University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The
Department of Health and Kinesiology (HK) in the College of Applied Health
Sciences is one of the largest and most dynamic academic units at the
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, serving more than 1,900 undergraduate
and graduate students across a diverse portfolio of degree programs, minors,
and certificates. The Assistant Director plays a key leadership role in
supporting HK’s academic
operations and program coordination. This is an excellent opportunity
for a collaborative and strategic leader who enjoys working in a dynamic,
student-centered environment.
Academic Program Leadership and Operational Coordination
• Serve as an operational lead for undergraduate and graduate academic programs.
• Assist the head and associate heads in visioning and leading new academic initiatives.
• Coordinate minors and certificates.
• Coordinate department focus areas.
• Coordinate marketing and communication efforts related to HK courses and faculty and communicate with College marcom in relation to department needs and requests.
• Ensure alignment with departmental and college priorities. Scheduling, Instructional Planning, Enrollment and Program Analytics • Provide data-informed recommendations to the Associate Heads.
• Determine instructional resource needs, including faculty and TAs.
• Coordinate course scheduling, instructional assignments and projections.
• Work closely with department course schedulers.
• Develop PowerPoint presentations and other visual materials to communicate data findings and outcomes with the faculty. Student Success, Academic Affairs, and College Relations • Serve as an escalation point for academic concerns and program-related issues.
• Coordinate with faculty and advisors to facilitate course assignments, timetable scheduling, and the timely resolution of student concerns.
• Serve as a liaison for Academic Affairs and program-related matters with the College.
• Serve as a liaison with the College's Marketing and Communications team.
• Serve as an ad hoc member of the Health and Kinesiology Educational Policy Committees. Other Duties
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental academic operations and program coordination. 1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. A total of three (3) years (36 months) in education, training and/or work experience in academic operations, program administration, and/or educational initiatives (Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
3. Demonstrated experience in higher education
• Master's degree in higher education administration, educational leadership, health/kinesiology, public administration, or a related field. • Knowledge of higher education academic policies, procedures, and program administration. • Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively convey information and collaborate with multiple stakeholders. • Ability to exercise sound judgment and manage confidential information • Commitment to student success, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
This position serves as an operational lead responsible for integrating enrollment planning, course scheduling,
instructional planning, program analytics, academic communication, minors, and
student issue resolution across the department. The individual will provide
direct support to the associate heads and leadership to academic program
operations, ensuring effective delivery of undergraduate and graduate programs
Duties & Responsibilities
• Analyze course enrollment trends and program data in relation to impact on class size and number of course sections needed.
• Collaborate with college central units to ensure close coordination between department and college-level functions.
Minimum Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated project management, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience using data and analytics to support planning and decision-making.
• Experience collaborating effectively with faculty, advisors, administrators, students, and other partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and data-reporting tools.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5003 - Program Director position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The
expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of this search. The
previously determined salary range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000. 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.
Work
authorization is not available for this position.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx
Apply for this position using the
‘Apply Now’ button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload the
following by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 27, 2026:
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three professional references
In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment.
For further information about this specific position, please contact Mary Jones at mkjones@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.
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 1037664
Job Category Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
