Associate Dean, Director of Academic and Career Coaching

Art Institute of Chicago•Chicago, IL

15h

About The Position

The Associate Dean, Director of Academic and Career Coaching provides strategic leadership for academic and career coaching initiatives serving second through fourth+ year students and alumni. The position oversees staff, programs, and policies that shape the development and implementation of strategies of a coordinated coaching model that connects academic planning with career development and strengthens students’ pathways toward completion and professional success. Through data-informed leadership and cross-functional partnership, particularly with First Year Student Success and Employer Partnerships and Internships, the position advances clear success markers, strengthens academic and career guidance, and ensures students and alumni have the support and resources needed to navigate their academic and professional journeys.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in student affairs, counseling, or a related field, Masters preferred.
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education or student affairs, with an emphasis specifically on academic and career advising or coaching
Demonstrated experience in academic and career advising or coaching and student success initiatives required
Supervisory and leadership experience required
Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff
Deep understanding of academic advising, career development theory, and student success best practices
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives and assess outcomes using data-informed approaches
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse constituencies
Ability to manage complex student issues, including academic challenges and conduct processes, with sound judgment and discretion
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment
Experience with student information systems, advising technologies, and data reporting tools
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and supporting a diverse student population
Ability to think strategically while also managing operational details effectively

Nice To Haves

Experience with student retention strategies, program assessment, and policy development strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Provides leadership and strategic direction for academic and career coaching for second- through fourth+ year students and alum.
Oversees hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of coaching staff to ensure high-quality, student-centered services
Develops, implements, and assesses departmental policies, procedures, and initiatives while contributing to institutional policy development
Collaborates with the Director, Associate Dean of First Year Student Success to ensure alignment across the student lifecycle
Leads initiatives to improve retention, persistence, and six-year graduation rates, including targeted support for at-risk students
Oversees the student affairs side of the academic misconduct procedures
Oversees academic and career coaching budget and resource allocation
Partners with the Director, Associate Dean of Employer Engagement and Programming to enhance academic and career programming and resources
Uses data, assessment, and reporting tools to evaluate effectiveness and inform strategic planning and continuous improvement
Oversees systems for advising and career outcomes, including tracking student engagement and success metrics
Ensures coordinated services that support academic progress, career readiness, and post-graduate outcomes, including strong academic departmental connections and collaborations
Serves as a liaison across Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and other stakeholders to promote integrated student support
Represents the department on committees and initiatives related to student success, retention, and academic policy; stays current on trends and best practices
Participates in Dean on-call rotation