Executive Director, Academic Center for Excellence [ACE]

Executive Director, Academic Center for Excellence [ACE]

Hiring Department: Academic Center for Excellence

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID

Posting Close Date: 9-24-25

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Description:

Position Summary
The Executive Director of the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), reporting directly to the Associate Vice Provost for Student Success and Belonging, is tasked with advancing undergraduate student success, retention, and graduation rates while mitigating equity gaps within the University. This role entails providing strategic leadership, spearheading the development of innovative programs, and fostering partnerships to achieve these goals. Responsibilities encompass leadership of personnel, program development and evaluation, budget oversight, and collaboration with both internal departments and external partners.

Duties & Responsibilities

Oversee the daily operations of ACE, including financial management, human resources, information systems, and procurement. Foster an environment that prioritizes the emotional and interpersonal well-being of the staff and targeted student population.

Lead the development, planning, and implementation of programs and initiatives central to student success, including the Flames Leadership Network, High School Coaching Program, Academic Skills Enrichment Services, Peer Success Coaching, Peer Tutoring Services and Certification, etc.

Lead and oversee staff, including establishing reporting lines, triaging responsibilities, and conducting performance evaluations, to ensure effective management and development in support of organizational goals.

Provide the strategic direction of the unit aiming to increase retention and graduation rates for undergraduate students and close equity gaps.

Collaborate with UIC student success units, community partners, other institutions, and local high schools to develop new and existing programs that ensure undergraduate student success, emphasizing the transition to college and support throughout the first year.

Develop and revise Academic Skills Program courses that are designed to help student succeed.

Prepare annual assessment reports for all programs within ACE to enhance quality assurance and program effectiveness.

Identify, manage and maintain current and future partners for the High School Partnership Program.

Lead evidence-based coaching practice embedded within ACE programs including Flames Leadership Network and High School Partnerships.

Assess and promote best practices related to peer and professional coaching among practitioners.

In collaboration with the Office for Advising Development, provide professional development and training to coaches.

Oversee and monitor state budget allocation, expenditures, gifts, and grants; ensure compliance with appropriate local, state, and federal regulations. Formulate budget strategies, assess future departmental and program costs, and create budget projections for the unit.

Secure grant and donor funding to enhance program support, and oversee the administration of existing scholarships.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications
Master's Degree required.

• Minimum Five years managing educational support or advising programs in higher education or a related field with demonstrated experience in student success intiatives within an academic institution.
• Proficient in program quality assessment. Strong in project management and interpersonal relations, with a keen eye for detail and analytical thinking.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with confidential and sensitive material

Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D preferred.

• Knowledge of positive youth development, advising and coaching theory and ability to apply concepts to support programs preferred
• Knowledge with budget planning and fiscal analysis preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite programs.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation