Director of Advising and Student Supports presso COLUMBIA GORGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Description

Compensation: $65,914-$81,056 plus excellent benefits including generous employer contributions to medical, dental and vision premiums, and participation in the Oregon PERS retirement system.

We offer an opportunity for…

A collaborative, equity-minded leader to serve as Director of Advising and Student Supports. The Director of Advising and Student Supports is responsible for creating, assessing, and continuously improving the policies, processes, and practices necessary to: facilitate equitable student learning and success; deliver excellent service; and, accomplish the work of the Advising and Student Supports department.  

This role reports directly to Vice President of Student Services and serves on the college Leadership Committee. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and be driven by a genuine desire to advance the College’s Mission and Priorities.  Accordingly, the Director of Advising and Student Supports will provide excellent service with a focus on closing equity gaps in educational access and attainment, and will work to promote inclusive prosperity throughout the Columbia Gorge region.

Who we are…

Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is a comprehensive community college dedicated to promoting an academic and social environment that serves the evolving needs of the vibrant and diverse communities across its district and beyond. The College aims to foster an inclusive and equitable climate where employees and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We understand these values are foundational to our mission and are critical to ensure the well-being of the communities in our service area. As a college CGCC commits to being accountable to communities who have been historically excluded from higher education, and to the land in the area it serves. Candidates from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Mission: CGCC prioritizes equitable access to education, empowers all students through learning, and drives inclusive prosperity throughout our community. 

Vision: As an institution of higher education, CGCC innovates and excels, champions equity and inclusion, and nurtures belonging among our students, employees, and the community.

Priorities:   

• Ensuring equitable access to education
• Advancing equitable student learning and educational outcomes
• Fostering economic growth, inclusive prosperity, and a thriving community 

Guiding Principles: Open Communication, Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Equity and Inclusion.

Where we are…

Columbia Gorge Community College serves a diverse region in north-central Oregon and south-central Washington. CGCC acknowledges we are on the homelands of the Confederated Tribe of the Yakama Nation and neighboring tribes as well as the 14 bands along the Inchi I’wana (Columbia River). Our main campus is within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in The Dalles, Oregon.  We also have a beautiful site in the city of Hood River.   

What the area offers…

Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, our College offers more than just a job; it offers a unique lifestyle. Imagine waking up to stunning mountain views, enjoying outdoor adventures in your backyard, and being part of a tight-knit community dedicated to educational equity and innovation. 

As a center of Native American trade for over 10,000 years and situated near the end of the Oregon Trail, the Columbia Gorge has a rich history. Much of the area is connected to agriculture, with large acreages of wheat fields, cherry, pear, and apple orchards. There are also dozens of world-class vineyards, wineries, and breweries that, together with outdoor recreation, have created a strong hospitality and tourism industry.

Organizations like Comunidades, The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Washington Gorge Action Programs, and The Next Door are representative of the groups that span the Gorge area to provide community resources and leadership. Manufacturing, technology, and IT companies are expanding rapidly in the area, which is home to companies such as Insitu, Tofurky, Cardinal Glass, Sagetech, HoodTech, and Google. Portland is roughly an hour away, with its various urban attractions and access to international travel.

What you will do…

• Lead and administer all aspects of advising, including development, implementation, evaluation, and modification of all programs. 
• Develop effective, contemporary, professional, and responsive programs to meet student needs.
• Promote student success by implementing strategies which maximize student recruitment, retention, and completion.
• Design and provide training (e.g., seminars, workshops, etc.) to advisors, faculty, and staff about advising services at Columbia Gorge Community College.
• Work with the Department Chairs, Instructional Directors, Academic Advisors, and Staff to analyze, coordinate, and develop class schedules.
• Provide leadership to ensure the utilization of a variety of effective and best-practice advising delivery systems and methodologies, including distance learners, in an environment conducive to provision of quality student support services and learning.
• Inspire a diverse group of employees through mentoring, professional development, and coaching; provide leadership, and support all areas of the College in service to the Mission.
• Use culturally responsive practices to benefit students, employees, and communities with historically marginalized identities
• Dismantle systems and barriers in order to achieve equitable student success

Requirements

What you bring….

• Experience promoting equity-minded and diversely represented communications and materials, experience in responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and employees as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practices. 

Minimum Requirements….

• Must have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
• Preferred Masters degree in student services administration, instructional administration, education, or counseling. 
• Minimum of three years of administrative or management experience that includes project planning and management; budgeting; personnel selection, supervision and evaluation; program and curriculum development and assessment. 
• Teaching or administrative experience at the post-secondary education level. 
• Experience with academic advising, quality teaching, learning, and assessment processes.
• Experience with Career and Technical Education programs at the post-secondary level, Career Pathways, and Perkins legislation.
• Experience with building successful partnerships with the workforce, community agencies, K-12 schools, and higher education, and being active in the community.
• Experience with Student Information System and training students on use of college systems. 

Position information 

Studies have shown that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications for this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application. 

Open until filled. An initial review of applications begins November 3, 2025.

Starting salary is based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Please include a resume, and letter of interest with your application materials