Job Description: ABOUT THE POSITION The Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine at The Chicago School (IllinoisCOM) has recently achieved pre-accreditation status and is preparing to welcome its first class in summer 2026. The college seeks an inaugural Assistant Dean for Student Success to lead student affairs functions at the IllinoisCOM and play a foundational role in shaping the medical student experience. Reporting to the Dean for Student Success for The Chicago School, the Assistant Dean will oversee services and programming that support academic persistence, promote professional development, and prepare students to meet the rigorous expectations of medical training while advancing the IllinoisCOM's mission of compassionate, patient-centered care that reflects the integration of mental and physical health. This role requires close collaboration with departments across the University to ensure student needs are met in alignment with institutional goals, program objectives, and accreditation standards. We are seeking a student-focused, outcomes-driven leader with experience in health professions education and a demonstrated commitment to supporting students throughout their medical education journey. This is a full-time, on-site role located at the Chicago campus. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates. ABOUT US The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for over 45 years. As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of a community committed to true inclusion and equity. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come. The University is building the IllinoisCOM, anticipated to open for its first class of students in summer 2026 with a mission to train exceptional physicians to leverage the interconnection of physical and mental health to provide compassionate, patient-centered care of the highest quality. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership * Advance the mission and vision of The Chicago School and the IllinoisCOM * Develop and maintain COM-specific student affairs policies and procedural guides * Lead planning efforts aligned with institutional strategy and accreditation requirements * Establish annual priorities and guide the structure and development of student affairs functions * Represent the IllinoisCOM in accreditation, regulatory, and institutional planning processes Student Engagement * Provide direct support to students navigating the challenges of medical education * Lead or co-lead orientation, onboarding, academic progression, board preparation, and remediation efforts * Facilitate student engagement in leadership, governance, service, and community-building activities * Oversee student health insurance processes specific to IllinoisCOM students * Partner with academic leaders to identify and address barriers to student progress Collaboration Across the University * Coordinate with institutional departments and key stakeholders to support: * Academic advising, course registration, and financial aid navigation * Outreach strategies for student retention and re-enrollment * Wellness, mental health, and accessibility accommodations * Orientation, commencement, and IllinoisCOM-specific student life events * International students, veterans, and students with military affiliations * Processes for addressing student concerns, complaints, and appeals * Compliance with Title IX and other legal and regulatory standards * Work closely with academic and clinical leaders to ensure student support aligns with curricular goals * Represent the IllinoisCOM at student, alumni, and prospective student events Administrative Oversight * Track key performance indicators, student satisfaction data, departmental performance, and student outcomes * Manage budgets and resource planning for student affairs initiatives * Maintain current, accurate web content and student-facing communications * Develop standard operating procedures for IllinoisCOM-specific functions * Provide service to the college and university through committee participation and special projects CANDIDATE PROFILE We are seeking a collaborative, student-centered leader with a strong track record in higher education and a readiness to help build something new. The ideal candidate will be energized by the opportunity to shape student affairs in a newly forming medical college and will bring both strategic insight and hands-on experience. Education and Experience * Advanced degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution * At least five years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs, academic advising, or student support services * Experience supporting students in medical or health professions education * Experience launching new programs, departments, or services-especially in start-up or growth-stage environments Leadership and Strategy * Demonstrated ability to design and implement student-centered policies and support systems * Familiarity with accreditation standards, progression policies, and academic remediation models * Ability to lead cross-functional efforts that align student services with curricular and institutional goals Regulatory and Institutional Knowledge * Strong working knowledge of FERPA, Title IX, and related compliance requirements * Experience navigating institutional policies, appeals processes, and student issue resolution Communication and Collaboration * Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills * Capacity to build trust, coordinate across stakeholder groups, and maintain a steady, student-first focus * Demonstrated ability to use data to inform student support strategies and decision-making * Engages in ongoing professional learning and development in the field COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS This position is budgeted within a salary band of $100,000 to $160,000. Final compensation will be determined based on experience and qualifications. The Chicago School offers a competitive benefits package, including generous paid time off, comprehensive health and dental coverage, life and disability insurance, employer contributions to retirement, flexible spending accounts, and tuition assistance. Compensation & Benefits This opportunity is budgeted at $$100,000 to $160,000 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below. https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/career-opportunities/ The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please note: For the protection of faculty, staff, students, and all who enter our facilities, The Chicago School strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per CDC guidance.