Academic Strategist II

Make a difference at one of Florida's premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences.

The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly's deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn recognitions such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maximize 4-year graduation rates by providing proactive, intrusive academic advising to students, including degree planning, program selection, course enrollment, and guidance on academic standing.
• Serve as the point of contact for prospective transfer and dual enrollment students on transfer evaluations, degree requirements, and graduation pathways.
• Demonstrate expertise in assigned academic degree pathways.
• Collaborate with faculty and curriculum committees to support academic advising.
• Prepare reports for leadership on retention, progression, and program outcomes.
• Collaborate with Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Admissions, Registrar's Office and academic departments to facilitate accurate and effective academic processes.
• Analyze student enrollment progression and performance data to recommend improvements in retention strategies and academic processes.
• Support faculty in advising best practices and student engagement strategies.
• Serve as a resource and strategic partner in ensuring academic support programs support institutional retention goals and degree program outcomes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of higher education academic program structures, degree requirements, and curriculum pathways.
• Knowledge of proactive retention strategies, intrusive advising models, and student development theory.
• Ability to analyze academic trends, student data, and institutional metrics to inform decisions.
• Skill in managing academic standing cases, including suspension, probation, and withdrawal processes.
• Proficiency in degree audit systems, early alert platforms, and student information systems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive partnerships with faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in academic advising, retention programs, or related higher education roles.
• In lieu of a degree, any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Academic Advising, STEM, or related discipline.
• Knowledge of data analysis tools, learning analytics, and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of Banner and Degree Works or similar student/degree audit systems.
• Experience collaborating with Academic Affairs, faculty, and academic departments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex academic processes and provide individualized student guidance.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW:

• This position requires a criminal background check, which may include a Level II screening as required by Florida Statute *435.04.
• This position is subject to federal and state privacy regulations.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: This position is a salary exempt position. The normal work schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., However, the schedule may vary depending upon activities. Occasional overtime (weekends and evenings) may be required.

TARGET HIRING SALARY: $59,500 - $63,000, commensurate with experience.

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: The position is open until filled; however, review of applications will commence immediately.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
In addition to completing the online application, all applicants are required to upload the following as attachments to the application (preferably in PDF format):

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three (3) Professional References and their contact information

If any of these three items are not included, you will not be considered for the position.

References will not be contacted unless you are selected as a finalist for the position.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information.

Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. An appointment is not final until proof is provided.

FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS INFORMATION

Florida Poly qualified employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of health benefits (through the State of Florida) to help meet their specific needs, as well as the needs of their family. This comprehensive coverage includes flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and worker's compensation.

Health benefits are administered through People First, on behalf of the State of Florida, as pre-tax insurance plans. People First handles all new hire enrollments, coverage changes, premium administration, and dependent eligibility. Their Service Center is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. EST, at 1-866-663-4735.

RETIREMENT

Florida Poly offers great options for retirement. From the required selection of a state plan to additional voluntary retirement plans, our employees have many opportunities to save and prepare for their future. Click here for more information.

FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS

• Perks and Discounts
• Annual Leave
  • To help promote work-life balance, Florida Poly provides a generous leave program, which includes paid time off and paid holidays. Qualified employees may accrue 22 days of annual leave. In addition, the University observes the holidays listed in our University Holidays policy FPU-1.008.
• Sick Leave
  • Qualified employees may also accrue 12 days of annual sick leave and participate in our Sick Pool Program.
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)

EXPLORE LAKELAND FLORIDA

Conveniently located along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is home to Florida Polytechnic University and many other businesses and attractions. Click here to explore Lakeland, Florida.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS:

Required attachments are listed on each posting. Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered.

An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire.

Foreign Transcript: Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.

This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute*435.04.