Reporting to the Executive Director of Continuing Studies, the Assistant Director of Advising and Academic Affairs supports the academic advisement and success of Continuing Studies students; including high school, undergraduate, certificate, and graduate learners. This role plays a key part in student recruitment, retention, and academic progress, while also collaborating across departments to ensure smooth operations and student satisfaction.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
Academic Advising & Student Support
- Provide comprehensive academic advising aligned with university policies and program requirements.
- Monitor student progress and proactively communicate important academic dates, requirements, and policies.
- Serve as the primary contact for student concerns, including complaints, appeals, and academic issues.
- Coordinate and track retention outreach efforts to support student success.
- Manage the application and registration process for assigned advisees.
- Evaluate and advise on transfer credits for undergraduate students.
Recruitment & Enrollment
- Establish and maintain relationships to drive enrollment and program participation.
- Collaborate with Admissions and University Relations to ensure a seamless and accessible application process.
- Generate and analyze reports to track recruitment, enrollment, and retention metrics.
- Maintain consistent communication with prospective and current students via phone and email.
Marketing & Communications
- Develop marketing materials and presentations to promote Continuing Studies programs and courses.
- Prepare and distribute Academic Honors and Dean’s List letters each semester.
Program Coordination
- Coordinate with academic departments and stakeholders regarding course offerings.
- Run graduation petition reports, prepare student files for review, and communicate graduation decisions.
- Oversee Ed2Go enrollments, track payments and completions, and issue certificates of completion.
- Administer Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society’s membership, including eligibility tracking, invitations, and supply procurement.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, or a related field. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience working with students in a higher education setting.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to learn new systems quickly.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently and collaboratively.
- High attention to detail and strong command of English grammar and usage.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, or a related field.
- Experience with student information systems.
- Background in continuing education and/or online education.
- Prior experience in academic advising and student data reporting.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Standard office setting with frequent interaction via phone, email, and in-person.
- Occasional evening and weekend hours based on student needs.
- Must be able to sit at a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within a 50-mile radius.
- Mobility across campus buildings and workstations.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
