Assistant Director of Academic Support and Disability Services

Aurora University seeks talented staff and administrators who are passionate about supporting an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning.

Position Purpose: The Assistant Director of Academic Support position is designed to enhance the academic success of students at all levels. The goal is to help students take charge of their academic success by helping to nurture personal accountability in the learning process while providing learning opportunities outside the classroom. This position will provide students access to academic support, library services, and accommodation resources at the George Williams College location and in conjunction with services offered on the Aurora University campus. The Assistant Director is responsible for contributing to the overall mission of the university and making meaningful, proactive contributions to the services and programs offered by Academic Support and Library Services. The Assistant Director is responsible for assisting the Director of Student Support Services with Disability Services, Academic Support, and Academic Coaching, with a focus on the Pathways to Discovery students. The position involves individual and small group coaching meetings to assist students in making a successful adjustment to college. In this role, the Assistant Director will facilitate the implementation of an academic success program that includes, but is not limited to, study strategies, time management, academic organization, and effective use of resources. The Assistant Director will also assist the Director with the recruitment, training, and oversight of student peer tutors and library assistants. The Disability Services part of the position involves scheduling proctoring for students with testing accommodations, communicating with faculty about the implementation of academic accommodations, and educating students about how to access disability services and utilize accommodations.

Core Competencies:

Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.

Upholds the Mission Statement:Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. We empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.

Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.

Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:

Assists the Director with the development and delivery of an academic success program for all students including the development of study strategies, time management, academic organization, test preparation, and information literacy skills through detailed knowledge of library resources.

Plays a key role in retention and student success by providing individual and small group academic support and writing assistance, especially using APA-Style.

Delivers workshop sessions, classroom presentations, and alternate learning opportunities such as consultations and just-in-time learning on how to access library resources, databases, and materials.

Serves as a liaison to the Disability Resource Office at Aurora University and implements testing and learning accommodations at the GWC location.

Assists with the identification and outreach to students in need of additional academic support.

Works collaboratively with staff to develop and implement enhanced student support services, peer tutoring, and campus programming.

Keeps current with trends and best practices in information literacy, pedagogy, and research methods and tools. Conducts research to better understand and identify students' needs.

Serves as a member of the Academic and Student Life Services team attending staff meetings and actively participating in such programs as open houses, orientations, registration events, commencement, and other activities related to recruitment and retention at the college.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education:

• Master's degree required. Experience in academic support in a higher education setting is preferred.

Skills:

• Demonstrated competence in working with and among diverse populations including racially and ethnically diverse students, LGBTQ students, at-risk, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities.
• Ability to utilize excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen with empathy and respect, communicate clearly, and convey courtesy, patience, sincerity, and a desire to help.
• Demonstrated proficiency with learning new technology as well as data management systems, Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and email.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and faculty, characterized by cooperation, attention to detail, flexibility, reliability, efficiency, and personal responsibility.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with tact and discretion (consistent with FERPA) in regard to student records, the nature of a student's Center appointments, etc. Ability to maintain a higher standard of confidentiality in regard to all disabilities-related documents, accommodations, and communication, consistent with the University's disability policies.

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references including name, telephone, and email address.

If you were referred by a current employee of Aurora University please include the name of the employee in your submission.

Aurora University
Human Resources
347 South Gladstone Ave
Aurora, IL 60506
jobs@aurora.edu - email

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.