Columbia College Chicago

Director of Columbia Central

CHICAGO, ILPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from Columbia College Chicago

  • Job overview

    The Director of Columbia Central at Columbia College Chicago will enhance student retention and graduation by overseeing services related to financial aid, billing, and academic support, while leading a team dedicated to exceptional student service.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The Director will manage customer relations for financial aid and related services, collaborate with various departments to ensure compliance, develop outreach campaigns, supervise staff, and monitor service quality to resolve student issues.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The salary range for this position is between $77,900 and $93,400, with benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, paid leave options, and educational assistance programs.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates must have a bachelor's degree, with a master's preferred, and 6-8 years of higher education administration experience, including 4 years in a supervisory role, along with knowledge of financial aid regulations and student information systems.

  • Career development

    Opportunities for professional growth include participation in training and project teams, with a focus on developing leadership skills and strategic initiatives.

  • Work environment and culture

    Columbia College Chicago values diversity and inclusion, providing a supportive work environment that encourages professional development and engagement.

  • Company information

    Columbia College Chicago is a private institution known for its innovative education in the arts and communications, located in the heart of Chicago with a student body of over 6,000.

  • Team overview

    The team at Columbia Central consists of managers and counselors focused on providing exceptional service to students, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

  • Job location and travel

    The position is based in Chicago, Illinois, with no travel requirements and a full-time day schedule.

  • Application process

    Candidates must submit a cover letter along with their application, and the position is subject to a background screening.

  • Unique job features

    This role offers the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives aimed at improving student services and retention, with a focus on innovative outreach and support strategies.

Company overview

Columbia College Chicago is a private, non-profit college specializing in arts and media disciplines, located in the heart of Chicago. The institution generates revenue through tuition fees, grants, and donations, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as film, music, theater, and visual arts. Founded in 1890, Columbia College Chicago has a rich history of fostering creativity and innovation, with notable alumni in various creative industries. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and industry connections to prepare students for professional success.

How to land this job

  • Tailor your resume to showcase your leadership experience in higher education administration, particularly in student financial services, and emphasize your ability to enhance student retention and graduation rates.

  • Highlight your experience in managing diverse teams and developing strategic initiatives, as these are critical for the Director of Columbia Central role.

  • Apply through multiple platforms, including Columbia College Chicago's corporate site and LinkedIn, to maximize your visibility and chances of landing the position.

  • Connect with professionals in the Student Financial Services and Admissions departments at Columbia College Chicago on LinkedIn to gain insights about the role; potential ice breakers could include asking about their experiences with student retention strategies or expressing admiration for Columbia's innovative educational practices.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating relevant keywords from the job description, such as 'student financial services,' 'customer relations,' and 'strategic outreach campaigns' to ensure it passes initial screenings.

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