Associate director of operations - office

Associate Director of Admissions Operations - Office of Undergraduate Admissions

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions (OUA) is accepting applications for an Associate Director of Admissions Operations to oversee operational responsibilities related to domestic undergraduate application processing, course articulation, and transfer review. This key role will also develop and administer various programs, manage high-level admissions projects, and participate in strategic planning to enhance operational effectiveness, consistency, and alignment with institutional goals. The ideal candidate will be team-oriented, student-focused, adaptable and innovative, and contribute positively to the work environment.

Duties & Responsibilities -

• Lead and support teams responsible for transfer admissions and domestic application processing, ensuring efficient, fair, and consistent review of student applications.
• Oversee evaluation and articulation of transfer coursework.
• Manage day-to-day operations of guaranteed admission programs, including direct outreach to students to help them understand eligibility, requirements, and timelines. Facilitate the review and placement of transfer applicants who are eligible under guaranteed admission policies.
• Develop and maintain an extensive knowledge of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign course offerings, degree programs, and general education requirements.
• Monitor and communicate relevant course updates from the Course Inventory Management (CIM) system.
• In collaboration with the Senior Associate Director, establish annual processing/review schedule and coordinate staff and committee assignments.
• Review possible rescission situations and appeals for transfer applicants, providing recommendations to the leadership team. Oversee the various steps associated with rescinding admission offers for transfer students. This includes coordination with several campus units.
• Ensure compliance with institutional and state regulations as they relate to admissions and course transfers.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of operational communication and transfer resources, including publication of online and print materials as well as any related email campaigns.
• Serve as the primary backup to the Senior Associate Director, handling questions and problems, making staffing decisions, and representing the office in meetings or at events when needed.
• Supervise or oversee the supervision of staff in various work formats. Train and develop staff—providing clear guidance, setting expectations, and ensuring high standards of service.
• Monitor performance metrics (e.g. productivity, processing times, outcomes) and use data to inform improvements and resource allocation.
• Maintain and improve admissions workflows, systems, and processes. Participate in the annual evaluation of the admission cycle. Help identify problems in the workflow and initiate changes in functional and technical procedures to resolve such issues. Assist in testing of homegrown and vendor systems during upgrades, enhancements, and fixes. Create and update documentation.
• Communicate effectively with students, applicants, and internal and external stakeholders about admissions processes, transfer credit evaluation, and guaranteed admission options.
• Represent OUA on any campus, state, or national committees appropriate to the position.

Required Qualifications -

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• At least four years of professional work experience in admissions, recruitment, academic advising, student/academic affairs, and/or closely related experience within a higher education setting.

Preferred Qualifications -

• Master’s degree in higher education, humanities, social sciences, or a field related to the position.
• Seven or more years of professional work experience in admissions, advising, or programming relevant to the position.
• Demonstrated experience working with course articulation and/or transfer students, especially in connection with Illinois community colleges.
• Experience with supervision of professional staff, office process/policy decision making, and project management.
• Experience with marketing, communications, and use of Slate.
• Familiarity with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s admissions system, iAdmit.
• Proficiency with systems and software such as Banner, Microsoft Office, Transferology, Course Articulation, and u.Achieve.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities -

• Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently with little or no supervision or clerical support.
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational and communication skills, including the ability to make effective presentations.
• Ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions.
• Commitment to working with and on behalf of college students from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work with a variety of on- and off-campus constituents and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Enthusiastic, self-starter approach to work with a commitment to delivery of high-quality service in a timely manner.
• High achievement in previous work and/or educational experiences.
• Diplomacy and tact in enforcing admissions policies and procedures while at the same time not alienating the individuals to whom we must say no.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in the interpretation of admissions policies and in the handling of exceptional cases.

Appointment Information

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 the close of the search. The budgeted salary range for the position is $78,000 - $90,000 annually. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 10, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. For full consideration, application materials should include a cover letter, current resume (including month/ year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and transcripts or proof of degree(s). Please ensure your resume highlights your qualifications/experience for this position. This may include professional, academic, volunteer, or other applicable experience that aligns with the responsibilities and requirements of this role.

Applications not submitted through will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

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 accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing [email protected].

Requisition ID : 1033403

Job Category : Professional and Administrative

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