Edtech.com's Summary

Purdue University is hiring an Executive Director of Exploratory Studies. This senior leadership role involves providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Exploratory Studies program, leading a team of advisors and educators to support students in identifying their strengths and making confident academic decisions.

Highlights

Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Exploratory Studies program.
Lead a team of professional advisors and educators dedicated to student success.
Oversee advising, curriculum, teaching and learning, and program strategy.
Master's degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, or related field required.
6-7 years of higher education experience including leadership and supervision.
Use data and assessment to inform program strategy and decisions.
Commitment to equity and supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
Preferred qualifications include a doctoral degree and experience with program development and academic advising best practices.
Collaborate closely with academic leaders and university stakeholders.
Compensation level: Management 5, Pay Band S085.

Executive Director, Exploratory Studies Full Description

Job Summary

Purdue University invites applications for the Executive Director of Exploratory Studies, a senior leadership role dedicated to empowering students as they explore academic pathways and discover their best-fit major. Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, the Executive Director leads one of the most respected exploratory programs in higher education.

Exploratory Studies plays a vital role in Purdue’s student success ecosystem. The program supports students who enter the university undecided or exploring options, providing the advising, courses, and resources that guide them toward meaningful academic and career paths.

The next Executive Director will build upon nearly three decades of excellence, leading a collaborative team of advisors and educators who are deeply committed to helping students identify their strengths and make confident academic decisions.

About Exploratory Studies

Exploratory Studies is a unique unit at Purdue and the only non-college unit that directly admits undergraduate students. The program is widely recognized for its advising excellence, student-first philosophy, and strong outcomes.

The mission of Exploratory Studies at Purdue University is to assist and empower students to:

Identify their strengths, interests, and values
Explore academic and career possibilities
Reflect on the intersection of self-discovery and future career goals

Through advising, coursework, and individualized support, Exploratory Studies helps students make informed decisions about their academic path and future career. Exploratory Studies is among the top 5 majors to which Purdue students apply.

Students benefit from:

Personalized advising from experienced professionals
Innovative courses focused on major exploration and student development
Strong partnerships with Purdue’s colleges and academic programs
A supportive environment where students feel seen, supported, and empowered

As a result, nearly 90% of students who transition to their chosen major remain in that program, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Exploratory Studies model.

Position Overview

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Exploratory Studies program. The role combines elements often found in both academic department leadership and college-level administration, including oversight of advising, requirements, yield, and retention, curriculum, teaching and learning, and program strategy.

This position leads a team of professional advisors and educators while collaborating closely with academic leaders across the university to support student success.

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience
Qualified candidates will need:

Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, or a closely related field
Minimum 6–7 years of experience in higher education, academic advising, counseling, or related areas
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
Strong communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills
Experience using data and assessment to inform program strategy
Demonstrated commitment to equity, respect, and supporting students from diverse backgrounds

Preferred

Doctoral degree in a related field
Experience leading advising teams or student success programs
Experience with program development or curriculum oversight
Knowledge of academic advising best practices and student development theory
Familiarity with academic policies, curriculum processes, and higher education administration

The Ideal Candidate

The next Executive Director will be a trusted leader, strategic thinker, and passionate advocate for students. Successful candidates will bring:
A people-first leadership style that empowers professional staff
Strong advising expertise and credibility with student success professionals
A collaborative approach to working across academic and administrative units
Strategic thinking balanced with thoughtful, data-informed decision-making
A commitment to supporting both student development and staff growth

Additional Information:

Purdue 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: Defined Contributions immediately
Applications must include a detailed cover letter. Review of applications will begin on April 13th and continue until the position is filled.

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.

Career Stream

Compensation Information:

Management 5

Pay Band S085

Job Code # 20002579

EOE

Purdue University is an EO/EA University

Original Job Description