Advisor & Special Programs Manager

Dominican University; River Forest (IL); Sur place; USD 50 000 - 70 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Comprehensive health, dental, and視 on?

Tuition remission for employees and/or

Retirement plan with employer matching

Résumé du poste

Dominican University is seeking an Advisor & Special Programs Manager to coordinate non-traditional programs such as online AA and BPS, while leading advising and transition efforts for adult learners and special populations. The role blends program coordination with direct student advising to ensure persistence and successful progression from entry to completion.

The position emphasizes removing barriers for non-traditional learners and requires collaboration with internal offices and external

Qualifications

• Experience in academic advising, student services, program coordination, and related higher education or workforce environments.
• Knowledge of adult learner needs and nontraditional programming.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple student populations and priorities simultaneously.

Responsabilités

• Provide holistic academic advising to adult learners and nontraditional students.
• Maintain advising records and monitor progress toward degree completion.
• Coordinate university special programs and pathway alignment between programs.
• Collaborate with registrar, recruitment, admissions, and partner schools to support student success.
• Build schedules, develop advising materials, and support retention and transition outcomes.

Connaissances

Academic advising

Student services

Program coordination

Communication

Multitasking

Description du poste

DEPARTMENT:

Office of the Provost

REPORTS TO:

Associate Provost for Adult Education and Special Programs

POSITION SUMMARY

The Advisor & Special Programs Manager is responsible for providing operational coordination of a diverse portfolio of non-traditional programs, including but not limited to, the Online Associate of Arts (AA) program, the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program, and customized credit and noncredit training programs. In addition, this position will also lead academic advising and program transition efforts for adult learners, non-traditional students, and/or special populations.

This role blends high-level program coordination with student advising responsibilities, ensuring seamless communication, efficient operations, and a high-quality student and partner experience. The position is designed to ensure student persistence, successful program navigation, and efficient progression from entry through completion, with a strong emphasis on removing barriers for non-traditional learners and supporting college and work readiness for special populations.

EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL DOMINICAN EMPLOYEES:

To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, to give compassionate service, and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Coordination

• Provide coordination and administrative support for university special programs


• Coordinate Dominican University’s Alpha Sigma Lambda chapter, overseeing chapter operations, event planning, induction ceremonies, and student engagement initiatives


• Support delivery logistics for off-site or partner-based programming


• Support pathway alignment between Adult AA, BPS, and other academic programs


• Collaborate with program coordinators, registrar, recruitment, admissions, and partner high schools to support student success


• Collaborate regularly with supervisor and appropriate university staff to review and build semester schedules


• Contribute to the development of advising materials, pathway maps, and student success resources


• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to student retention, completion, and transition outcomes


• Build and maintain relationships with key external partners, including local community colleges and organizations, employers, and workforce agencies


• Occasionally represent the university at events, college fairs, community events, employer sites, and partner locations geared towards adult and non-traditional learners

Advising & Transitions

• Provide holistic academic advising to adult learners and special populations enrolled in non-traditional credit and noncredit programs, including degree planning, course selection, and progression mapping


• Provide front-line support and serve as a consistent point of contact for assigned student populations


• Conduct degree audits and monitor student progress toward completion


• Assist students in understanding program requirements, institutional policies, and academic expectations


• Conduct regular check-ins/advising meetings to support academic success and persistence


• Identify and address barriers impacting student success, particularly for adult, first-generation, and non-traditional learners and guide them through academic challenges, connecting them with appropriate institutional resources (e.g., tutoring, financial aid, student services)


• Promote retention and completion through proactive outreach and intervention strategies


• Support students in understanding college expectations, course rigor, and degree pathways


• Maintain a routine presence at partner off-site locations to ensure quality student services and alignment with institutional standards through student engagement and support


• Maintain accurate advising records and student data in institutional systems


• Ensure a high level of customer service and responsiveness across all program areas

Additional Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Experience in academic advising, student services, program coordinator, and/or related higher education or workforce environment


• Knowledge of adult learner needs and/or nontraditional academic programming


• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills


• Ability to manage multiple student populations and priorities simultaneously

Preferred

• Experience working with non-traditional/adult learners and/or workforce development programs


• Familiarity with degree audit systems, student information systems, and advising technologies


• Experience building partnerships with external organizations (e.g., employers and community agencies)

Core Competencies

• Operational coordination and attention to detail


• Relationship-building, student-centered advising approach


• Equity-minded practice and commitment to serving diverse student populations


• Ability to build relationships across internal and external stakeholders


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across functions

Work Environment & Expectations

• Primary work location is on campus


• Position requires occasional off-site work at partner locations, training sites, or program-related events


• Occasional evening or weekend hours to support adult learners and non-traditional student activities

Physical Demands

• Ability to spend long durations of the workday sitting at a desk and working on a computer


• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

Salary and FLSA Status

• Schedule: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week

BENEFITS

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance


• Retirement plan with employer matching


• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents

Employment at Dominican University is contingent upon the successful completion of background investigation.

ABOUT DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY

Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment.

EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES

To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, give compassionate service, and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world, engage in university service work that promotes collaboration and community building. This includes participating in organizational initiatives, supporting campus events, contributing to community outreach, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment through involvement in various staff-driven activities and groups.

INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT

Dominican University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Upon request, reasonable accommodation in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women,

minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.