Associate Director for Student Programs & Activities

About the role

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.

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.
• 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.

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.

Other responsibilities/duties as assigned.

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.

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.

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 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.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

• 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.