Under the direction of the Academic Dean, the Director of Academic Support is responsible for comprehensive academic support services and programming that provide students with additional learning assistance outside of the classroom. The Director of Academic Support also oversees the Testing Center at LFA. 

The individual selected for this position will be expected to carry out the following responsibilities:

1. Manage a team of Learning Resource Specialists (LRS) and encourage collegiality within the department 
2. Manage a small case load of students who require academic support
3. Work with LRS in the submission of SSD accommodation requests for the College Board and ACT
4. Collaborate with the Admissions team and the College Counseling Office in managing the content of student learning profiles for prospective and current students
5. Lead the communication to the parent community about services and accommodations to support diverse learners
6. Coordinate onboarding parent meetings at the start of the school year to develop a support plan 
7. Partner with the Director of Health Services in the oversight of medical leave and general student support
8. Work with the Dean of Faculty to hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate the work performance of assigned personnel
9. Assist with faculty training regarding student support, including accommodations for learning differences 
10. Develops and administers the budget for programs related to academic support services and professional development
11. Partner with the Dean of Students Office to organize and oversee the Evening Academic Support Program
12. Serve as a member of the Academic Council to assist in the oversight of the school's academic program

General Expectations as a Faculty Member:

• Provide timely feedback to students and parents
• Engage in ongoing professional growth

• Fulfill co-curricular expectations, often through coaching in the athletic program
• Serve as an advisor or co-advisor to a small group of students
• Serve on committees and task forces, as needed
• If residential faculty, fulfill weeknight (once a week) and weekend (7) residential duties
• Supports and acts in accordance with LFA’s mission and values
• Upholds LFA standards of professional courtesy, punctuality, discretion, and confidentiality
• Demonstrates an eagerness to be fully involved in a boarding school community

Preferred experience and/or education:

• Preferred Master's degree from an accredited college/university in special education or school psychology. Minimum Bachelor’s degree is required
• Experience in boarding school education is preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of administrative experience in instruction, academic support services, or related student success programs 
• Experience working with a diverse student population 
• Knowledge of effective practices in academic support services 
• Knowledge of federal and Illinois laws relating to the development of student academic support programs
• Demonstration of successful leadership with knowledge of management principles and techniques  
• Knowledge of due process for resolving student and employee complaints or issues
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative internal and external relationships
• Ability to use appropriate technology for data tracking and report presentation
• Ability to implement innovation in education support processes
• Ability to exercise group leadership skills, which emphasize collaboration, consensus building, conflict resolution, and problem solving 
• Crisis management experience 
• Knowledge of learning differences and accommodations
• Knowledge of local mental health and educational resources
• Exceptional communication skills in writing, listening, and public speaking sufficient to interact with key stakeholders
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills, interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to initiate and create systems and policies
• Ability to work night or evening hours as needed
• Demonstrated commitment to serving students with diverse backgrounds, interests, goals, and abilities
• Computer literacy with Google Suite and Microsoft Office applications, email, internet/web resources, and school database systems
• Able to handle managing multiple priorities, and the ability to change course when unanticipated events arise
• Flexibility and sense of humor in the daily life of a boarding school

Compensation/Benefits:

Lake Forest Academy offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes full medical and dental coverage, 403(b) retirement plan, and other benefits.  Final salary will be commensurate with the experience and expertise of the final appointed candidate within LFA's teacher salary scale.  

Limitations and Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.  

Employment at Lake Forest Academy is "at-will," which means either you or Lake Forest Academy may terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason without prior notice. 

In accordance with Lake Forest Academy’s policies and state and federal law, receipt of this position is contingent upon the individual’s successful completion of all requirements to establish the legal right to work in the United States, as well as a background check.  In the event Lake Forest Academy has not received a complete background check prior to the first day of employment, employment will be on a temporary basis until such results are successfully completed.

Non-discrimination Policy:

Lake Forest Academy is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. This means Lake Forest Academy will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, color, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, transitioned, transitioning or perceived to be transitioning), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), marital status, domestic partner status, pregnancy and breastfeeding, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.

Lake Forest Academy reasonably accommodates employees and/or applicants with disabilities, provided the individual is otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of the job.  If you believe that you need a reasonable accommodation, you must inform Lake Forest Academy’s Director of Human Resources & Risk Management.

About Lake Forest Academy

Founded in 1857, Lake Forest Academy is a coed boarding school serving 450 academically bright and motivated students in grades 9 to 12 from across the globe. The Academy offers a rigorous curriculum focused on academic excellence and characterized by small classes and close faculty/student interaction. The school's mission of educational excellence is founded on the four pillars of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility. The LFA community places students at the center of their own learning and provides the support needed to develop confidence and strong values. Please visit our website http://www.lfanet.org/ for more information about us. Lake Forest Academy is committed to building and sustaining an inclusive school community where the human differences present in the school and in society are acknowledged, respected, valued, and viewed as essential; and where ideas and behaviors which oppress others are challenged and addressed through an educational process. These differences include, but are not limited to, gender, race and ethnicity, nationality, socio-economic status, physical ability, religion, sexual orientation, as well as a variety of physical, intellectual, and spiritual qualities that make unique individuals of us all.

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