Patron Engagement and Communications Coordinator
Posting Category:
About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu.
Application deadline: 6/10/2026
Minimum Starting Salary: $25.64 per hour / 7.5 hour workday
Job Summary:
The Patron Engagement Communications Coordinator supports communications and engagement efforts that strengthen relationships between the UIS Performing Arts Center, its patrons and local community. This position focuses on written, digital, and social media communications that help patrons feel informed, welcomed, and connected over time, with occasional support for the visual presentation of communications materials.
Reporting to the Director of Development, the coordinator works collaboratively with the Ticket Office, Marketing, and local partners to support a thoughtful patron engagement journey, from initial ticket purchase through deeper engagement, including philanthropic involvement. This role emphasizes storytelling, coordination, and engagement support.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Patron Communications & Messaging: Leads the development and management of mass communications, including emails, newsletters, special announcements, and solicitations that inform and engage patrons and supporters. Works closely with the Director of Development on content creation and strategy. These communications focus on engagement and stewardship and do not include any aspects related to ticket sales or subscriptions. Drafts, edits, and curates content that reflects the mission, programs, and impact of the UIS Performing Arts Center. Assists with the visual layout and basic design elements of communications pieces (such as email graphics, flyers, or reports), working within established branding guidelines and in collaboration with Marketing staff as needed. Maintains mass communications calendar; ensures timely delivery of messages; coordinates with printing and mailing services; collaborates with the Marketing Manager to align ticket sales and patron engagement messaging and avoid overlap; and records key performance indicators and standard metrics.
Social Media Engagement: Creates and schedules social media content focused on audience connection, community presence, and supporter engagement, including simple graphics or image-based posts as appropriate. Highlights behind-the-scenes activity, student involvement, donor-supported initiatives, and community partnerships. Monitors engagement metrics and shares insights with the Director of Development and relevant staff.
Community Impact Report & Content Development: Leads the creation, production, and distribution of the annual Community Impact Report and related materials, including printing, mailing, and online posting. Gathers content from internal staff, campus partners, donors, and community stakeholders to illustrate impact, working closely with the Director of Development for content guidance and approval. Assists with editing, basic layout coordination, and online presentation of materials, ensuring all content meets quality and branding standards. Serves as the central repository for content, tracking its use in other communications, materials, or publications.
Ticket Office & Patron Pipeline Support: Works closely with the Ticket Office to support communications that welcome and inform ticket buyers beyond the point of purchase. Assists with engagement touchpoints that encourage continued involvement, such as program awareness, donor support, and impact storytelling. Helps ensure smooth coordination and appropriate handoffs when patrons demonstrate increased interest or engagement.
Data Support & Coordination: Maintains accurate patron communication records and preferences across ticketing and related databases. Designs, administers, and analyzes patron surveys to assess experiences, satisfaction, and interests, sharing insights with the Director of Development and relevant staff to inform communications and engagement strategies. Supports basic reporting related to communications reach, engagement, and patron feedback, excluding any reporting related to ticket sales or subscriptions.
Professional Development & Collaboration: Builds skills and knowledge related to communications, audience engagement, and higher education or nonprofit environments. Participates in team meetings, trainings, and collaborative projects.
Performs additional communications and engagement-related tasks as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
2. One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
3. Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.
Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Experience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, or the performing arts.
2. Ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and learn new systems in a team-oriented environment.
3. Basic experience with graphic design or layout tools (such as Canva, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or similar), or an interest in developing these skills to support communications materials.
Employment Policies and other information:
Failure to accurately describe work experience, or failure to submit college transcripts may result in an applicant not being admitted to the exam.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.
As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.
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.
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.
UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.
- You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.
- Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:
- Social Security benefit and
- Social Security benefit as a spouse
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. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at [email protected] or call 217-206-6652.
***Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***
