Director - African American Academic Network
Student Affairs - African American Academic Network
Academic Professional
Chicago
02/07/2014
The Director reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and provides leadership in recruitment and outreach strategies, building effective learning opportunities, and setting short and long range goals that meet the students’ learning and success needs. The Director oversees students’ transition to college life by offering mentorships, individual supplemental advising, academic support, workshops, and a welcoming extended partnership with fellow students, staff, faculty and UIC alumni. The Director is expected to collaborate with other support programs, colleges and units, external and internal constituents; foster a caring environment that supports learning and development; and, execute high level strategic planning and implementation which are essential to the effectiveness of the program and its services.
As the administrative head, the Director is responsible for the daily operations of the department which includes financial management of state budget allocations, expenditures, gifts and grants; human resources management that includes staff development; information systems; and, continuous program evaluation and assessment. In addition, the Director must have a thorough knowledge of student development theory, both theoretical and practical.
Responsible for developing and implementing academic support initiatives for a targeted UIC student population (African American) that enhance the student’s transition from high school, assist students in acclimating to college learning strategies, and promote multiculturalism.
Establish the strategic direction, develop and implement student academic support initiatives, including courses, programs, and seminars; monitor and assess program effectiveness. Set department short and long-term goals.
Provide input to senior leadership for policy level direction regarding communication strategies, curricula, and learning needs of African American students to ensure the continuing recruitment, retention and matriculation of these students.
Direct the daily operations of African American Academic Network department including financial management, human resources, information systems, and procurement. Create an environment that promotes the emotional and interpersonal health of the targeted student population.
Oversee and monitor state budget allocation, expenditures, gifts and grants, and ensure compliance with appropriate local, state, and federal regulations.
Assess programs and services offered by the unit. Obtain and review statistics related to the targeted student population such as grade point average (GPA), retention and graduation rates for long term trends, and adjust programming and services accordingly.
Establish and maintain relationships with community and local schools to establish long term student recruiting.
Plan, assign and review work of staff to ensure that group objectives are met. Hire, train, develop and manage staff to ensure that a qualified staff exists to meet group objectives.
Master’s degree required (a Ph.D. preferred) in Student Personnel, Student Affairs, Counseling, Higher Education or a related field with experience in the administration of student services, programs, or departments providing educational and personal support for African American students in a higher educational setting. Familiarity with cultures and issues evident in the African American community.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in coordination or administration of educational support programs. Knowledge of student development theory and demonstrated ability to apply it to a support program focused on the retention, graduation, and success of underrepresented students. Experience with academic advising, programming, and assessment. Strong teaching and interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication. Demonstrated and effective planning, fiscal, and supervisory skills. Evidence of scholarly activity through referred publications or conference presentations.
Evidence of strong leadership, analytical and effective relationship building skills.
The UIC is an AA/EOE.