The New School for Social Research (NSSR) seeks a creative, student-oriented, highly organized individual to coordinate and implement a range of programs for graduate students in the areas of academic advising and student engagement. In addition to providing general guidance to all NSSR students as needed, the Associate Director will be specifically charged with acting as the Dean’s Office’s point person in the development and implementation of retention initiatives for Masters students and Bachelor’s-Masters students, as well as new programming for students that advances the University’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice.  

The NSSR, which enrolls over 800 students and offers Master’s and PhDs in the social sciences, philosophy and history, is known internationally for its commitment to progressive ideas and its rigorous, interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning.

The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as candidates who share this commitment. The New School is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that promises diversity and tolerance in all areas of employment, education and access to its educational, artistic or cultural programs and activities. The New School does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, sex or gender (including gender identity and expression), pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, religious practices, mental or physical disability, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, veteran status, marital or partnership status, or any other legally protected status.

POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW

The Associate Director of Academic and Student Affairs plays a strategic leadership role in advancing graduate student success, engagement, and belonging within the New School for Social Research. Reporting to the Vice Dean, this position oversees academic advising operations while leading initiatives that strengthen student retention, enhance the graduate student experience, and support the university's commitments to equity, inclusion, and social justice. Working collaboratively with faculty, university partners, and student-facing teams, the Associate Director develops innovative programs, resources, and services that foster academic achievement and community across the student lifecycle. This is an opportunity for a collaborative, student-centered leader to make a meaningful impact by shaping policies, programs, and experiences that contribute to the long-term success of NSSR students and the university's academic mission.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises NSSR’s advising staff, including its peer student advisor system, in providing assistance with registration, degree planning, and degree conferral to all NSSR students. 

• Acts as the lead in the NSSR Dean’s Office in the development of resources and initiatives designed to boost enrollment and retention in the NSSR’s Masters and BAMA (Dual Degree) programs, including: 

  • Developing community building activities for all Masters students.

  • Developing resources and communications designed for students in BAMA Early Admissions (BMAD) programs at Lang, from the point of students’ admission to BMAD to their matriculation to a Masters degree at NSSR.

  • Liaising with faculty leadership to develop events and other opportunities for BAMA students to be involved in NSSR departments while they are still in the BA portion of their BAMA degree.  

  • Liaising with undergraduate advising in Student Success and Engagement to ensure accurate advisement of BAMA students

• Plans and implements new EISJ programming for NSSR students, with a particular emphasis on the development of new affinity groups for graduate students.

• Oversees the development and review of advising, registration, and degree conferral resources for NSSR students. 

• Leads the creation and implementation of all NSSR orientation initiatives including: developing new orientation events and activities for BAMA Early Admissions (BMAD) students, both at the point of admission to the BMAD program and upon matriculation to  the Masters portion of their dual degree; developing orientation events for affinity groups; acting as the NSSR liaison to Student Success Orientation Committee meetings, organizing orientation materials, budget, space and reception, communications and guest speakers;

• Leads, with the Vice Dean, key aspects of the NSSR Recognition Ceremony.

• Acts as reference/liaison for NSSR students with inquiries regarding academic and university policies and procedures. 

• Oversees the notification process for the following competitions: Dissertation Fellowships, Janey Summer Fund, TA/RA, Student Travel and Research Fund, Student Conference Fund, MA Project Grants.

• Serves as the point staff member for Stellic and exceptions, Equivalency Credits and Maintaining Status registrations, interdivisional registrations, CPT registrations, and registration errors.

• Collects and maintains dissertation titles, reviews dissertations (NSSR and SPE) for style and format, and enters final dissertation approvals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• MA/MS degree

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in higher education, student affairs, advising, or related area

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

• Proficient in Social Media (i.e. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, HootSuite)

• Strong administrative, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Experience working cross-departmentally in a university setting

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD degree in a discipline related to the social sciences and humanities

• 3-5 years of experience in higher education, students affairs, advising, or related area

• Experience with Banner, Tableau, and MyDay

• Experience with social media platforms (i.e. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, HootSuite)

• Experience developing and making presentations to small and large groups

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement. Hybrid work arrangements (1-2 days offsite) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee.

SALARY RANGE

$85,000 - $90,000 per annum

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Wellness 

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA

• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day

• Paid holidays and floating holidays

• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities

• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations

• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.