Position Summary

This is a twelve-month Academic Specialist position in the continuing system with the College of Natural Science Undergraduate Academic and Student Affairs Office.  The selected individual will serve as the Assistant Director of Student Success, will report to the Director of Academic Advising and Student Success Initiatives. The Assistant Director serves as the direct supervisor of the Student Success Advisors and collaborates with the Student Success Team on building proactive student success initiatives.  The Assistant Director maintains an advising caseload that includes students temporarily waiting for admission into another college, on academic warning, and student success affinity groups including transfer students. Advising duties include but are not limited to assisting with ASUS (Academic Standing of Undergraduate Students) Day, student success resources, representing the college on various campus committees, course combination knowledge, academic planning, and referrals to campus resources. 

The selected individual will serve as a liaison with advisors and administrators in the academic units of the College, with other college academic and student affairs offices and with support services throughout the University. They will collaborate on designing the student success initiatives and data and assessment for the College. 

The goals of the College of Natural Science Undergraduate Academic and Student Affairs Office align with the broader institution and College goals of closing opportunity gaps for underrepresented students by increasing persistence, retention, and graduation rates, and decreasing time to degree. The College seeks candidates who have a record of success advising and mentoring individuals from groups underrepresented in STEM.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters

Minimum Requirements

1. Master’s Degree

2. A minimum of 4 years of academic advising experience in higher education including working with a diverse population of students and a record of progressive growth in the level and complexity of responsibilities. 
3. Evidence of successful collaborations around issues related to advising and student success. 

Evidence of contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in a higher education setting 

Desired Qualifications

1. Supervisory or leadership experience  

2. Evidence of and commitment to professional development  

3. Experience with Campus Solutions or other student information systems 

4. An understanding of science curricula or experience working with STEM students 

Required Application Materials

1. CV/Resume 

2. Letter of Interest 

1. Must be at least 2 pages, but no more than 3 pages  

2. Must include an Advising Philosophy Statement describing the applicant’s experience advising students, including experiences and/or plans to support marginalized and historically underrepresented students.  

3. A list of three professional references 

Special Instructions 

Interested candidates should submit the required materials through careers.msu.edu, addressed to Heidi Purdy, Assistant Dean, College of Natural Science, 288 Farm Lane Road, East Lansing, MI 48824.  

Review of Applications Begins On

04/01/2025

Department Statement

“MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer and is committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities. MSU is committed to providing a work environment that supports employees' work and personal life and offers employment assistance to the spouse or partner of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions.” 

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.