Program Support Specialist Academic Communities

Position: Program Support Specialist for Academic Support Communities
Program Support Specialist for Academic Support Communities

Job no: 521915
Work type: On Campus
Location: Normal, Illinois

Title: Program Support Specialist for Academic Support Communities
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: University College

Job Summary

The Program Support Specialist of Academic Support Communities, within University College provides holistic support to students during their initial academic transition and continued enrollment at Illinois State University. This position is responsible for delivering programming and providing individualized services to student participants in academic support communities, including but not limited to Hope Chicago, Phoenix Pact, One Goal, Bottom Line, and SOAR Scholars.

This position serves as the secondary point of contact for the Hope Chicago Program, supporting communication, coordination, and student engagement efforts. They join a team that serves as a primary liaison, mentor, and consultant for students participating in community groups.

Student Support & Advising
Provides individualized services, including consistent one-on-one interaction and hands-on academic coaching.

• Conducting academic needs assessments

• Developing individualized student success plans

• Identifying and addressing academic and socio-emotional barriers through proactive outreach

• Monitoring student progress using student information systems

• Engaging in consultation and making appropriate referrals

• Providing guidance related to retention and academic success

• Supporting personal development and student well-being

Programming & Curriculum Development

• Co-develops, coordinates, and facilitates large workshops for college transition and academic excellence

• Plans and executes campus events from start to finish, ensuring meaningful student engagement and program effectiveness

• Collaborates with various university stakeholders

Equity, Advocacy, & Partnership Building

• Demonstrates commitment to equitable academic services

• Advocates for student access and inclusion

• Builds campus and community partnerships

• Creative, organized, and committed to inclusive pathways

Supervision & Leadership

• Supervises graduate assistants and student employees, providing guidance and professional development

Additional Information

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$45,500 - $50,000 annual

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree

2. One (1) year of full-time or part-time equivalent professional work experience in one or a combination of the following:
a. Coordinating/Delivering academic interventions and student support efforts across a college campus to assist student success
b. Serving as an academic or other advisor, preferably in higher education
c. Providing academic or holistic support services to college students

3. Demonstrated work experience working 1 on 1 with students and providing individualized support services to college students

4. Demonstrated work experience delivering programming for students, preferably in higher education

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master's Degree
2. Experience working with college access programs/organizations and community-building student organizations on a college campus.
3. Demonstrated work experience with students from Chicago Public Schools
4. Familiarity with Illinois State University and University College policies and procedures, in particular the Ethics Standards for all employees of the State of Illinois
5. Ability to multitask and produce quality work under deadlines
6. Ability and experience working with and advocating for diverse populations, specifically students
7. Ability to work…