Job # | 042553
Department Code | 11001-4406
Department | SU Global
Job Title | Director of Advising & Student Success
Location | Syracuse, NY
Campus | Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience | Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range | $84,000 - $110,000
Pay Determination | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level | S6
FLSA Status | Exempt
Hours | Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type | Full-time
Unionized Position Code | Not Applicable
Job Description | The Director of Advising & Student Success for Syracuse University Global leads comprehensive programming designed to promote academic success for a diverse population of non-traditional online undergraduate and graduate students from around the world throughout their entire lifecycle, beginning from the moment they are admitted to a SU online program. This strategic leadership role develops, implements, and assesses initiatives that advance institutional strategic priorities, with primary focus on academic support services, academic advising, student development, and retention for students with varied backgrounds, schedules, and needs.
This role leads a team of student success and advising professionals who provide personalized, proactive interventions designed to maximize student success, retention, and satisfaction from admission through graduation and alumni transition. The successful candidate must work effectively with leadership from the university’s various schools and colleges to ensure a seamless student experience across diverse program types. The position demands exceptional flexibility and adaptability to serve students across time zones, accommodate diverse cultural perspectives and learning needs, and maintain in-person presence on campus to ensure accessible, responsive support.
Syracuse University is building something new. We’re launching SU Global to reimagine how we support and scale accessible online pathways for non-traditional learners, in a dynamic, innovative, and data-driven environment. That means rethinking how we work.
This role requires on-campus presence because the best ideas emerge from real-time collaboration, the mentorship that happens in hallways, and the spontaneous problem-solving that defines startup culture. You’ll work non-traditional hours when needed – evening and weekend coverage, whatever it takes to deliver the best-in-class experience.
We’re looking for team members who thrive in:
High-energy, in-person environments where innovation happens face-to-face
Flexible scheduling that follows student needs, not the clock
Startup intensity within a world-class university structure
We’re not looking for people who want a job. We’re looking for builders who want a mission.
Education and Experience |
Required: Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, Counseling, or related field. 5-7 years of progressive experience in academic advising or academic/support programming in higher education. Demonstrated success leading student success initiatives with measurable outcomes. Experience with program management, assessment methodologies, and data-driven decision making. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide compassionate support to students while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and compliance with institutional policies. Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations including non-traditional students, international students, and working professionals. Ability to work flexible hours and maintain in-person campus presence to accommodate student needs. Experience managing learning centers, tutoring operations, or academic support services. Track record of successful cross-functional collaboration and partnership building. Experience supporting students across multiple time zones or in hybrid/online learning environments.
Preferred:Fluency in additional languages or significant cross-cultural competency training. Advising experience specific to online programs and adult learners.
Skills and Knowledge |
Technical & Operational: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM systems, PeopleSoft, DegreeWorks, and intervention platforms. Strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to manage multiple projects across time zones. Experience with budget management and data tracking.
Leadership & Program Management: Program management experience in higher education. Ability to develop and assess academic support programming for diverse populations. Strong communication skills for varied stakeholders. Experience coordinating complex logistics.
Student Development & Support: Understanding of student development theory, retention research, and evidence-based practices. Cultural competency working with diverse communities including non-traditional, international, and first-generation students. Knowledge of mental wellness programming, tutoring, and peer mentoring.
Interpersonal & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills providing compassionate, culturally sensitive support. Excellent communication and ability to build trust across cultures. Diplomatic approach to sensitive situations. Commitment to student success through active listening and problem-solving.
Work Environment: Regular campus presence required. Flexibility for evenings, weekends, and different time zones.
Responsibilities |
Student Advising & Retention Design and implement engagement strategies to promote persistence and completion for online learners. Oversee all advising, transfer credit evaluation, course planning, registration, and degree completion support. Manage proactive outreach and intervention plans for at-risk students using predictive analytics.
Digital Student Experience & Support Ensure seamless access to tutoring, technical support, online librarian, etc. through virtual channels. Oversee virtual onboarding and orientation programs that set students up for success. Lead initiatives to improve usability and accessibility of online platforms and resources. Implement scalable communication strategies (SMS, email, LMS notifications) for timely updates and support. Maintain high satisfaction scores through continuous feedback loops and service enhancements. Foster online communities and peer networks to enhance belonging and retention.
KPI Management & Data-Driven Decision Making Define and track key performance indicators: retention rates, graduation rates, student satisfaction, and engagement metrics. Build dashboards and reporting systems for real-time visibility into student success outcomes. Use data insights to inform resource allocation, staffing, and process improvements. Present performance trends and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Team Leadership & Operational Excellence Lead a large, diverse team across advising, success coaching, and student experience functions. Serve as the primary advising leader for Syracuse University Global, championing the unit¿s processes and customized approaches to the university¿s schools and colleges. Establish clear goals, accountability frameworks, and professional development plans for staff. Drive cross-functional collaboration with academic departments, IT, and marketing to ensure alignment on student success initiatives. Champion a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.
Other Duties as AssignedSpecial projects, committee work, and emerging initiatives as needed.
Physical Requirements | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment | Not Applicable
Application Instructions | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Quick Link |
https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/112251Job Posting Date | 02/05/2026
Application Deadline |
Full Consideration By |
Job Category | Staff
Message to Applicants |
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