Richard J. Daley College
Transfer Specialist
City Colleges of Chicago’s vision is to be recognized as
the city’s most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity – empowering all Chicagoans to take part in
building a stronger and more just city. The community college system’s more than 3,500 faculty and staff serve more than 60,000 students
annually at seven colleges and five satellite sites.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
Reporting to the college
Director-Transfer Center or an assigned administrator, with a dotted-line report to the District Director-Student Transfer Success, the
Transfer Specialist provides comprehensive direct support to students navigating the complex process of transferring from CCC to a
four-year baccalaureate institution. The Transfer Specialist is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition by offering personalized
guidance and resources tailored to each student’s needs.
In this capacity, the Transfer Specialist is instrumental in
facilitating the transfer process, assisting students with transfer admissions, scholarship applications, and other critical steps in the
student transfer journey. This work supports the goal of enhancing growth and equity in CCC’s student transfer outcomes. Additionally, the
Transfer Specialist contributes to the development and implementation of transfer programming that aligns with key indicators of
transfer student success.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Application and Scholarship Assistance
*
Assists students in completing the Transfer Partnership Interest form, including the necessary FERPA release, to inquire about guaranteed
admission and articulation agreements. Maintains knowledge of the eligibility criteria for all CCC agreements.
* Provides hands-on
support for the completion of transfer applications, including the Common Application and university-specific applications. Guides students
through the application process, including fee waivers and transcript requests, while maintaining communication with university admissions
offices to resolve incomplete applications before deadlines.
* Collaborates with the Transfer Center Director and Financial Aid staff
to support students in completing FAFSA, Rise Application and CSS profiles for selective universities. Helps students explore alternative
financial resources if they are ineligible for traditional aid, offering individualized and group sessions on available financial
opportunities.
* Offers constructive feedback on transfer application and scholarship essays and interview preparation. Coordinates
sessions to support students in articulating their experiences and aspirations effectively, in collaboration with Academic Support.
* Maintains a comprehensive list of internal and external scholarships, detailing eligibility, benefits, requirements, and deadlines.
Provides individualized and group support to promote these opportunities.
Student Transfer Success Support
*
Supports students in selecting appropriate coursework aligned with CCC academic programs, transfer pathways, and admission requirements, in
collaboration with College Advisors and the Transfer Center Director.
* Connects students to various support services, such as Career
Development, TRiO, One Million Degrees, Partners in Education, Wellness Center, and Academic Support.
* Assists students in
navigating the self-guided transfer success activity guide to help them stay organized and track their progress.
* Educates students
on utilizing transfer articulation tools (e.g., Transferology, iTransfer) as well as online resources, including college portals and
planning tools to maximize the transferability of their coursework.
University Experiences & Transfer Programming
* Supports the Transfer Center Director in building and nurturing partnerships with four-year institutions to enhance opportunities for
student engagement.
* Organizes impactful campus tours and information sessions to familiarize students with university life,
admissions, and available services.
* Co-develops and co-hosts transfer workshops and information sessions targeting students
intending to transfer.
* Facilitates one-on-one appointments focused on pre- and post-transfer admission processes.
Data Informed Strategy Development
* Analyzes and tracks student transfer success data, creating strategies to improve
scholarship and transfer admission application submission rates, transfer degree completion, and overall transfer outcomes related to
students transferring out of CCC.
* Utilizes data to identify trends and opportunities for growth, providing targeted guidance to
enhance success as it relates to students transferring out of CCC.
Professional Development
* Attends monthly
college advising and transfer services meetings to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
* Participates in both on-campus and
off-campus training sessions and transfer-related events to enhance skills and build networks with four-year institutions.
* Provides
college staff with transfer center updates to ensure a knowledgeable support system.
* Performs related duties as assigned.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports To Director-Transfer Center or Assigned Administrator
Direct
Supervision None
Indirect Supervision Student Workers and Interns
QUALIFICATIONS
-
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Counseling, Education, Psychology, Social Work, Adult Education, or a related
field. Master’s degree preferred.
* Three years of experience working with students in higher education, preferably within a
community college setting.
* Experience supporting students in navigating the college admissions and scholarship application
processes required.
* Experience in working with historically marginalized, racially, and culturally diverse and high-risk student
populations required.
* Experience guiding students in completing financial aid applications, including FAFSA, the RISE
Act/Alternative Application, and the CSS Profile preferred.
* Experience in interpreting university policies regarding appeals of
financial aid award letters preferred.
* Experience in managing projects and coordinating activities.
* Experience in academic
support or tutoring for writing-intensive curricula strongly preferred.
* Knowledge of various types of financial aid programs
available to college students preferred.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Strong organizational, time
management, and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to provide exemplary customer service.
* Ability to manage student caseloads
and maintain thorough documentation of student interactions.
* Ability to relate effectively to a diverse student body.
*
Ability to use data-informed assessments and educational technologies to promote and support student access to opportunities.
*
Availability and willingness to work some evenings and weekends.
* Proficiency in the use of OpenBook, Navigate (EAB), & Brightspace
preferred.
* Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Approved by Compensation Design
& Strategy Date: November 1, 2024
The intent of this job description is to provide a general description of the duties and
responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive set of the duties and responsibilities, nor all of the necessary
qualifications to perform the work.
TBD
Additional Information
City Colleges of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.