Manager of Early College Academic Advising Full Time

Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with approximately 4,700 students from 50 states and 32 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bethel offers bachelor’s and advanced degrees in nearly 100 fields. Educationally excellent classroom-based and online programs equip graduates to make exceptional contributions in life-long service to God and the world.

Bethel University’s Christ-centered mission includes a commitment to equal educational opportunity and equal employment opportunity. Bethel does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, or age in its admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.

Position Overview

The Manager of Early College Academic Advising provides strategic and operational leadership for the Academic Advising team dedicated to Early College. This role balances high-level management including hiring, training, and strategic planning with direct student support. The Manager is responsible for fostering a positive team culture, aligning advising practices with modern retention research, and serving as a key liaison across the university to ensure the success of Early College.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategy, Assessment and Development 35%

• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the broader advising unit’s strategic plan and lead all work specific to the unit.
• Metrics & Assessment: Track unit goals and oversee the compilation of data regarding student-advisor interactions, advisor performance, and student persistence.
• Retention Research: Implement best practices and align unit policies with current research on student retention, completion, and change management.
• Resource Management: Grow and maintain advising resources specific to student needs while contributing to the department’s general resource library.

Team Leadership and Development 30%

• Supervision & Growth: Supervise, hire, train, and mentor a team of Advising Specialists; and conduct performance evaluations.
• Culture & Development: Build a cohesive unit culture and lead the planning and execution of professional development initiatives for staff.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay current on innovative advising strategies and higher education developments to apply directly to student interactions.

Unified Institutional Engagement and Communication 20%

• Program Liaison: Act as a primary resource for Program Directors and Department Chairs, supporting them and Advising Specialists with complex academic policy questions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the Registrar, Director of Early College, Career Development, Admissions, and Faculty on special projects and student services.
• Recruitment: Direct the unit’s involvement in university-wide recruitment efforts and represent the advising department in ad hoc committee meetings.
• Communication Oversight: Manage all communication streams tailored specifically to the unit.

Direct Student Support (Caseload) 15%

• Advising Excellence: Maintain a caseload performing all duties of an Advising Specialist, including degree planning and proactive outreach
• Escalation Support: Serve as the second-tier point of contact for complex learner concerns and interdepartmental alignment challenges.

Education

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred but not required.

Experience

• Demonstrated strong and progressive leadership responsibilities in academic advising or higher education administration, with at experience in a supervisory or lead capacity.
• Understanding of the unique lifecycle and needs of early college, and online learners.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate complex organizational hierarchies and “bridge” departments.

Benefits

Bethel is committed to offering meaningful benefits to our employees including health insurance, retirement plans, and a generous time off package. Learn more about these offerings here.

Learn more about our commitment to diversity in hiring .

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time

The Pay Range For This Role Is

55,000 – 61,000 USD per year(Bethel University)