Assistant Dean of Academic Advising and Operations

Position Number: 40034778

Payroll Title: STDT ACAD SUPV 2

Job Code: 004553

Job Open Date: 05/14/2026

Application Review Begins: 06/01/2026

Department Code (Name): LSAA (LETTERS & SCI - ACAD ADVISING)

Percentage of Time: 100

Union Code (Name): 99

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS

Salary Grade: Grade 23

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $88,000 to $110,000/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $88,000 to $161,600/year.

Work Location: Cheadle Hall - 1117

Working Days and Hours: Monday - Friday

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid (Both UC & Non-UC locations).

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Department Marketing Statement:

The Division of Undergraduate Education's mission is to foster student success and educational excellence at UC Santa Barbara. We assist students in reaching their academic goals by sharing knowledge and partnering with them to analyze options at UCSB and beyond. We aim to be a resource that connects students with opportunities and the many sources of support at UCSB that are essential for student success.

Benefits of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties:

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education/Dean of Undergraduate Education, Letters and Science, the Assistant Dean of Academic Advising and Operations provides senior-level leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for undergraduate academic advising and student support services within the College of Letters and Science. The position is responsible for developing and implementing advising strategy, interpreting and administering academic policy, and managing a large, complex advising organization. The incumbent exercises a high degree of independent judgment in resolving complex student, policy, and operational issues and represents the College in campus-wide and system-wide initiatives.

The Assistant Dean of Advising works to ensure that the Division of Undergraduate Education is guided by and achieves the following core values:

A. Developmental approach: developmental, service-oriented advising approach with respectful, professional service provided to every student.

B. Information sharing: Efficient dissemination of useful information to students, faculty, and staff utilizing effective, automated information systems.

C. Collaboration: Effective collaboration with university and engineering departments, faculty, and students.

D. Diversity & Inclusion: A broad-based approach to attracting and retaining an exceptional, diverse student body.

E. Team environment: A high-trust, teaming, and professional office environment.

F. Performance excellence: Comprehensive, ongoing evaluation of services through regular quantitative and qualitative assessment and performance metrics with a clear priority on innovation to continuously provide consistent, equity-oriented, comprehensive advising services.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training

• 4-6 years Experience and ability to provide direction regarding student services programs.

• 4-6 years Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise employees, including performance management experience, and the ability to make hiring decisions.

• 4-6 years Experience handling sensitive student issues.

• 4-6 years Experience in a higher education administrative, student services, or academic role

• Demonstrated success as a leader driving vision, purpose and change.

• Excellent planning, implementation and organizational skills. Ability to prioritize and manage competing initiatives and deadlines while meeting goals.

• Excellent communication skills. Ability to effectively present complex information, influence people, solve problems, troubleshoot, think creatively and resolve conflicts.

• Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, advise and influence people at all levels, with respect, tact and diplomacy. Experience with equity-minded succession planning and success implementing accountability structures related to vision, strategic priorities and objectives

• Demonstrated experience supervising staff in a represented environment and interpreting or applying collective bargaining agreements

• Comprehensive understanding of academic programs, processes and operations in a large public research university

• Advanced knowledge or demonstrated ability to learn about information systems technology that supports the student experience

• Understanding of the complex structure of administration in an academic environment and knowledge of university policies in relevant operational areas

• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques

• Detail-oriented with the ability to apply critical thinking skills to analyze problems and apply effective solutions.

• Knowledge of trends in academic advising and student development.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree in Counseling, Education, High Education Administration, or related field and/or experience/training.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Satisfactory criminal history background check
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

