Assistant Director of Alternative Programs

National Louis University•Chicago, IL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

National Louis University (NLU) is seeking an Assistant Director of Alternative Programs to manage the operational aspects of the NCE Alternative Pathway Programs. This role provides strategic leadership and oversight for alternative pathway partnerships by coordinating supervision and candidate support, fostering strong district and school relationships, developing systems and processes that enhance candidate success and employment outcomes, and leading outreach and engagement efforts that support program growth, sustainability, and continuous improvement. The Assistant Director will work closely with the School Director of Teacher Preparation, Outreach/Enrollment, and Advising, and will be responsible for alternative district and school partnership development, candidate support and onboarding, outreach and alumni engagement, program implementation, and workforce placement strategies. The goal is to ensure program quality, stakeholder satisfaction, and alignment with partner needs.

Requirements

Possess a master's degree in education, or a related field.
Minimum of five years working with state licensure programs, processes and/or demonstrated deep knowledge base of the licensure system in Illinois.
Demonstrated ability to work with racially, culturally and economically diverse colleagues and students.
Demonstrated ability of using a variety of technology tools.
Highly organized and able to manage projects, support a team and develop and execute upon protocols for effective operations.
Experience using data for improvement purposes.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Is an effective team player who adds complementary skills and contributes valuable ideas, opinions and feedback. Communicates in an open and candid manner and can be counted upon to fulfill any commitments made to others on the team.
Builds rapport and develops alliances with a broad range of people. Adjusts communication style to meet the needs of individuals at various organizational levels and to meet the needs of clients. Forms alliances by demonstrating concern and respect for others, as well as by highlighting common interests and aspirations. Leave others feeling that he/she will be a trusted ally and is careful to act in ways that reinforce that trust over time.
Takes initiative to identify, define, and resolve challenges. Assesses root causes, generates and evaluates options, and implements practical solutions—adapting quickly to new or unexpected issues with sound judgment and minimal oversight.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and lead supervisors, including coordinating supervision support during the school year, assignment of supervisors, and overseeing supervision requirements to ensure requirements are being met for alternative pathway programs.
Visit schools annually and collect feedback from administrators and alternative candidates.
Maintain quarterly communication with district partners.
Develop student guidance processes and strategies including implementing frameworks for programs, ownership of student support plans, communicating resources, and supporting orientation and student onboarding in programs.
Manage program partnerships including school, district, and CMO liaison; work to develop and update program details and guide program growth.
Lead outreach efforts including facilitating and managing outreach events for program development and creating a system and process for engagement with residency and alternative programs alumni.
Develop a process to match candidates to districts for employment.