Associate Academic Director

About Us

UIC Global is a partnership between the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and Shorelight. The mission of the program is to immerse first-year international students (graduate and undergraduate) in the academic and cultural life of the university, help them integrate into campus life, and provide the support that increases their academic successes and likelihood of obtaining their degrees at UIC.

Job Overview

As a member of the IAP management team, the Associate Academic Director (AAD) oversees the academic program operations of UIC Global and manages the day-to-day academic operations.  The AAD may be responsible for implementation and execution of academic policies, academic support services, academic budget, and data analysis and reporting. Reporting to the Academic Director, the AAD ensures a high-quality academic experience for all students in the program. The AAD collaborates with internal and external stakeholders and university administrators to provide attention and guidance to program students as well as organize effective student support in all areas of the curriculum, tutorials, and progression through the program.

This skilled academic leader has the interpersonal and customer service skills to work closely with a range of administrators, faculty, and students, especially non-native English speakers.  The individual is a strong team player who participates in both academic and student services initiatives with tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity.  Demonstrated problem-solving, decision-making, creative thinking abilities are essential. High energy and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment is critical.  The AAD will manage Academic Coordinator(s) and academic support staff.

Essential Functions

Academic Program Management

• Stay current with the latest developments and best practices in ESL pedagogy, curriculum development, testing, and teaching
• Advise on the selection and/or preparation of supplemental teaching materials (including textbooks, websites, multimedia resources, and self-created materials) for international students at different CEFR levels
• Support the academic team to ensure all students are informed of and adhere to university policies regarding academic integrity and related university academic and student policies
• Support the Academic Director in liaising with academic groups and other partners related to the matriculation and on-boarding of new students initially, through the IAP, and progression into university degree programs
• Assist the Academic Director in maintaining academic program quality and standards of the university and its accrediting bodies and ensuring continuous evaluation and improvement of the curricula within IAP
• Teach partnership courses as needed

Academic Operations

• Manage academic operations (per guidelines of the Academic Director), including ensuring that established systems and procedures are followed and that accurate records and Salesforce reports on the program are maintained
• Supervise and manage academic program logistics, including course offerings and scheduling, classroom allocation, academic support services, and resource preparation with IAP academic support staff
• Collaborate with academic departments, curriculum committees, university assessment centers, and the on-campus English Language Training and Academy to deliver workshops, professional development series, and determine appropriate instructional and academic support for faculty, students, and administrators
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of extensive academic sessions and post-arrival testing at each orientation
• Oversee academic support programming, including conducting regular observations of instructors, tutors, and supplemental instructors in the classroom, keeping accurate and complete records and communicating the results, as needed
• Liaise with the academic program officers within each school and major on academic operations matters to ensure a coordinated advising and registration process through the program and as students’ progress

Data and Reporting

• Analyze data and report on the progress and satisfaction of the students’ achievement of objectives, including progression through the program and degree completion at the university
• Oversee the collection and storage of reports for sponsored students in the IAP, MAP, and PS programs, summarizing and communicating the results as needed
• Implement, monitor, and report student retention, academic tracking, and student performance

Relationship Management

• Collaborate with the Student Services Director to enhance student services activities
• Serve as primary contact with the Shorelight national academic team and the international recruitment and admissions team for any academic related matters
• Represent and promote the program through participation in academic events and familiarization tours, and through memberships and affiliations as appropriate

People Management

• Recruit, develop, and retain team members to ensure productivity and engagement
• Engage in talent management activities such as goal setting, performance evaluations, stay interviews, development planning, and ongoing feedback to develop team members and achieve organization goals
• Provide coaching, counseling, and corrective action (when necessary) to team members
• Foster a culture that reflects Shorelight’s values

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• 3+ years of experience in higher education, language school management, TEFL/TESOL, or related field
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and the can-do statements at each CEFR level
• Familiarity with the IAP and English language programs, including the CEFR-based levels and classes taught at each level (e.g., Integrated Skills, Applied Grammar, and Specific Skills) and the courses and sequence of the IAP programs
• Experience working with international students in a higher education setting
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations, including visa requirements, pertaining to the legal instruction of international students in the United States
• Demonstrated understanding of class management tools, including databases, Microsoft Office programs, course management systems, and various forms of media to support an interactive and student-centered classroom experience
• Experience working within an educational collaboration and/or complex organization
• Eligibility to work in and travel freely to and from the United States without sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working overseas
• Experience with analyzing and reporting data
• Experience with Salesforce reporting tools

Application Process

To apply for this position, please visit the Shorelight Careers page to submit an application with a resume and cover letter.

Background Check Required--Education, Criminal, Identity

UIC Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer.