Director Of Scholar Support Programs

Director of Scholar Support Programs

The Campus Center for Advising and Academic Services (CCAAS) invites applications for the Director of Scholar Support Programs (SSP). The units within CCAAS, the Division of Exploratory Studies, National and International Scholarships Program, Pre-Law Advising Services, and SSP provide a wide range of advising and academic support to students across campus including undeclared and exploratory advising, preparation for law school, application support for prestigious academic scholarships and focused support, academic coaching and mentoring programs. The Director of Scholar Support Programs leads and coordinates all aspects of support offered to scholars from the Illinois Promise, Hope Chicago and Stamps Scholars programs. The SSP team is committed to facilitating a successful Illinois undergraduate experience for all award recipients by offering holistic engagement, outreach, and programming, with a primary mission of creating a community of scholars that enhances belonging, self-efficacy, and interdependence. Since 2005, Illinois Promise has ensured access to the university for resident undergraduates from the lowest income levels. Hope Chicago, an intergenerational program created in 2022, seeks to offer CPS students from 5 partner schools, debt-free college access to a large network of participating institutions of higher education. Stamps, a national program created to recognize and reward exceptional students for their leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service, and innovation. The scholarship covers the cost of attendance and includes access to funds to support educational enrichment activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership and Supervision

• Provide leadership and direction for all aspects of Scholar Support Programs.
• Lead a team of three full-time staff.
• Hire, train, and supervise all full-time and part-time employees, undergraduate and graduate interns and/or student employees.
• Partner with Advancement, Financial Aid, and Corporate Relations in supporting efforts to secure new and ongoing funding and maintaining relationships with donors including participating in annual events and developing and/or contributing to annual reporting and other electronic and print communication strategies.
• Represent the programs within the university and with external stakeholders.
• Conduct evaluative and empirical research for continuous program improvement and policy development.
• Review data and utilize information in planning and decision-making.

Direct Student Support and Success Coaching

• Provide individual advising and coaching to an assigned roster of students.
• Participate in and/or lead activities that celebrate scholar success including outreach to top achievers, program-specific award selection processes, award banquets, and web and print communications and annual reporting.
• Respond to queries from students, faculty, staff, and parents/families as appropriate (within the parameters of FERPA).
• Participate in and support large-scale Illinois Promise student events, including the annual New Scholar Orientation and annual Re-Orientation sessions.

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• At least 3 years of full-time professional experience with progressive administrative responsibility in student-centered positions in higher education.
• Experience and commitment to supporting undergraduate students from underrepresented populations including students from low-income backgrounds and first-generation college students.
• Experience hiring, training, and supervising employees.
• Experience working with college students both individually and in groups in academic or career development environments such as academic advising, student retention, academic coaching, mentoring, or counseling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in higher education, college student personnel, counseling, or related field.
• Experience with supporting the academic success of undergraduates at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign or other large public universities.
• Demonstrated experience and skill in program development, implementation, and management.
• Demonstrated experience and skill in program assessment including data collection, analysis and report writing.
• Experience in marketing and communications (i.e. websites, social media, infographics, program branding, newsletters, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders (i.e. campus partners, donors, faculty, businesses, mentors, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Demonstrated success in event management including budgeting, planning and public speaking.
• Highly proficient with commonly employed software, databases, and web applications.

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 salary range for this position is $85,000-$95,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements. 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 7, 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 https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at steiling@illinois.edu. 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 accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1033410 Job Category: Education & Student Services