Dean, Advising & Career Pathways

Description

Waukesha County Technical College is seeking an innovative, collaborative leader to serve as the college's first Dean of Advising & Career Pathways. This newly created position is a direct outcome of an organizational assessment of the Division of Student Affairs which engaged faculty, staff, and institutional leaders to consider the future of Student Affairs. The assessment affirmed what makes WCTC special: a deeply relational, student-centered culture where staff routinely go above and beyond for students. It was also found that students too often experience a collection of separate services rather than one coordinated journey, and that the transition from admission to the first day of class is a critical point for student retention. Among its central recommendations were integrating Academic Advising and Career Connections positions into a unified student success role and ensuring career preparation begins early in a student's experience and that students enroll in the courses that support their academic and personal goals.

The Dean will lead the design and implementation of this vision. Reporting to the Associate Vice Provost of Student Affairs, the Dean will provide strategic leadership for academic and career advising, new student advising, and Career Services. They will directly oversee the launch of a new blended Academic/Career Advisor role, including setting evaluation criteria, reviewing outcome data, and determining when and how to expand the model. The Dean will also strengthen proactive outreach at key transition points, expand employer and internship partnerships, and work closely with Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, and campus partners to create a more connected experience for every student, from first contact through career outcome.

We are looking for a builder. The successful candidate will bring strong, collaborative leadership, innovative and critical thinking, and proven project management skills to move multiple initiatives from plan to practice at the same time. They will use data to guide decisions, lead change in a way that brings staff along while engaging with them and building trust, and stay focused on the students WCTC serves: adult learners, first-generation students, career changers, apprentices, and dual-enrolled high schoolers, and both traditional and transfer college students. This is a rare opportunity to shape a new model of student success from the ground up at the only associate degree-granting college in Waukesha County.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities (include, but not limited to)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of the job. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated on this description.

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for integrated advising and career services that support student success

Design innovative advising models and provide oversight for practices based on current research and best practices

Lead strategic planning efforts with measurable outcomes aligned to institutional goals and accreditation requirements

Create and maintain policies and guidelines that ensure quality and consistency across advising functions

Monitor trends in higher education and implement evidence-based approaches to enhance student support services

Establish key performance indicators to evaluate program effectiveness, including formal evaluation criteria and a review timeline for the Academic/Career Advisor role.

Manage departmental budgets across academic advising, career advising, and new student advising

Academic Advising Leadership

Direct the delivery of holistic academic advising services for new and continuing students

Implement proactive advising campaigns targeting key transition points and at-risk student populations

Coordinate advising services with academic departments to ensure accurate program guidance

Develop resources and tools that support effective academic planning and degree completion

Evaluate the impact of advising on retention, academic success, and time to degree completion

Address complex student situations and serve as an escalation point for advising challenges

Foster a student-centered advising philosophy focused on personal connection and individual success

Monitor changes in WTCS and recommend related policy and/or procedural changes

Career and New Student Advising Leadership

Direct the delivery of career advising and new student advising services, ensuring alignment with academic advising practices and overall student success goals

Provide strategic direction for career, internship, and employer relationship development to support student employment and post-graduation outcomes

Develop and expand experiential learning programs, internship pipelines, and employer partnerships in coordination with academic departments

Provide oversight and direction for new student advising services, including the early alert response protocol and the transition of students from first-semester to ongoing academic/career advising

Ensure staff adherence to relevant professional standards (including NACADA, NCDA, CAS, and NACE as applicable) across academic, career, and new student advising functions

Partner with the Associate Vice President, Student Affairs to write grant proposals and manage grant-funded initiatives supporting advising, career, and new student programming

Implementation Oversight

Directly oversee the Academic/Career Advisor role during its implementation period, including setting evaluation criteria, reviewing caseload and outcome data, and determining when to expand the blended model to remaining Academic Advisor staff

Coordinate with the Associate Director, Advising, on day-to-day operational alignment between the Academic/Career Advising role and the rest of the advising unit, while retaining formal supervisory authority over the Academic/Career Advising role during the implementation and transition periods

Supervise the Associate Director, Advising, including hiring, evaluation, and professional development

Supervise the Assistant Director, Career Services, including hiring, evaluation, and professional development

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Comprehensive understanding of academic advising theories, approaches, and best practices

Knowledge of career development theory, employer relations, and workforce partnership practices

Strong data literacy and ability to use analytics for decision-making and program improvement, including evaluating pilot program outcomes

Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously

Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships across departments

Experience developing policies, procedures, and documentation for student support services

Proficiency with technology systems for student success and advising

Certification or advanced training in academic advising (such as NACADA credentials)

Understanding of first-year/first-semester experience and retention theory

Knowledge of ADA requirements related to accommodations in advising

Familiarity with academic integrity standards and regulatory requirements

Evidence of innovative and creative problem-solving to address complex student needs

Strong ethical judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information

Adaptability and resilience in a changing educational environment

Collaborative leadership style that empowers team members and campus partners

Student-centered mindset with focus on holistic support and development

Ability to manage multiple functional areas effectively through direct and indirect reporting relationships

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Master's degree in higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, education, or related field

Minimum of five (5) years of professional academic advising experience in higher education

Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience managing professional staff, preferably including management of managers

Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations (FERPA, ADA, Title IX, etc.)

Experience with career services, employer relations, or first-year experience programming preferred

Supplemental Information

The Dean of Advising & Career Pathways supports the Academic Affairs division and is fulltime and benefit eligible.

Hours
Hours are Monday through Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some evenings and weekends will be required. Flexibility may be needed based on department/College needs.

Application Details All applicants must submit a completed application along with a current resume and cover letter.Interviews
Candidates who advance in the hiring process will be invited to participate in an initial virtual interview on October 26. Candidates selected to move forward will be invited to an on-campus interview on November 16.
WCTC offers a wide range of outstanding benefits. Benefits include, but not limited to:Competitive compensationComprehensive Benefits Package including health, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, supplemental life, flex spending accounts, and much moreGenerous time off and holiday scheduleEligibility in the Wisconsin Retirement System (ETF)Opportunities for professional growth and development (including tuition reimbursement, tuition waiver)Well-being activities to support personal and professional well-beingCollaborative and supportive team environmentCandidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain that authorization through employment. Verification of employment eligibility will be required upon hire. WCTC does not provide employment-based visa sponsorship.