Assistant Director of Academic Advising

Illinois Institute of Technology; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness centers

Tuition remission for employees and/or

403(b) retirement plan with university

Job summary

Illinois Institute of Technology is seeking an Assistant Director of Academic Advising to lead the Office of Academic Affairs’ professional advising team, supervise staff, and optimize advising operations across colleges and units. The role focuses on planning, student retention, and degree progress while maintaining a reduced caseload for priority advising.

You will collaborate with faculty and offices to implement consistent practices, contribute to policy enhancements, and participate in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and relevant higher education experience required.
• Experience in education, student services, administration, or a related field.
• Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily academic advising operations, supervise professional academic advisors, and manage advising caseloads.
• Coordinate with colleges, schools, and Faculty advisors to address academic advising needs and support student success.
• Maintain a reduced advising caseload, providing guidance on academic planning, degree requirements, and related academic matters.
• Develop and coordinate advisor training, professional development, and consistent advising practices.
• Collaborate with university offices to resolve complex advising matters and support student retention and degree completion.
• Recommend improvements to advising policies, procedures, and operations, and participate in relevant university committees and initiatives.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Together, we can build a university where students of all backgrounds can prepare for meaningful roles in a changing society. For more than 130 years, this has been our guiding purpose. At Illinois Tech we are looking for purpose-driven individuals to help us in our mission.

Join Illinois' premier technology university, renowned for elevating students from the bottom 20% to the top 20% of income (Opportunity Insights). Immerse yourself in our daily pursuit of excellence and discover the essence of our institution: Our Mission, Our Vision , Our History , and Our Accomplishments .

Discover what sets Illinois Tech apart as an exceptional place to work, and why that has earned us a place on Forbes’ America’s Best Midsize Employers lists for four years running. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package, featuring sliding premiums for equitable access, a highly generous 403b Match Program ,and on-site fitness centers . For those looking to continue their education, Tuition Remission allows both employees and eligible dependents to take classes at Illinois Tech at no or reduced cost. Join us and help power the difference at Illinois Tech.

Illinois Tech gladly encourages its employees to apply for positions for which they are eligible and qualified as opportunities arise. For more information regarding eligibility and applying for a promotion or transfer, please read this policy and contact your HR Representative prior to applying. Current staff members may use the internal application linked below.

Compensation: $63,000–$65,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Position Type/Schedule: Full-time, exempt. This position is fully on-site and is not eligible for remote work.
Work Location: Illinois Tech, 10 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Illinois Tech is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment-based visa for this position.

Summary

The Assistant Director of Academic Advising provides leadership and oversight of professional academic advising services within the Office of Academic Affairs, reporting to the Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. This position supervises professional academic advisors, coordinates daily advising operations, manages advising caseloads, and promotes consistent, effective advising practices across the university.

Working collaboratively with colleges, schools, Faculty advisors, and university offices, the Assistant Director supports academic planning, student retention, and progress toward degree completion while addressing program-specific advising needs. The position also maintains a reduced advising caseload and contributes to improvements in advising services, policies, and procedures.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Oversee daily academic advising operations, supervise professional academic advisors, and manage advising caseloads.
• Coordinate with colleges, schools, and Faculty advisors to address academic advising needs and support student success.
• Maintain a reduced advising caseload, providing guidance on academic planning, degree requirements, and related academic matters.
• Develop and coordinate advisor training, professional development, and consistent advising practices.
• Collaborate with university offices to resolve complex advising matters and support student retention and degree completion.
• Recommend improvements to advising policies, procedures, and operations, and participate in relevant university committees and initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and relevant higher education experience required.
• Experience in education, student services, administration, or a related field.
• Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Supervisory experience, preferably in higher education or academic advising.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner, Degree Works, EAB Navigate360, or comparable systems.
• Knowledge of academic policies, degree requirements, and student success practices.

Service Standards and Performance Expectations

• Provides effective leadership and oversight of professional academic advising services.
• Maintains consistent, accurate, and student-centered advising practices.
• Communicates professionally and effectively with students, Faculty, Staff, and university Stakeholders.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Supports Staff development, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Supervision & Budget Authority

• Directly supervises professional academic advisors, including workload assignments, performance evaluations, time off, and professional development.
• Participates in hiring decisions and provides recommendations regarding staffing and advising resources.
• No direct budget authority.

Physical Qualifications

• Work is performed primarily in an office or student-service environment with regular use of a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment.
• The position requires extended periods of computer use and regular communication with students, faculty, staff, and other members of the university community.
• May require movement between offices, meeting spaces, and other university locations.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with applicable law.

Illinois Tech offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and long-term disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with university contributions and matching for eligible employees; tuition assistance programs; flexible spending and commuter benefits; an employee assistance program; university holidays; and applicable paid and job-protected leave benefits. Eligibility, waiting periods, employee contributions, and coverage levels vary by benefit and position. Additional information is available at https://www.iit.edu/hr/benefits .

EEO Statement

Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, inclusion, and diversity. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, age, unfavorable discharge from the military, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, including gender identity and expression, order of protection status, and/or genetic information. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.