Program Director for Academic Initiatives and Community Engagement

Program Director for Academic Initiatives and Community Engagement University Housing - Residential Life University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign Job Summary

Serves as a crucial link in connecting residents with opportunities, resources and experiences aimed at fostering a positive and enriching Illinois Residential Experience (IRE). Responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing strategies designed to enhance the residential experience and foster community engagement. Works collaboratively with faculty, the Office of the Provost, and Academic Affairs Colleges and Units, and University Housing staff to coordinate inclusive curricular programming.

Serves as an academic information specialist within Residential Life, University Housing and Student Affairs.

Curriculum Design, Implementation, and Evaluation:

• Oversee the creation, implementation, and evaluation of a community engagement model (residential curriculum) for individuals living in University Housing residence halls and apartments. Develop sequenced learning opportunities that promote belonging, learning, and development towards established learning goals and outcomes.
• Develop, implement, and support the residential curriculum by creating facilitation guides, providing ongoing resources, and offering coaching and training for professional and student staff.
• Lead evaluation and improvement efforts by coordinating annual reviews, analyzing data, and incorporating research and best practices to enhance curriculum effectiveness.
• Promote and advance residential experience strategies through leadership in training, campus partnerships, departmental communications, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Chair Illinois Residential Experience (IRE) committee.
• Gather feedback from staff, student leaders, and residential students to continuously update and enhance the Illinois Residential Experience.

Academic Initiatives Leadership:

• Develop and support initiatives that create a seamless learning environment that connects on-campus students with campus resources.
• Design, implement, and evaluate learning environments in the undergraduate and graduate (upper division) residence halls.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement strategies designed to foster community engagement and enhance student belonging.
• Develop and implement academic initiatives in the undergraduate and graduate (upper division) residence halls, including establishing strong relationships and collaborative opportunities with faculty to further curricular learning goals and outcomes.
• Inform and educate University Housing staff about Performance Rights procedure.
• Maintain a professional academic resource center that provides materials for programming support and professional staff development.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Provide direction and guidance for professional and student staff on academic and community engagement initiatives.
• Provide supervision for undergraduate Program Advisors.
• Provide direction and support for annual and strategic planning.
• Represent University Housing on departmental, division, and campus committees and work groups.
• Supervisors engage in and implement University Housing’s inclusion, culture, and climate initiatives.
• Assist in marketing and recruiting.
• Engage in professional development opportunities.
• Assume a leadership role in driving initiatives and advocacy efforts that support fairness, inclusion, and a welcoming environment for all individuals.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage budget for implementation of academic initiative and community engagement strategies.
• Participate in bi-weekly Learning Staff, monthly departmental and quarterly all housing meetings as well as regular project oriented departmental committee meetings.
• Become familiar with Residential Life current policies and procedures outlined in the Residential Life crisis manual.
• Collaborate regularly with other Housing units on various programs and operations.

The position involves multitasking and effectively navigating around campus and the residence halls in a busy and unpredictable environment. Work will take place in office and residence hall environments including but not limited to student common and meeting space and various administrative offices/spaces on campus. There is no set schedule for this position and it does include occasional nights and weekends.

This position is live-off.

• Master’s degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Higher Education. Experience working with all individuals in an inclusive manner.
• Experience with curricular program design, implementation and evaluation/assessment.

Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress at the time of application may be considered. A successful candidate will have completed the Master’s degree at the time of beginning employment.

• Experience working in Housing or Residential Life. Experience working within a Residential Curriculum…