Position Summary

Coconino Community College (CCC) seeks a strategic and results-driven leader to direct its Advising and Career Services department. Reporting to the Dean of Student Development, the Director will oversee the delivery of comprehensive academic and career advising, ensuring alignment with the College’s mission to provide accessible, inclusive education while driving initiatives that enhance student retention, career readiness, and transfer success. This role plays an important role in supporting CCC’s diverse student population by leading advising efforts that promote student success through data-informed strategies, such as 4DX and Achieve the Dream. The Director will collaborate closely with academic and student services leadership to foster a cohesive, student-centered advising environment focused on achieving measurable student success outcomes.

Salary & Benefits:

• Anticipated Hiring Range: $81,581 - $101,976/annual - depending on education and experience
• Full Salary Range: $81,581 - $122,371/annual - depending on education and experience
• Cafeteria Plan: In addition to the base compensation, benefits-eligible employees receive an extra $5,640 per year to put toward benefit costs or to be used as additional take-home pay
• Paid Holidays: 21 (including a full week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day and over Spring Break)
• Vacation & Sick Leave: Approximately 17 paid vacation days & 9 paid sick leave days accrued annually
• Health Insurance and Other Coverage: see https://www.coconino.edu/benefits/full-time-benefits

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Provide strategic direction for academic advising and career services, aligning with the College’s mission, 4DX methodology, and Achieve the Dream initiatives.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term goals focusing on student retention, career readiness, and completion.
• Establish and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of advising and career services ensuring continuous improvement through regular review and adjustment of strategies.
• Implement and utilize academic advising models (such as guided pathways, appreciative advising, and success coaching) and career advising platforms to support student success.

• Oversee daily operations of the Academic & Career Advising Center, ensuring culturally responsive and inclusive services.
• Direct advising efforts for transfer programs, CCC2NAU partnership, and career services.
• Coordinate career services, including managing an online job board (Pipeline AZ), career workshops, and collaborations with local employers to offer internships and job shadowing opportunities.
• Administer assessment and evaluation for advising services, making improvements based on data-driven analysis.

• Supervise, develop, and evaluate a team of professional academic and career advisors.
• Foster a student-centered advising culture that emphasizes proactive, holistic, and equitable support.
• Provide professional development opportunities for advisors, keeping them informed of best practices in advising, guided pathways, and career exploration.

• Collaborate with Academic Affairs, faculty, and external partners to deliver seamless advising services that promote student retention and career readiness.
• Support cross-departmental initiatives, ensuring underrepresented student populations receive equitable advising support throughout the district.
• Serve as a key leader in the implementation of Achieve the Dream initiatives, promoting data-informed decision-making for continuous improvement in advising practices.

• Lead initiatives to improve retention by providing targeted interventions for at-risk students and near completers.
• Participate in new student orientation and other programs that support students’ transition, success, and career preparation.
• Support the College’s interest to create and sustain an Early Alert Program to enhance student engagement.

• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and institutional policies related to academic advising, career guidance, and grant programs.
• Manage departmental budgets, ensuring proper use of funds for advising and career services programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Student Development Theory: Strong understanding of student development theory and best practices in student retention, academic advising, and career services in a higher education setting.
• Career Development and Advising: Familiarity with career development theories, practices, and systems, particularly in relation to academic advising, career counseling, and career and technical education.
• Student Retention Strategies: Knowledge of current trends in student retention programs and the implementation of guided pathways or other student success frameworks.
• Technology Proficiency: Experience with student information systems like Banner, retention software, Microsoft Office, and internet-based career resources and tools.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Proficiency in data collection, assessment of advising effectiveness, and preparation of reports to inform decision-making and program improvements.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively in business and interpersonal situations.
• Diversity Awareness: Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and respect for individuals of differing cultural, socioeconomic, and academic backgrounds, fostering an inclusive advising environment.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Strong leadership abilities, with demonstrated success in collaborating with cross-functional team and external partners to improve student services.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Ability to handle multiple tasks, work in a fast-paced environment, and manage complex academic situations with creativity and attention to detail.
• Budget and Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with federal and state regulations related to academic advising, transfer services, and career guidance, with experience managing budgets and resources.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, Student Development, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in academic advising, career services, or a related field in higher education.
• Two (2) years of management/supervisory experience of full-time and part-time employees.
• Strong understanding of student retention, academic advising, and career development in a community college setting.
• Proven ability to work with diverse student populations, including first-generation students and those from low-income or Native American backgrounds.

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Education, or Higher Education Administration.
• Experience with retention programs, guided pathways, and working in a minority-serving institution.
• Familiarity with 4DX and Achieve the Dream initiatives designed to improve student retention and completion.