Applications are now being accepted for the Associate Director for Student Programs & Activities position at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The Associate Director for Student Programs & Activities provides leadership and oversight for the Illini Union’s student programming portfolio, including the Illini Union Board, campus-wide events, and student engagement initiatives. This role supports the development and execution of innovative, high-impact programs that enhance student learning, belonging, and campus engagement.
As the community center of the University, the Illini Union draws together all members of the University with approximately 16,000 visits of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests on a daily basis. We are seeking individuals who can help create and foster communities that strive toward this vision. This includes supporting the academic mission of the University by developing environments conducive to student learning and academic success, respecting, appreciating, and advocating for our student population, and supporting the holistic development of all our students.
Job Summary
Provides strategic leadership for the programming function, sets direction and priorities, and represents the area as a member of the senior leadership team. Ensures alignment with university policies, advances organizational goals, and collaborates with campus and community partners to maximize program impact.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Leadership
- Lead, advise and support the Illini Union Board, including leadership development, governance, and operational effectiveness.
- Direct and oversee professional and student employee performance, leave, and professional development.
- Direct the day-to-day operations of the department, ensuring compliance and adherence to campus and Illini Union related policies and procedures.
- Delegate and assign operation and college student advising responsibilities.
- Coordinate and direct hiring, training, evaluation, and supervision of professional staff and student leaders. Provide coaching, development opportunities, and performance management support.
- Serve as a member of the Illini Union senior leadership team, representing and advocating for the Illini Union Board and Illini Union Programming.
- Represent and advocate on behalf of the Illini Union, on campus with student affairs and academic colleagues.
- Advise campus partners, student leaders, and internal stakeholders on programming strategy and engagement priorities.
- Lead the strategic direction of programming efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and student learning outcomes.
- Serve on committees and represent the Illini Union in campus initiatives.
- Program Leadership & Administration
- Lead and advise on the planning and execution of major programs and events, including Illini Union signature programs (e.g., LateNighter, Showcase Week, Spring Jam, Winter Showcase Week).
- Direct and oversee negotiation and execution of performance/entertainment/art contracts and risk/compliance processes for events.
- Develop and oversee program budgets; ensure responsible stewardship of funds and compliance with policies. Research and apply for programming related grants and funding where appropriate.
- Lead annual planning, goal setting, and assessment of programming outcomes. Lead organizational development initiatives that enhance program quality and operational effectiveness.
- Ensure adherence to institutional policies, procedures, and documentation standards.
- Other responsibilities/duties as assigned.
- Student Engagement & Campus Partnerships
- Develop and implement programs that support college student engagement, sense of belonging, and personal and professional development.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with registered student organizations, campus departments, and community partners and expand program reach through collaboration, co-sponsorship, and innovation.
- Lead assessment of college student needs and incorporate feedback to continuously improve programming.
- Organizational Development, Assessment & Innovation
- Research, design, and implement assessment strategies to evaluate program outcomes.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement across programming efforts based on assessment.
Identify trends and emerging practices in student engagement and campus programming.
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Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations
This position is in-person/onsite; limited, short-term hybrid work may be approved by the supervisor under exigent circumstances. Evening and weekend work required to support programs and events.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in student affairs, higher education, or related field.
- Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in college student programming, college student affairs, or related field.
- Minimum of two (2) years experience advising college student programming boards and/or student finance boards.
- Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or leadership experience overseeing professional staff or functional areas.
- Demonstrated experience leading strategic initiatives, managing complex programs, or setting organizational direction within the higher education field.
Minimum of two (2) years of developing and managing departmental budgets.
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Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a college student union.
- Experience managing large-scale college campus programming and events including contract negotiation and event risk management.
- Knowledge of governance practices (e.g., Robert’s Rules of Order).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of college student development and engagement practices.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with all stakeholders.
- Commitment to inclusive excellence and student belonging.
Ability to interpret and apply institutional policies and procedures.
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This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 8/17/2026. Salary is commensurate with experience, with a salary range of $75,000 to $85,000 per year. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy, limited, short-term hybrid work may be approved by the supervisor under exigent circumstances.
The usual work schedule for this position is Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, with occasional evenings and weekends required.
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.
Applications, including a Cover Letter, Resume, and contact information for a minimum of three (3) Professional References, must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 17, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Shared AHW HR at [email protected].. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected].
Requisition ID: 1037486
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
