Job Description

Office Manager - Department of Cell & Developmental Biology

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign

In the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, we seek answers to fundamental questions about how organisms work and the many implications for life. Through a rich culture of collaboration, we drive new discoveries in human health and empower students with the critical and analytical skills needed for successful careers. MCB faculty are embedded within major interdisciplinary research institutes across campus, and they collaborate with peers throughout the world. We educate students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Duties & Responsibilities

• On behalf of the Department Head and as required to meet routine departmental needs: compile reports and data, communicate and interpret Department policies and procedures to administration, faculty, staff, students, and the public.
• Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the office: staff scheduling; coordinating work assignments; monitor departmental expenditures for compliance with campus policies and procedures:
  
  • verify funding for RA appointments in communication with supervising faculty
  
  • submit appointment requests via the appropriate system or workflow
  
  • serve as a liaison between departmental employees and the School HR office relating to various HR matters.
• Oversee and coordinate conferences, faculty travel, accommodations for special guests of the department the annual departmental conferences. Purchase materials and services using p-card and t-card in support of departmental events and activities. Review, approve, and process employee reimbursement vouchers, travel vouchers and journal vouchers via Banner for expenses incurred.
• Coordinate administrative items as per established timetables of the Department, School, College, and the University such as promotion and tenure submissions, third-year reviews, and sabbatical.
• Assist the Department Head in the management of Department resources for adherence to policies and procedures.
• Supervise lower-level departmental office support employees
• Provide clerical and administrative support for the Department Head: open, review, respond to routine mail; maintain personal appointment calendar; compose both routine and confidential correspondence; schedule faculty meetings according to established policies & timetables.
• Serve as backup timesheet approver for bi-weekly unit employees and monitor to ensure timely submission of timesheets; advertise undergraduate hourly job openings via the Virtual Job Board.
• Other duties as assigned to further the mission of the department.

Required Qualifications

• 
  High school diploma or equivalent.

• Two (2) years (24 months) of work experience comparable to the third level of this series.

Preferred Qualifications

• Solid interpersonal skills and professional acumen
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, build rapport, and establish effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and parents
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
• Ability to work harmoniously with faculty, staff, and students from a wide variety of disciplines
• Ability to effectively multi-task and stay organized
• Ability to remain calm and productive in a busy work environment with frequent interruptions
• Ability to be self-motivated, prioritize tasks, and exercise good judgment
• Attention to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all business matters
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with tact and diplomacy
• Knowledge of University and College, School, and Department requirements, procedures, rules, and regulations
• Ability to use the internet to obtain necessary information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Office Manager position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the
application deadline. 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. The wage for this position is
$46,975.50. Sponsorship for 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

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 19, 2026. To apply for this position, please create a candidate
profile at https://jobs.illinois.edu, use the
Apply Now button on the posting and upload your cover letter,
resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names/contact
information for three professional references. Please remember to include
specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your
application materials, including all relevant experiences. 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 hr@mcb.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.

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.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable
federal export control laws and regulations and, as such reserves the right to
employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

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 1037305
Job Category Administrative Support
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu