Director, Student Affairs and Career Advancement

Department
 

UCPE Leadership Administration

About the Department
 

Innovative, career-driven learning experiences define University of Chicago Professional Education. In our commitment to spread the University's knowledge as broadly as possible, we offer impactful and flexible programs and courses that introduce individual and corporate audiences to up-to-the-minute research, the latest standards in their field, a new professional network, and the University of Chicago's rich intellectual community. Our instructors, seasoned professionals all, deliver unparalleled expertise drawn from years of industry experience. We give our students the tools to succeed in our fast-moving, interconnected world and achieve a competitive edge at any stage of their careers.

Job Summary
 

The Director of Student Affairs is vital in fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment for students pursuing professional education programs and reports directly to the Managing Director of the University of Chicago Professional Education (UCPE). The Director is a critical member of UCPE’s senior staff.
This position's primary focus will be fostering a safe and welcoming learning experience, student retention and persistence, well-being, and career readiness for a diverse, interdisciplinary student body. The Director will collaborate with instructors, staff, and external partners, leading efforts to ensure that students receive comprehensive support throughout their academic journey and beyond, empowering them to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of UCPE's programs and make a lasting impact on students' educational journey.
The Director of Student Affairs is specifically responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and management of the Student Affairs department.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the Department's day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and effective outcomes.
• Manages professional staff by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, and assessing team performance.
• Curates and sustains a collaborative and inclusive work environment, promoting professional development and ensuring high performance within the team.
• Serves as the first point of contact with the central campus units on behalf of UCPE regarding emergencies and crises involving UCPE-affiliated students.
• Manages budgets and resources, making data-driven decisions to optimize student-centered initiatives.
• Provides metrics and critical insights for Student Affairs to support UCPE’s strategic planning efforts.
• Partners with the Senior Leadership team and other teams within the organization to promote enrollment management efforts as a comprehensive, integrated approach focused on enhancing and improving recruitment, retention, and completion rates at UCPE.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, including instructors, staff, academic and administrative departments, and industry partners. Fosters strong relationships to support UCPE's goals and enhance the student experience.
• Develops and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion among the Division's students, faculty, and staff.
• Develops and reviews policies and procedures related to student affairs, registration, admissions, and recruitment; monitor and administer processes associated with individual student academic standing, as appropriate, to include probations, suspensions, leaves of absence, or other conduct and grievance matters. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and University regulations and policies.
• Ensures compliance with relevant regulations and standards, and recommends improvements to enhance operational efficiency and student experience.
• Oversees registration systems and related processes to ensure efficient and accurate enrollment management.
• Develops and maintains student records and data, ensuring compliance with University policies and regulations.
• Oversees and facilitates the process of granting Professional Development and Continuing Education Units on behalf of the University. Ensures compliance as outlined by the Illinois State Board of Education.
• Provides strategic oversight of the administration of financial aid and student account reconciliation, including but not limited to financial Negative Service Indicators (NSIs).
• Collaborates with the analytics team to track and assess key enrollment metrics and trends. Analyzes reports to inform decision-making and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborates with relevant departments and IT professionals to maintain and improve the registration system, troubleshoot issues, and implement enhancements. Stays updated on industry best practices and emerging technologies to streamline registration procedures and optimize the user experience for students.
• Manages large-scale projects, including convocation, student orientations, and all student engagement and recruitment events. 
• Designs and executes career development programs, workshops, and events to equip students with essential employability skills.
• Tracks and analyzes graduate outcomes to continuously improve career services and tailor them to industry demands.
• Assesses student needs, develops programs, and creates delivery strategies in partnership with academic leaders that respond to identified student needs.
• Promotes opportunities and partnerships between businesses in health and wellness, professional development, and aligned industries to enhance student outcomes.
• Collaborates with employers, industry partners, and alumni to create student internship and job placement opportunities.
• Manages a team of individuals that validate the academic status of students within the school to ensure proper tuition assessments and scholarship awards.
• Identifies and implements technological solutions to improve operating efficiencies and assure veracity of data gathering.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in higher education.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in student affairs, career services, or related fields, with demonstrated progression in leadership roles.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong knowledge of higher education administration, including registration student engagement.
• Strong understanding of career development trends and strategies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team of professionals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong commitment to customer service.
• Contribute to strategic conversations that influence the growth and trajectory of UCPE.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the educational setting.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact
 

People Manager

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.