Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the full-time, exempt position of Director, Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising. This position reports directly to the Associate Dean of Students, Vocation and Academic Success and is located in River Forest, IL.

The Director of the Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising is an enthusiastic supporter of Lutheran higher education who exhibits Christ-centered servant leadership and a dedication to student success. They are responsible for ensuring that the Concordia University Chicago mission, vision, and core values are consistently integrated into the undergraduate academic advising experience. The Director maintains a positive perspective that is focused on team building and professional development that promotes student success and progress toward graduation.

This position prioritizes and manages multiple projects from a variety of University stakeholders while also maintaining a caseload of advisees. Cultivating collaborative relationships with faculty and staff is critical to the success of the department and serving students well. The Director regularly utilizes data analysis and assessment by running regular reports that serve to inform the University's efforts around student success and retention, academic progress, and re-enrollment initiatives.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Maintains an office that provides a welcoming, student-oriented environment rooted in the core value of service to assist students, faculty, and staff
• Coordinates, collaborates, and facilitates programs interdepartmentally to ensure advising representation at admitted and prospective student visit days
• Collects data and communicates information to the Dean of Students Office, Registrar, and academic departments regarding enrollment needs, course offerings, additional sections needed, cancellations, and any impact on students
• Compares, manages, and communicates with appropriate University stakeholders to maintain degree roadmaps with requirements listed in catalogs and Degree Works
• Partners with the Director of Academic Support with regard to advising and registration of conditionally-admitted students
• Maintains a student advising load of approximately 200 undergraduate students
• Educates and maintains compliance with University policies and certification standards
• Oversees the distribution of advising materials, new faculty advisor training, maintenance of degree roadmaps and requirements, and the office budget
• Communicates and collaborates with administrators, academic departments, student services offices, athletics, outside agencies, and other University stakeholders to ensure student success and retention
• Develops, facilitates, and assesses content development for all advising programming
• Candidates must support and be committed to the mission and identity of Concordia University Chicago, a university of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Skill Sets:

• Enthusiastic supporter of Lutheran higher education and the mission, vision, and core values of Concordia University Chicago
• Proficiency in working on multiple projects simultaneously, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines
• Strong knowledge of best practices in retention and academic advising
• Oriented toward big picture with an affinity for research, critical and strategic thinking, and problem-solving
• Strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse student population
• Ability to effectively work with individuals through complex situations
• Capacity to maintain confidentiality of student records and office data
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Technical proficiency with databases, spreadsheets, and word processing including mail merge and email programs; specifically Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, BANNER, and Degree Works.
• Aptitude for process-oriented functions that requires technological support and innovation

Minimum Experience Required:

• 2 years of experience working with college students in an advisory capacity required, 4+ years preferred
• 1 year of management experience required, 2+ years preferred

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Psychology, Student Affairs, Higher Ed Administration, or related discipline required; Master's degree preferred

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia University Chicago benefit options include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Disability and Survivor Plan (Basic Life Insurance)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Tuition benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Application Information:

Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago:

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Theology, Arts & Humanities, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Health, Science & Technology, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and is consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities-Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. For more than a decade, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more about our commitment to higher education, rooted in the Gospel, at CUChicago.edu.

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.