The Associate Director of University College supports the Executive Director in providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and high-quality advising and student success services for first-year, pre-professional, transfer, re-entry, and exploratory student populations. The Associate Director leads daily operations across University College programs, student success initiatives, and recruitment/transition support.
This position directly supervises five advising managers and three online UC counselors, coordinates academic programs and communications, manages key administrative functions, and serves as a central leader in advancing student success, retention, and timely progression to degree. The Associate Director acts on behalf of the Executive Director when delegated and collaborates with academic colleges, Enrollment Management, and campus partners to strengthen the undergraduate experience.
Job Responsibilities
Leadership & Operations (35%)
Collaborate with the Executive Director in planning, implementing, and evaluating strategic initiatives aligned with institutional goals for recruitment, retention, progression, and graduation.
Provide operational leadership for University College academic advising, programming, and special population initiatives.
Oversee daily operations for assigned units, including workload distribution, caseload management, and service delivery processes.
Manage student success initiatives, such as early alerts, academic standing interventions, and targeted outreach to at-risk populations.
Develop and assess advising models, program effectiveness, and service quality.
Staff Supervision & Development (30%)
Supervise professional academic advisors and/or unit leads within University College.
Manage hiring, onboarding, coaching, evaluation, and ongoing professional development for staff.
Foster a collaborative, student-centered culture focused on innovation, practice, and continuous improvement.
Collaboratively develop training resources, documentation, and advising materials for staff and students.
Manage or support Workday processes and resources.
Ensure compliance with university policies, FERPA, advising regulations, and accreditation expectations.
Program Oversight, Student Services, & Communications (25%)
Collaborate with University College leadership to implement and assess programs and services for University College students, including workshops, outreach campaigns, transition programming, and recruiting events.
Coordinate University College's communication plan, ensuring consistent, timely student and staff communications.
Contribute to annual and semester reports, program reports, advising materials, and website/communication updates.
Coordinate committee in the review and application of student appeals.
Participate in student advising as needed, supporting first-year, pre-professional, undecided, and transitional student populations.
Recruitment, Orientation, & Campus Partners (5%)
Participate in University College's role in recruiting and orientation, including evening or weekend events as needed.
Collaborate with campus partners, including Enrollment Management and academic colleges, to support a seamless student experience.
Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
Perform additional responsibilities at the direction of the Executive Director to support University College operations and student success goals.
Additional Requirements
FERPA - As with all LSU employees, due to this position title and/or responsibilities, this position has an obligation to assist students in the acquisition of necessary services. Should a student appear in need of or seek assistance with issues of an emotional, behavioral, or mental health-related matter, they should be referred to the proper service within the Student Health Center. In situations where the student creates an impression that they are a danger to themselves or others, the advisor should immediately contact the Care Team, the Dean of Students, or the appropriate law enforcement agency. The employee outside of those rights contained within FERPA should create no impression of client or patient confidentiality.
Additional Information
Must be available to work nights and weekends during major programs.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and 6 years of relevant higher education or student services experience OR Master's degree with 4 years of higher education or student services experience.
LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Higher Education Administration, or related human services field.
Specific Experience: Supervisory experience and experience working with first-year or transfer student populations. Demonstrated ability to coordinate academic programs, manage advising services, and lead staff.
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.
For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.