• 40% Management, Leadership, and Operational Oversight - Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the College's undergraduate advising organization, serving as a key member of the leadership team responsible for advancing the mission and goals of Undergraduate Education and the University. Directs the overall administration and delivery of comprehensive undergraduate advising services, including organizational design, service delivery models, operational planning, and continuous assessment of advising programs and student support services. Supervises a team of professional advising staff, including Student Academic Advisor 4s and Student Academic Advisor 3s, through direct and subordinate management structures. Responsible for recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, staff evaluations, employee relations, disciplinary actions, compensation recommendations, and professional development in accordance with University personnel policies and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Establishes clear lines of authority, decision-making, and accountability while fostering a collaborative, equitable, and student-centered work environment. Develops and implements long-range strategic plans, operational goals, and performance standards for undergraduate advising programs and services. Evaluates changing organizational and staffing needs and develops responsive staffing strategies to support evolving institutional priorities and student demographics. Oversees the development and maintenance of office procedures, communication systems, appointment and advising delivery models, and technology-enabled student services, including drop-in and web-based advising systems. Leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of advising programs grounded in established and emerging theories of student learning and development. Conducts comprehensive assessments to evaluate program effectiveness, service quality, and achievement of organizational goals, using data-informed practices to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency. Identifies organizational, procedural, and institutional barriers affecting student success and implements solutions to enhance service delivery and support institutional objectives. Ensures effective stewardship of financial, human, and technological resources and establishes policies, procedures, and operational guidelines related to advising practices, student petitions, and exception processes. Recognizes issues with campus-wide impact or long-term implications and provides leadership and guidance to staff in addressing complex and sensitive matters.
• 20% Strategic Planning, Policy Development, and Institutional Leadership - Serves as a senior advisor to the Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean and College leadership on matters related to undergraduate education strategy, academic advising policy, student success initiatives, and organizational effectiveness. Provides leadership in the development and implementation of long-range strategic plans for advising and student support services that align with the priorities and goals of the College, campus, and University of California system. Leads the interpretation, development, evaluation, and recommendation of academic policies, procedures, and operational practices governing undergraduate education, ensuring compliance with Academic Senate regulations, campus policies, and systemwide guidelines. Identifies, analyzes, and addresses complex issues with significant organizational or institutional impact, developing strategic recommendations and implementation plans to support student success, operational excellence, and institutional priorities. Represents the College on campuswide and systemwide committees, task forces, and collaborative initiatives, serving as a liaison with academic departments, administrative units, and external partners on matters related to undergraduate education and advising. Maintains a comprehensive understanding of emerging national trends, research, and best practices in higher education, student development, and academic advising, and integrates innovative and equity-minded approaches to enhance advising effectiveness, student engagement, and educational outcomes.
• 25% Advising Program Oversight & Student Case Management - Provides leadership and oversight for undergraduate advising operations serving a large and diverse student population within the College of Letters and Science. Functions as a senior advising resource for deans, faculty, and staff on highly complex, sensitive, and high-impact student matters requiring advanced problem-solving, sound judgment, and substantial organizational expertise. Provides guidance and consultation to professional advising staff on the interpretation and resolution of complex academic and student services issues. Oversees the resolution of complex student cases involving academic standing actions, exceptions to policy, appeals, and other sensitive matters, ensuring consistency, compliance, appropriate documentation, and adherence to College, campus, and University policies. Independently analyzes and renders decisions on student petitions and academic exceptions within established guidelines and delegated authority. Directs processes related to academic notice and disqualification and develops action plans to support students experiencing academic difficulty. Applies advanced knowledge of academic policy, student development theory, and advising practices to support student success and informed decision-making. Ensures the accurate and consistent interpretation and application of academic requirements, policies, and procedures across advising units and departments. Evaluates the implications of academic and administrative policies on students and advising operations in collaboration with College leadership, including the AVC/Dean, Associate Deans, and Assistant Deans of Advising. Serves as the College representative and liaison to assigned academic departments and governance bodies. Regularly communicates with students, faculty, and staff regarding academic policies, procedures, and educational planning. Uses expert advising knowledge to assist students in developing educational and career plans that support the achievement of their academic, personal, and professional goals.
• 10% Systems, Technology & Process Improvement - Provides strategic and operational leadership for advising-related technology, student information systems, and continuous process improvement initiatives within the College of Letters and Science. Serves as the functional lead for advising technologies and systems that support academic advising operations, student services, and institutional objectives. Represents the College in campus-wide system implementations, upgrades, and enhancement initiatives, ensuring alignment between academic policy, operational priorities, and business needs. Collaborates with technical teams, institutional partners, and campus stakeholders to identify system requirements, design and test enhancements, and implement technology solutions that improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and the student experience. Leads efforts to streamline workflows, improve processes, and promote operational effectiveness through data-informed decision-making, assessment, and continuous improvement practices. Develops and maintains procedures, documentation, and training related to advising systems and operational processes to ensure consistency, compliance, and effective use of technology resources. Monitors emerging technologies and best practices in higher education advising and student services to recommend innovative solutions that enhance organizational effectiveness and support student success. Ensures compliance with university policies, data governance standards, and privacy requirements related to student information systems and advising technologies.
• 5% External Relations, Communications & Outreach - Provides leadership and oversight for advising-related communications, outreach, and external engagement efforts in support of the College of Letters and Science and undergraduate education initiatives. Oversees the development, coordination, and maintenance of advising communications, including websites, digital content, academic catalog materials, publications, and student-facing resources, ensuring accuracy, consistency, accessibility, and alignment with College and campus messaging. Collaborates with advising leadership, communications professionals, and campus partners to develop effective communication strategies that support student engagement, academic success, and organizational priorities. Represents the College in recruitment, outreach, and student engagement activities, including campus events, orientation programs, presentations, and interactions with prospective students and families. Serves as a key liaison with campus departments, academic units, and external stakeholders to support undergraduate education initiatives, promote collaborative partnerships, and advance strategic goals related to student success and academic advising. Ensures communications and outreach efforts reflect institutional values, support equitable access to information and services, and enhance the visibility and effectiveness of the College's advising programs and student support services.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.

As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit University of California Policy on Vaccinations - https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy

*Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodations:

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