So Take the Next Steps

Job Summary:
The Director of the Graduate Advisement Experience is responsible for creating and maintaining the operational structure and integrity of graduate student advising at Mercy University. The Director must be a visible and engaged thought leader who works cross-functionally with key departments to support the student cycle from onboarding to completion, ensuring that structured advising, actionable mentorship, proactive intervention, and a demonstrated standard of care permeate the graduate advising experience. This departmental mission and related functionality are managed with consistency and continuity throughout the academic school year. This role requires the ability to understand the uniqueness and complexity of graduate programs, communicate with university stakeholders and collaborate effectively on the efficacy of policy implementation and shared approaches that fit the needs of the graduate student demographic.

The Director supervises a team of advising professionals dedicated to the University's mission and strategic plan. The team of advisors supports the mentorship curriculum, which includes academic, social, professional, and policy integrations. These departmental services and programs support graduate student retention and maximizing the student-centered approach, deepening connection to the Mercy University community.

The Director of the Graduate Advisement Experience also serves in a representative role for the Assistant Vice President of University Advisement Strategy and Innovation, leading graduate engagement initiatives that contribute to increased graduate student visibility, commitment to persist, and advanced career obtainment.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:
Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. It does not state or imply that the responsibilities listed are the only duties required to perform in this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position responsibilities if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead the development of graduate advising structure at Mercy University, from onboarding to completion, maintaining granular level detail for advising, graduate student registration, and program specific data for degree conferral and related processes
• Lead the GRAD Professional Advising and Coaching Team (GRAD PACT), providing weekly reporting, instruction, guidance, and policy implementation for strategic planning initiatives and office functionality. Ensure the team delivers high-quality advising services to students across all campuses, communication across university departments, and collaboration with identified stakeholders in Enrollment Management and Student Engagement as well as Academic Affairs and the corresponding schools
• Manage the graduate advising caseload structure to support student enrollment and registration, ensuring each caseload for advisors is balanced, equitable, and comparable to the needs of the graduate student demographic
• Utilize student success platforms to obtain data and analytics to monitor graduate advising effectiveness, identify trends, and make recommendations for improvements
• Identify opportunities for internal enrollment pipelines through data review and recommendations. Communicate with stakeholders and lead any graduate student advisement efforts for the efficacy of all processes

Student Engagement and Intervention

• Lead the development and execution of advising-related initiatives, including graduate student orientation and onboarding programs, 4+1 pipelines, degree planning workshops, and registration campaigns
• Provide intervention processes that lead to graduate student achievement from probation statuses, dismissals, and any potential departures and re-enrollments at the University
• Intervene with holistic advisement on graduate pathways for success, including financial literacy, academic readiness, and preparatory characteristics, to identify solutions for student success

Supervision and Team Lead

• Assess the needs of the graduate advising team and fill in personnel gaps where applicable
• Assist in evaluating professional staff performance and implementing improvement plans, consider internal promotional validity, and ongoing career advancement support
• Lead and manage professional development initiatives, ensuring team members have access to relevant training opportunities to enhance skills, foster growth, and improve overall performance
• Any other related duties as assigned

Required Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 6 - 9 years of related experience required. Experience in graduate programs, academic support, enrollment management, and student services will be given preference
• Minimum 3 years’ supervisory experience is required

Education Requirements:

• Master’s degree required, Terminal degree preferred