Adult Education Manager

ADULT EDUCATION MANAGER
WILBUR WRIGHT COLLEGE

Wilbur Wright College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, seeks an Adult Education Manager responsible for managing enrollment, instructional, and/or administrative operations of adult education programs to include English as a Second Language (ESL); High School Equivalency (HSE); and transitional Bridge programs offered through the Adult Education Department. The Adult Education Manager works collaboratively in developing and executing effective strategies to increase student enrollment in Adult Education programs and Gateway (credit) and Bridge (certificate) transition programs; assists in areas of academic policy; supports strategies to meet Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) performance goals; and implements best practices to improve the quality and delivery of instruction to adult education students. Performs related duties as required.

City Colleges of Chicago’s Adult Education Department provides open access for learners from diverse backgrounds, with programs that deliver high quality education to prepare students to transition successfully into college, career pathways, the workforce, and/or to meet personal goals as lifelong learners. Adult Education programs and services include instruction for: English as a Second Language (ESL); High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation to earn the GED or HiSET; Career Bridge classes to introduce students to careers in various fields, such as healthcare, early childhood education, and information technology; citizenship exam preparation; and basic computer skills training programs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Administration

• Works collaboratively with the Dean and other administrators in developing strategies and implementing action plans to increase on-campus and online student registration in adult education programs, ensure student completion and success, and compliance with ICCB.
• Manages in-person, online and continuing enrollment activities, implementing and monitoring registration procedures and providing welcoming and supportive services to ensure an efficient process and a positive student experience.
• Reviews district reports and uses Excel and other software to track students in different stages of the enrollment process; identifies data discrepancies and assists in resolving data-related issues.
• Supervises office staff engaged with the enrollment and registration process and administering required testing for level placement. Makes staff assignments for outreach and follow-up with students to complete enrollment.
• Implements and oversees work processes for the testing of students at required intervals in compliance with ICCB requirements. Coordinates the notification and scheduling of students for required post-testing.
• Works with management team in creating semester schedule/class offerings to include classes at various levels of ESL and HSE. Makes Adult Educator Instructor assignments based on student enrollment.
• Assists in developing and implementing supplemental class offering(s) for adult education students.
• Participates in the interviewing and selection of Adult Educators and support staff.
• Provides new instructor orientations, ensuring Adult Educators are aware of expectations, administrative processes, and related work operations.
• Works closely with District personnel in reviewing data including student test results and level gains to assess and report on student success and program performance to college leadership and ICCB.
• Works with community partners to create off-campus adult education classes. Participates in community-based events to support outreach efforts, market programs, and recruit students.
• Develops on-going working relationships with businesses, community organizations, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and other partners in support of outreach initiatives to recruit working adults and parents.

Supervision and Instructor Support

• Supervises and provides support to Adult Educators, overseeing the delivery of instruction and ensuring instructors adhere to work procedures and curriculum standards aligned with program learning outcomes.
• Monitors and ensures Adult Educators comply with administrative requirements.
• Meets with students and instructors to address issues, concerns, and resolve specific complaints.
• Conducts formal performance evaluations of Adult Educators, classroom observations, and walk-throughs within the guidelines of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Participates in staff meetings to build working relationships, review on-going implementation of action plans, and discuss instruction and student-related issues.
• Facilitates the provision of online training and other resources to instructors on topics related to class preparation, instructional materials, and other educational resources.
• Provides staff training and professional development opportunities for instructors to enhance job performance, improve quality of instruction, and promote student success.
• Provides technical assistance and facilitates training on the use of technology and online learning management systems.

Student Support

• Oversees and participates in conducting new student orientations to help students understand adult education program expectations. Provides students with general information on CCC programs and available resources and support services.
• Supports Transition Specialist(s) in conducting outreach and recruiting adult education students for enrollment in transitional Gateway and Bridge Programs. Assists in planning events to promote programs, coordinates class visits, and works to resolve issues in registering Bridge and Gateway students.
• Monitors students’ progress and placement in I-Pathways sections for HSE programs.
• Advises and assists students with online registration and access to remote classes.
• Assists students with course and schedule changes, as needed.
• Refers and connects adult education students to college support services.
• Assists students in solving technology issues relating to class connectivity and email accessibility.

Other

• Serves on various college and district committees, as assigned.
• Participates in the institutional accreditation process for the college, as directed.
• Participates at college-wide student pre-disciplinary hearings, as assigned.
• Serves as a weekend or evening administrator, as needed.
• Knowledgeable in the use of various computer systems, reporting software, and test administration.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Education, TESOL, Linguistics, or a related field required.
• Five years of administrative experience in Adult Education and/or ESL programs; OR five years of a combination of administrative and education experience in Adult Education and/or ESL programs required.
• Two years of teaching experience desirable.
• A combination of education and experience may be taken into consideration based on the applicant’s credentials.
• Demonstrated experience in evaluating and mentoring instructional personnel is highly desirable.
• Experience working in a union environment preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills and experience with spreadsheets and databases.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill using learning management systems (BrightSpace) and remote learning technologies highly desirable.
• Knowledge of ICCB performance requirements for Adult Education.
• Ability to work within a culturally diverse environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Ability and willingness to travel between Wilbur Wright College and Humboldt Park Campus, as needed.

Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within six (6) months of hire.