Administrative Director of Continuing Studies

MISSION

For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world’s most influential artists, designers and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program consistently ranking among the top four graduate fine arts programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, on-campus galleries and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC’s undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world—as seen through notable alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, and LeRoy Neiman.

 

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package: 

• Generous paid time off

• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits

• Competitive retirement plan 

• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program

• Great employee discounts

• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

Salary Grade 6

 

About the Department

The mission of Continuing Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is to provide an education that harnesses the transformative power of a leading art and design school, a world-renowned museum, and a vibrant city to support the development of critical thinking, rigorous investigation, and playful creativity. Serving students ages four to adult, we believe having confidence in one’s creative abilities plays a critical role in successfully meeting the unique challenges of today’s world.

About the Position

Provides day-to-day administrative support for Continuing Studies programs. Together with departmental colleagues, ensures efficient and effective operations, maintains adherence to short- and long-term departmental goals, and supports teaching and learning. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Evening and weekend work are required, and remote work is optional.

Responsibilities

Communications: Facilitates all communication with CS faculty and students; liaises with colleagues from across the School and external stakeholders for various purposes. Monitors departmental email addresses and phones, providing friendly and informed responses; supports and maintains a positive relationship on behalf of CS. Disseminates current and accurate information about CS programs and the School.

Program Administration and Planning: Maintains academic year calendars and planning documents for all CS programs; routinely proofs and updates course schedules in all locations, both internal and public-facing. Collects curricular materials and related documents each term; participates in the review process. Prepares faculty contract requests; processes revisions, including cancellations. Schedules rooms for all courses, events, and activities. Organizes and maintains program and department records in databases, spreadsheets, and files.

Operations and Support Services: Prepares and maintains facilities access lists each term. Coordinates as-needed housekeeping of classrooms and studios. Maintains equipment and supply inventories; facilitates procurement. Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates student employees, including classroom and teaching assistants; processes work authorizations and approves timesheets and time-off requests. Participates in the planning and delivering orientations and training for CS instructional staff. Coordinates preparation and distribution of course materials and related documents. Facilitates attendance tracking, student/parent notifications for all minors on campus, and access to medical records and consent forms.

Community Conflict Resolution (5%): Assists in resolving student and family, faculty, and student-employee concerns for all CS programs. Enforces CS/SAIC policies and procedures and addresses disciplinary matters in consultation with the deans.

Budgeting: Processes individual payment requests, one-time payments, and procurement card transactions; ensures all comply with institutional policy. Attends all SAIC budget and finance training. Coordinates stipends/honoraria for guests and substitutes.

Event Planning: Participates