Advisor & Special Programs Manager

Office of the Provost

Associate Provost for Adult Education and Special Programs

The Advisor & Special Programs Manager is responsible for providing operational coordination of a diverse portfolio of non-traditional programs, including but not limited to, the Online Associate of Arts (AA) program, the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program, and customized credit and noncredit training programs. In addition, this position will also lead academic advising and program transition efforts for adult learners, non-traditional students, and/or special populations.

This role blends high-level program coordination with student advising responsibilities, ensuring seamless communication, efficient operations, and a high-quality student and partner experience. The position is designed to ensure student persistence, successful program navigation, and efficient progression from entry through completion, with a strong emphasis on removing barriers for non-traditional learners and supporting college and work readiness for special populations.

To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, to give compassionate service, and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.

• Provide coordination and administrative support for university special programs
• Coordinate Dominican University’s Alpha Sigma Lambda chapter, overseeing chapter operations, event planning, induction ceremonies, and student engagement initiatives
• Support delivery logistics for off-site or partner-based programming
• Support pathway alignment between Adult AA, BPS, and other academic programs
• Collaborate with program coordinators, registrar, recruitment, admissions, and partner high schools to support student success
• Collaborate regularly with supervisor and appropriate university staff to review and build semester schedules
• Contribute to the development of advising materials, pathway maps, and student success resources
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to student retention, completion, and transition outcomes
• Build and maintain relationships with key external partners, including local community colleges and organizations, employers, and workforce agencies
• Occasionally represent the university at events, college fairs, community events, employer sites, and partner locations geared towards adult and non-traditional learners

• Provide holistic academic advising to adult learners and special populations enrolled in non-traditional credit and noncredit programs, including degree planning, course selection, and progression mapping
• Provide front-line support and serve as a consistent point of contact for assigned student populations
• Conduct degree audits and monitor student progress toward completion
• Assist students in understanding program requirements, institutional policies, and academic expectations
• Conduct regular check-ins/advising meetings to support academic success and persistence
• Identify and address barriers impacting student success, particularly for adult, first-generation, and non-traditional learners and guide them through academic challenges, connecting them with appropriate institutional resources (e.g., tutoring, financial aid, student services)
• Promote retention and completion through proactive outreach and intervention strategies
• Support students in understanding college expectations, course rigor, and degree pathways
• Maintain a routine presence at partner off-site locations to ensure quality student services and alignment with institutional standards through student engagement and support
• Maintain accurate advising records and student data…