Senior Director of Student Advising

Job Description:

Senior Director of Student Advising

ABOUT THE CHICAGO SCHOOL

The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for more than 40 years.

As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of a university community committed to true inclusion and equity. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chicago School seeks a dynamic Senior Director of Student Advising to lead a high-performing team in providing exemplary programs and services to help our diverse student population thrive.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Student Support Services, the Senior Director will oversee Student Advising and Student Support Counselors. This is an exciting opportunity to leverage best practices and implement innovative solutions that enrich the student experience, eliminate barriers, and promote well-being and development for all learners.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, collaborative, and student-centered leader who has experience with all aspects of student advising, student support, and student success. The Senior Director collaborates to align advising services with institutional priorities and improve student retention and success rates.

This is a hybrid position with three days per week on campus.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES

Leadership and Strategic Planning

· Develop and implement a strategic plan to integrate advising and student support services, ensuring equity and access.

· Provide visionary leadership for the Student Advising Division within Student Support, aligning with institutional goals.

· Lead, mentor, and evaluate a team of Student Advising Leadership and Student Support Counselors.

Student Advising

· Oversee high-quality advising and student support for a diverse student population, including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, first generation, transfer, and at-risk students.

· Ensure holistic support of students academic, personal, and professional goals.

· Utilize data-driven approaches to monitor and improve advising outcomes, including retention and completion rates.

Student Support Initiatives

· Develop targeted interventions for students with barriers to completion around financial, academic, and personal challenges.

· Provide expertise on university policies and procedures, including the initiation and completion of documentation to support students facing extenuating circumstances impacting enrollment and persistence.

· Partner with campus departments to offer wraparound support for student finance, mental health, disability, military, and international services.

Collaboration and Campus Partnerships

· Work collaboratively with academic departments, including leadership, faculty, and support staff, to deliver coordinated support.

· Partner with Career Services, Student Life and Events, Student Wellness, Title IX, and Academic Support departments to refer students and provide wraparound support.

Assessment and Continuous Improvement

· Design and implement metrics to assess the effectiveness of advising and student support programs.

· Use data to guide decision-making and improve program effectiveness and efficiency.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

· Master’s Degree required (Doctorate preferred)

· Minimum 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in academic advising or student success programs.

· Proven track record in leading large teams and managing complex programs.

· Experience with data analysis, strategic planning, and student success initiatives.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

· The ability to display professionalism in all interactions

· Experience with building or managing effective student support initiatives

· The ability to collaborate with diverse individuals and teams and work effectively within a matrix organization

· Excellent writing, interpersonal, and technological skills, including the use of Microsoft Office

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $$80,000.00 to $90,000.00 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/career-opportunities/

The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note: For the protection of faculty, staff, students, and all who enter our facilities, The Chicago School strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per CDC guidance.