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Position : Special Assistant to the Provost for University-Wide Programs Location : River Forest, IL

Job Id : 2006 # of Openings : 1 Position Title : Special Assistant to the Provost for University-Wide Programs Appointment Duration : Two-year term Department : Office of the Provost

Reports To : Provost

Location : River Forest Position Summary : The Interim Special Assistant to the Provost for University-Wide Programs will provide academic leadership across key areas, including the Core Curriculum, Honors Program, and Career Development.

This role is designed initially as a two year-appointment to facilitate the alignment of these units within the university’s academic priorities.

The position will be evaluated in 18 months and extended or revised, depending on institutional needs and strategic goals.

The Special Assistant will also manage initiatives to enhance transfer student success and promote retention, serving as a liaison across multiple university divisions, including Student Success and Engagement (SSE).

Serve as the direct supervisor for the program directors of Core, Honors, and Career Development. Duties and Responsibilities : Academic Oversight and Program Leadership

• Oversee Core Curriculum : Provide leadership for the ongoing development, assessment, and enhancement of the Core Curriculum, ensuring it aligns with the university's academic standards and values.
• Manage Honors Program : Oversee curriculum, policies, and student development activities for the Honors Program, promoting a rigorous and enriching experience for honors students.
• Direct Career Development Initiatives : Oversee career services and professional development initiatives that support career readiness and practical skills application for students across disciplines.

Curricular Initiatives and Coordination

• Coordinate 3 1 Programs : Collaborate with university partners to manage and expand 3 1 programs, aligning these programs with curriculum goals and career pathways.
• Enhance Transfer Student Success : Lead efforts to promote transfer friendliness, implement IAI-compliant academic strategies, and support transfer student success.

Retention and Academic Success Initiatives

• Serve as Academic Liaison to SSE : Work closely with Student Success and Engagement (SSE) to implement and assess academic retention initiatives, aligning academic and student support services.
• Promote Retention and Success Strategies : Drive initiatives to improve student retention and academic success, including reducing DFW rates and expanding Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) programs.

Teaching and Academic Contribution

Teach Two Courses Per Academic Year : Contribute to the university’s academic mission by teaching two courses annually, bringing relevant expertise, and maintaining a direct connection with students.

Required Qualifications :

• Advanced degree in a relevant field; Ph.D. or terminal degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in higher education, with experience in curriculum development, academic advising, or student success.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership roles within academic programs, with knowledge of the core curriculum, honors programs, or career development outreach.
• Knowledge of best practices for transfer student success, retention strategies, and academic assessment.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience working with curriculum development, including knowledge of the academic program development, working with shared governance processes, oversight of academic programs, work as department chair, director / supervisor of specific university-wide programs like honors and core programs, career services, and / or transfer initiatives.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and collaborate with faculty, staff, and university leaders to achieve academic goals.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with a commitment to inclusive and student-centered practices.

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

• FLSA Status : Exempt 37.5 hours

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Generous paid time off (PTO)

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

Dominican currently enrolls over 3,800 students, including 2,690 undergraduates and 1,114 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian.

Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid.

Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families’ level of income;

and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois. Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.

S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups.

For more information, visit . Expectations for all Dominican 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 accommodations 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, protected veterans, and candidates from diverse backgrounds.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need accommodations due to a disability, you may contact us at for assistance.

Last updated : 2024-11-19