Director of the Academic Support Center

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 Director of the Academic Support Center supports student success by overseeing the Center's services and programs. This includes the development, implementation, and maintenance of campus-wide academic support services and programs as well as ongoing assessment of those services and programs. The Director will also oversee the hiring, scheduling, and professional development of professional tutors and academic coaches. The Director will also supervise the Assistant Director of the Academic Support Center.

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:

Develop, implement, and maintain academic support services that meet the various needs of students across academic levels and campuses in a student-centered and welcoming environment including, but not limited to, academic coaching, professional tutoring, peer tutoring, virtual services, and tutor.com.

Perform ongoing assessment of services and programs to best meet the needs of the student body in order to provide high-quality, accessible academic support for students who need assistance beyond what is available in the classroom and course-based resources.

Identify and develop new service objectives/programs and alternative instructional delivery methods as needed to meet the needs of the campus community.

Oversee the Academic Support Center budget (professional and peer tutor wages as well as other operating costs).

Maintain an awareness of best practices in university tutoring services and incorporates these, along with institutional knowledge, into the training, development, and supervision of the professional tutoring staff.

Actively recruit and manage student-centered professional tutoring staff members who are committed to staying current in the academic disciplines tutored. Develops and maintains tutoring staff schedules to ensure availability for students, including evenings and weekends.

Communicate effectively with faculty to obtain information about their course expectations and assignments; respond to faculty concerns and suggestions; coordinate with other Center staff members and facilitate collaboration between Center staff and faculty.

Oversee the electronic scheduling system (WC Online/AcademicSupport Net) to facilitate access to services.

Provide supervision to the Assistant Director of the Academic Support Center.

Ensure all style systems (e.g. APA, MLA, Chicago Style) on campus are supported by the Center and materials are up to date.

Develop and maintain Academic Support Center web resources to promote academic success.

May tutor students in areas of expertise as needed.

Expected to attend University meetings and seminars.

Attend and present at new student orientations, open houses, and other campus events.

Evening and weekend hours are required.

Travel in your own vehicle to other AU locations (George Williams College, AU Orchard Center, and Woodstock Center) as needed.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education:

• Master's degree is required.

Experience:

• Experience working in higher education required; Five years' experience in higher education, student support, academic advising, academic support, teaching and learning, or related field preferred.

Skills:

• Able to utilize excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to (a) listen with empathy and respect, (b) communicate clearly, and (c) convey courtesy, patience, sincerity, and a desire to help.
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and faculty, characterized by cooperation, attention to detail, flexibility, reliability, efficiency, and personal responsibility.
• Able to interact with diverse personalities and populations with respect and sensitivity.
• Able to maintain confidentiality with tact and discretion (consistent with FERPA) in regard to student records, the nature of a student's Center appointments, and communication with students, staff, and faculty. Able to maintain a higher standard of confidentiality in regard to all disabilities-related documents, accommodations, and communication, consistent with the University's disability policies.
• Able to resolve conflicts and exercise judgment and composure when faced with an uncooperative or dissatisfied student, staff, or faculty member.
• Able to handle testing materials and administer tests with integrity and strict adherence to instructions.
• Able to engage in basic campus computing, including use of the library's online search resources, Web Advisor, MS Office programs, and email.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting or standing at a workspace with a student; moving about the office; moving about the campus.

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.