Assistant Director for Advising, Retention & Completion

Job Overview

Assistant Director for Advising, Retention & Completion – plays a key role in strengthening college‑wide advising, retention, and student success at Columbia Basin College. Provides operational leadership and strategic support for comprehensive advising and Guided Pathways initiatives. Reports directly to the Director for Advising, Retention & Completion. Salary range: $74,473 – $82,321.

This is a full‑time, overtime eligible, administrative staff position. Typical work hours:
Monday–Thursday 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Friday 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM; evening and weekend work may be required.

• Serve as acting department leader in the Director’s absence, including making operational decisions, representing the department in cross‑campus meetings and initiatives, and maintaining oversight of departmental operations and resources.
• Collaborate with the Director and campus leadership on strategic planning, Guided Pathways initiatives, and institutional student success efforts.
• Oversee daily advising operations, including supervision of assigned staff, management of front desk services, coordination of new student advising and onboarding processes, and leading or supporting the delivery of advising‑by‑sponsored events and programs.
• Provide supervision, coaching, evaluation, and professional development support for assigned advising and front desk personnel.
• Assist in departmental budget monitoring, fiscal processes, and resource management; maintain oversight in the Director’s absence.
• Utilize advising technologies and data to track student progress, identify at‑risk students, implement intervention strategies, and support continuous improvement of advising practices, program outcomes, and equity‑informed student success efforts.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Services, Instruction, and other departments to ensure seamless student pathways, transitions, and retention efforts.
• Lead or participate in college‑wide committees, task forces, and Guided Pathways work groups to represent advising and student success priorities.
• Provide advising services as needed, including outreach and guidance to undecided students.
• Actively engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and apply equity‑minded advising practices to support historically underserved student populations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university in advising, counseling, education, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in advising.

• Experience advising in a community college setting.
• Experience in staff supervision, advisor training, and development programs.
• Experience with program assessment.

• Support for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  :
  Demonstrate an understanding of differences, open‑mindedness, compassion, and sensitivity; advocate equity‑minded practices and support diverse stakeholders.
• CBC Shared Commitments
  :
  Cooperate with colleagues and supervisors, accept constructive feedback, treat others with respect, communicate and collaborate effectively, pursue growth, celebrate contributions, prioritize wellness, and hold self and others accountable.
• Decision Making
  :
  Use strong analytical skills and sound judgment to assess complex situations, weigh alternatives, and make strategic decisions aligned with the college’s mission, values, and priorities.
• Networking
  :
  Cultivate and maintain relationships with colleagues, industry professionals, community stakeholders, and businesses.
• Oral & Written Communication
  :
  Speak clearly and persuasively, listen and clarify, respond well to questions, present effectively, and prepare written documents tailored to the audience.
• Organizational Skills
  :
  Prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced setting.
• Student Centered
  :
  Focus on students’ best interests, support their personal, academic, and professional goals, and provide courteous and helpful service to all customers.
• Technology Proficiency
  :
  Proficient in office productivity software, learning management systems, and other educational technologies relevant to the position.