Assistant Director of Student Support - IllinoisCOM

The Community Solution•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Student Support Services at The Chicago School is seeking an Assistant Director of Student Support to lead academic support initiatives and provide targeted, data-informed interventions for students in the Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine (IllinoisCOM). This role is well-suited for a skilled higher education professional with experience in program management, student advising, academic support, and the use of data to drive student success outcomes. Reporting to the Executive Director of Student Support Services, the Assistant Director will oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of academic support programs that promote student persistence and achievement. The role requires strong analytical and organizational skills to monitor student progress, identify at-risk populations, and develop proactive intervention strategies. The Assistant Director will work directly with students to assess academic performance, create individualized success plans, and provide ongoing support throughout their academic journey. In addition, this position partners closely with faculty, Student Affairs, and institutional stakeholders to deliver workshops, trainings, and coordinated support services. The Assistant Director will play a key role in evaluating program effectiveness, maintaining accurate student records, and ensuring alignment with academic policies and institutional goals. This is a highly collaborative, student-facing role that requires excellent communication skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. The position is full-time and based on-site at the Chicago Campus, with limited opportunities for remote work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, educational psychology, or a related field or the equivalent in terms of relevant education and training
Experience managing programs or leading academic support initiatives in higher education
Strong track record of developing and delivering training sessions and workshops for diverse audiences
Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to work effectively with faculty and other academic stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, student-focused environment

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in education, educational psychology, or a related field or the equivalent in terms of relevant advanced education and training
Prior experience supporting students at a medical school or health sciences environment
Prior experience advising pre-professional students
Proficiency in utilizing educational technologies and data analysis tools to inform programmatic decisions
Experience contributing to student retention initiatives, forecasting, and program evaluation
Demonstrated success in implementing and improving student support programs

Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of a comprehensive academic support strategy to promote student success across all phases of the academic program
Collaborate with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs to establish data-driven intervention initiatives
Oversee the coordination and evaluation of workshops, resources, and interventions aimed at enhancing student holistic success
Serve as a liaison between the University Student Support Services, Office of Student Success, the IllinoisCOM, and other institutional stakeholders to address student academic concerns and shape supportive policies
Track and report student academic progress; develop, facilitate and assess the early intervention program for students at academic risk
Contribute to retention tracking, forecasting, and reporting efforts in collaboration with Student Support Services leadership
Serve at a variety of student-facing interfaces and advocate for a student-centered approach
Ensure consistent adherence to policies, practices, and initiatives; coordinate the ongoing assessment of academic policies and practices
Perform necessary functions for the tracking and management of reassessing, remediating, and alternative pathways students
Identify risks and barriers to student progression and develop targeted strategies to improve persistence and completion outcomes
Serve as the primary point of contact for students experiencing academic difficulties or personal challenges requiring immediate support and intervention
Work one-on-one with students to analyze outcomes data and identify their unique strengths and challenges
Develop and implement programs and initiatives to facilitate the personal and professional growth of COM students as they progress through the program
Participate in early intervention processes and associated academic development plan creation
Maintain records of student status and communicate to students their requirements for successful academic progress
Serve as a lead resource for escalated student concerns, including complex or sensitive situations requiring coordination across departments
Set the tone for a positive student culture and climate; maintain a campus-wide commitment to tolerance, diversity and inclusion and avoidance of bias
Promote a culture of health and well-being among students; communicate available resources and facilitate connections as needed
Support the day-to-day coordination of advising operations and processes within Student Support Services
Contribute to the training, development, and ongoing support of advising staff to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality student services
Collaborate with institutional partners, including the Registrar and academic departments, to ensure accurate student records and timely resolution of student issues
Assist in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of advising practices, workflows, and student support initiatives
Ensure adherence to institutional, regulatory, and ethical standards in all student support activities