Assistant Director of Student Support - IllinoisCOM

Assistant Director Of Student Support

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.

The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for over 45 years.

As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of a university community committed to true inclusion and equity. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come.

The University is building the Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine (IllinoisCOM), anticipated to welcome its first class in summer 2026. Our mission is to train exceptional physicians who understand the interconnection of physical and mental health and provide compassionate, patient-centered care of the highest quality.

Principle Duties

• 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

Individual Student Support

• 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

Campus Culture and Wellness

• 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

Leadership and Operational Support

• 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

Basic Qualifications

• 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

Ideal Qualifications

• 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

The Chicago School offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. Some of our key benefits include: generous paid time-off, medical and dental coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA), tuition reimbursement, professional development, and regular employee appreciation events. The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.