Program Director for Academic Initiatives and Community Engagement

Program Director for Academic Initiatives and Community Engagement

University Housing - Residential Life

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA CHAMPAIGN

Job Summary

Serves as a crucial link in connecting residents with opportunities, resources and experiences aimed at fostering a positive and enriching Illinois Residential Experience (IRE). Responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing strategies designed to enhance the residential experience and foster community engagement. Works collaboratively with faculty, the Office of the Provost, and Academic Affairs Colleges and Units, and University Housing staff to coordinate inclusive curricular programming. Serves as an academic information specialist within Residential Life, University Housing and Student Affairs.

Duties & Responsibilities

Curriculum Design, Implementation, and Evaluation:

• Oversee the creation, implementation, and evaluation of a community engagement model (residential curriculum) for individuals living in University Housing residence halls and apartments. Develop sequenced learning opportunities that promote belonging, learning, and development towards established learning goals and outcomes.
• Develop, implement, and support the residential curriculum by creating facilitation guides, providing ongoing resources, and offering coaching and training for professional and student staff.
• Lead evaluation and improvement efforts by coordinating annual reviews, analyzing data, and incorporating research and best practices to enhance curriculum effectiveness.
• Promote and advance residential experience strategies through leadership in training, campus partnerships, departmental communications, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Chair Illinois Residential Experience (IRE) committee.
• Gather feedback from staff, student leaders, and residential students to continuously update and enhance the Illinois Residential Experience.

Academic Initiatives Leadership:

• Develop and support initiatives that create a seamless learning environment that connects on-campus students with campus resources.
• Design, implement, and evaluate learning environments in the undergraduate and graduate (upper division) residence halls.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement strategies designed to foster community engagement and enhance student belonging.
• Develop and implement academic initiatives in the undergraduate and graduate (upper division) residence halls, including establishing strong relationships and collaborative opportunities with faculty to further curricular learning goals and outcomes.
• Inform and educate University Housing staff about Performance Rights procedure.
• Maintain a professional academic resource center that provides materials for programming support and professional staff development.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Provide direction and guidance for professional and student staff on academic and community engagement Initiatives.
• Provide supervision for undergraduate Program Advisors.
• Provide direction and support for annual and strategic planning.
• Represent University Housing on departmental, division, and campus committees and work groups.
• Supervisors engage in and implement University Housing’s inclusion, culture, and climate initiatives.
• Assist in marketing and recruiting.
• Engage in professional development opportunities.
• Assume a leadership role in driving initiatives and advocacy efforts that support fairness, inclusion, and a welcoming environment for all individuals.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage budget for implementation of academic initiative and community engagement strategies.
• Participate in bi-weekly Learning Staff, monthly departmental and quarterly all housing meetings as well as regular project oriented departmental committee meetings.
• Become familiar with Residential Life current policies and procedures outlined in the Residential Life crisis manual.
• Collaborate regularly with other Housing units on various programs and operations.

Additional Physical Demands

The position involves multitasking and effectively navigating around campus and the residence halls in a busy and unpredictable environment. Work will take place in office and residence hall environments including but not limited to, student common and meeting space and various administrative offices/spaces on campus. There is no set schedule for this position and it does include occasional nights and weekends. This position is live-off.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Higher Education. Experience working with all individuals in an inclusive manner.
• Experience with curricular program design, implementation and evaluation/assessment.

Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress at the time of application may be considered. A successful candidate will have completed the Master’s degree at the time of beginning employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in Housing or Residential Life. Experience working within a Residential Curriculum environment.
• Experience working with academically high-achieving students.
• Experience working with individuals from different background and perspectives in serving the campus community.
• Experience with supervision.
• Experience working independently.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of curricular program design, implementation and evaluation/assessment.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal and organization skills.
• Commitment to student learning.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Creative and innovative approach to learning.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and students while working with all individuals in an inclusive manner.

Appointment Information

• This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis.
• The expected start date is May 18, 2026.
• The budgeted salary range for the position is $62,000 to $65,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 23, 2026.

Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. When your application, please include a:

• Cover letter
• Resume, and
• Three professional references including phone numbers and email addresses.

For further information about this specific position, please contact [email protected]. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

For more information regarding employment at University Housing, please visit our recruitment website at University Housing Jobs | Illinois

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 : 1035116

Job Category : Education & Student Services

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