Job Description

Visiting Transition Coach - Academic Center for Excellence

Hiring Department Academic Center for Excellence

Location Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID 1042372

Posting Close Date August 13, 2026

Salary: The
budgeted salary range for this position is $64,000 to $64,369.50.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

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
Visiting Transition Coach supports the Flames Leadership Network (FLN), a
nationally recognized first-year student success program housed within the
Academic Center for Excellence. The coach provides proactive, individualized
coaching to an assigned cohort of approximately 125 enrolled first-year
students, supporting their academic success, socio-emotional wellbeing, and
sense of belonging at UIC. Core responsibilities include transition coaching,
academic plan development, workshop facilitation, program outreach and engagement,
and referrals to university support services and campus partners. The coach
also contributes to program-level initiatives and plays an active role in the
broader operation and continuous improvement of the FLN program. Particular
emphasis is placed on supporting first-generation and Pell-eligible students in
successfully navigating the academic, social, and institutional landscapes of
university life as a foundation for long-term retention and degree completion.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide individualized transition coaching and academic support to an assigned cohort of first-year students, including development of academic plans, goal setting, referrals to campus resources and support services, and attention to students' socio-emotional wellbeing and sense of belonging.
• Conduct proactive outreach and follow-up with students to monitor academic progress, address barriers to persistence, and respond to academic and attendance concerns.
• Support pre-enrollment and transition activities for incoming students, including communication regarding placement testing, financial aid, housing, orientation, and academic enrichment opportunities.
• During the summer, serve as coach and point of contact for students enrolled in UIC summer programs, including Summer College and Summer Edge, monitoring their academic progress and overall wellbeing. Assist with presentations and information sessions at UIC Orientation events to support incoming first-time and transfer students.
• Plan and facilitate workshops, presentations, and student engagement activities related to academic success, transition, financial literacy, career exploration, and student belonging.
• Collaborate with academic advisors, faculty, student affairs professionals, and campus partners to coordinate support for assigned students and promote student success initiatives.
• Maintain accurate student records, coaching notes, and program documentation in compliance with FERPA and university policies. Assist with outcome tracking, data collection, assessment activities, and program reporting.
• Lead a designated program coordination area and associated operational responsibilities, which may include communications, student engagement programming, peer coaching support, or other assigned program functions.
• Represent the office at campus events, orientation programs, local high schools, and community-based outreach activities as needed.
• Participate in evening and weekend programs and activities as required.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of two years of experience in higher education, student services, social services, advising, coaching, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple responsibilities and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written/oral communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and student information or case management systems.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel locally as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, college student development, higher education or related field preferred.
• Experience working with first-generation or economically disadvantaged student populations is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with UIC and Chicago-area schools and communities preferred.
• Familiarity with student success programming, academic support resources, and university systems.
• Bilingual skills preferred.

For fullest consideration, please submit your resume and
cover letter at jobs.uic.edu by Thursday, August 13, 2026.

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.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

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.