Associate Director for Student Programs & Activities

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.
    

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.
  

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.
  
  

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 iustaffdevelopment@illinois.edu.. 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 accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1037486

Job Category: Professional and Administrative

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu