Director of Health Professions Advising

Colby invites experienced, thoughtful, innovative and student-centric educators to apply for the Director of Health Professions Advising position, a highly visible, collaborative and impactful role at the College which leads Colby’s robust health professions advising program.  Following 34+ years with Colby College, leading health professions advising, the wonderful Cate Talbot Ashton '80 will be retiring before the New Year, prompting this posting and the upcoming opportunity.

Housed within Colby’s nationally recognized DavisConnects Office, the Director plays a critical role in preparing Colby students and graduates for success in their pursuit of medical and other health professions (e.g. physician assistant, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy and beyond). Reporting to the Dean of DavisConnects, the Director may also have an opportunity to teach a January Plan course pending interest and instruction experience.

Essential functions include:

• Advising students and alumni contemplating medical and other health professions (e.g. physician assistant, dentistry, veterinary, nursing and beyond) on the academic and experiential requirements to succeed in the pursuit of the same.

• Designing and delivering workshops and resources, and partnering with alumni and other stakeholders on delivery of such offerings which expose students to the range of potential health professions they may pursue, and help them compete for those opportunities.

• Partnering with DavisConnects’ Director of Employer and Community Partnerships to develop and promote clinical, research and other experiential learning opportunities which will make their student and alumni advisees better informed, more competitive candidates for the health professions.

• Guiding students and alumni through the professional school application process, including, without limitation, application materials, entrance examinations (e.g. MCAT, DAT, or GRE), personal statements and interviews, as well as guidance on professional school financing.

• Cultivating relationships with admissions deans and staff at health professions schools both regionally and nationally, attending national and regional association events.

• Partnering with faculty, and staff who are advising students on course selection and major declaration, about the unique academic requirements for the broad range of health professions Colby students and graduates are pursuing.

• Providing up-to-date information to Colby’s Office of Admission and Office of Advancement to maintain and enhance the strong reputation for Colby’s pre-health program among prospective students and alumni looking to support the program.

• Mentoring the leaders of Colby’s pre-health student clubs and organizations.

• Collecting and maintaining data pertaining to the admission of students and alumni to health professions programs.

Position Qualifications

• A graduate degree in a relevant field plus experience teaching, coaching, advising and/or mentoring individuals interested in health professions.

• Exceptional interpersonal, coaching, communication and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to recognize strengths and clarify the interests and values of students and alumni while assisting them in making informed decisions about their life after college.

• Excellent strategic planning, leadership and organizational skills.

• Commitment to developing innovative approaches to delivering excellent service.

• Experience in creating partnerships with and working creatively and effectively with broad constituencies.

• Team-orientation with an interest in collaborating with other members of DavisConnects in preparing students and graduates for success beyond college.

• Willingness to maintain a flexible schedule as needed, to accommodate evening and occasional weekend programs.

• Familiarity and experience using Microsoft Office and social media.