Pathways Program Manager

Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

AU is grounded in the transformative opportunity it provides to a diverse student body. As a private university with a public mission and a commitment to making a difference in peoples’ lives, AU has a long history of resilience and of providing access to an education that values innovation, focuses on continuous improvement, and has a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud of our service to and economic impact on the state of Illinois, where over 80% of our students stay to live and work, where 90% of our students come from, and where we foster strong community partnerships to develop the workforce in areas such as nursing, education, business, technology, and social work.

We are looking for passionate and purposeful individuals who represent the full diversity of Aurora and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, identity, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at AU, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

At AU we believe that continuous learning is a fundamental part of working life, and our goal is for all colleagues on our campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support our community by providing all employees with opportunities to engage in professional development activities, as well as a range of tuition and employee benefits that can be found here .

Position Purpose:

The Pathways Program Manager supports learning by working with the Director of Neurodiversity Initiative and Pathways Programs, as well as other members of Aurora University, and the local community to plan and implement supports and services in the Pathways Collegiate Program, Pathways College Connections Program, and Pathways Summer Camps. This position includes participation and commitment to the ongoing development of the Neurodiversity Initiative at Aurora University.

Core Competencies:

• Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
• Upholds the Mission Statement: Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. We empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.
• Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
• Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct weekly check-in meetings with Pathways Collegiate Program participants.
• Plan and supervise on- and off-campus activities for Pathways Program participants.
• Support the Career Exploration Experience component of the Pathways Collegiate Program, including guiding students as they approach graduation and supporting them as they connect with community/career mentors.
• Serve as a "bridge" between Pathways Collegiate Program participants and campus/community resources.
• Collaborate with Aurora University faculty and staff to create and implement programming that supports the executive function, social, emotional, recreational, and college-living skills for neurodiverse individuals.
• Assist in leading Pathways Summer Camps and Pathways College Connections program, including assisting in the planning and implementation of activities, as well as the application and registration process.
• Communicate with families of Pathways participants as needed, as well as planning for and leading regular parent informational meetings.
• Support the development and delivery of weekly seminars for students in the Pathways Collegiate Program.
• Oversee Pathways peer mentor program to assist facilitation of social connections, foster social skills, and encourage participation in recreation and fitness opportunities.
• Supervise and manage performance of interns and student workers within the Pathways Programs.
• Collect data and conduct focus groups to report to the assessment plan of the Pathways Programs.
• Conduct research and participate in ongoing professional development to help contribute to the growth of the Neurodiversity Initiative at Aurora University.
• Participate in recruiting and educational activities and events for the Pathways Programs at Aurora University.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education:

• Candidate must hold a master's degree in a field related to advising (i.e. Social Work, Education, Psychology, Therapeutic Recreation.) Will consider degree in-progress with an anticipated graduation date within one year of employment start date. Additional certification such as LSW, LCSW, or CTRS preferred, but not required.

Experience:

• Experience working with neurodiverse populations and individuals with disabilities is required. Experience working with high school and college-age individuals is preferred.

Skills:

• Candidate must have strong problem-solving skills and communication skills as well as the ability to collaborate with others. Basic computer (email, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, etc.) skills are necessary.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to sit at a desk for extended periods of time, stand, and move around campus as well as other community locations, use a computer, lift and carry approximately 20-30 lbs. of equipment, and drive a campus vehicle (when giving training.)

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references including name, telephone, and email address.

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.