advising and/or academic and student affairs experience
• Ability to work as an effective member of a team and maintain positive collaborations with stakeholders
• Sound decision making ability, excellent communication (written and oral), organizational, and interpersonal skills required
• Knowledge of undergraduate academic policies and procedures
• Engagement in relevant external professional activities

Desired Qualifications

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience coordinating and leading training initiatives and professional development experiences for full-time professionals
• Prior experience working with New Student Orientation (NSO), Campus Solutions, and Registrar’s Office (RO) systems and forms
• Excellent written, oral, and dynamic presentation communication
• Strong organizational skills

Required Application Materials

1. Cover Letter
2. CV
3. Contact information of three professional references
4. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) statement addressing how past and/or potential contributions to diversity/inclusion will advance MSU’s commitment to inclusive excellence

Special Instructions

For specific questions about the position, please contact Assistant Dean Ken Horne at hornek@msu.edu.  

Review of Applications Begins On

04/26/2024

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://socialscience.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.