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Title: Educational Outreach and Research Specialist
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Educational Administration & Foundations
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support (ICSPS) is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Educational Outreach and Research Specialist to play a pivotal role in advancing the Center’s mission. This individual will guide efforts in supporting the Innovative Bridge and Transitions Project and enhancing professional development opportunities within the Community College system.

As the Educational Outreach and Research Specialist, you will be instrumental in promoting the success of special populations students and leveraging the CTE Perkins implementation. Your responsibilities will encompass a diverse range of activities, including conducting in-depth research, creating and editing high-quality materials for dissemination across the state’s community college network, and delivering impactful professional development sessions. You will also be tasked with examining and enhancing evaluation methods, refining curriculum, and fostering ongoing communication with stakeholders in the field.

ICSPS is committed to creating, supporting, and delivering exceptional professional development for career, technical, and adult education professionals throughout Illinois. We provide vital technical assistance, develop insightful publications, and implement program improvement strategies that focus on transition, recruitment, retention, and completion, all while championing the success of special populations learners. Established in 1977 at Illinois State University, ICSPS operates within the Educational Administration and Foundations Department of the College of Education.

If you are passionate about driving educational excellence and are eager to make a meaningful impact in the community, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity to join our team at ICSPS.

Additional Information

This is a non-continuous, grant-funded position. The initial appointment will end on March 31, 2026, the end of the current grant year. Appointment renewal for the following grant year will be based on available grant funding and performance.

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: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$45,000 – $60,000

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree. Possible areas include educational leadership, education, policy, or the humanities field.
2. Two or more years of work experience in career and technical education, policy, adult education, education, or a humanity field with specialization or significant experience with the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, working at a community college or related areas.
3. Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work independently, take initiative, exercise good judgment, and manage what can be, at times, a stressful work environment.
4. Strong problem-solving skills with an ability to work independently and collaboratively.
5. Ability to think on your feet, perform independent research, and apply critical reasoning skills to solve complex issues in real-time.
6. Ability to multitask and self-manage assigned projects and daily tasks in an environment with shifting priorities.
7. Attention to detail and ability to follow up on directives.
8. Facilitation experience, media literacy skills, and proficiency in Virtual Meeting Platforms such as Zoom Meeting, Zoom Webinar, and Teams.
9. Proven exemplary customer service skills and the ability to work with various constituencies.
10. Working knowledge of word processing, database creation and management, spreadsheet creation and interpretation, calendaring, and email. Familiarity with Web content management programs.
11. Experience with training or providing professional development in various formats.
12. Experience developing and implementing implementation tools and evaluation tools. Ability to analyze and pilot previously created work with identified audiences.
13. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional traveling.
14. Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master's and/or Advanced degree in education, educational leadership, policy, or humanity field with specialization or significant experience in professional development, educational policy implementation, and issues related to these areas.
2. Work experience with at least one of the following special populations: single parents, out-of-work individuals, re-entry citizens, individuals with disabilities, homeless people, military families or veterans, English language learners, economically disadvantaged, foster care-involved youth, and students pursuing nontraditional occupations for their gender.
3. Experience working on federal or state grants to understand pace and expectations.

Work Hours

Regular hours are 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, with occasional evening hours possible due to state service. No weekend work is required.

Functional Expectations

1. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.
2. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.

Proposed Starting Date

April/May 2025

Required Applicant Documents

Resume, Cover Letter, Reference List (3 References), Writing Sample

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Contact Information for Applicants

Aimee Julian
alafoll@ilstu.edu
309.438.5122

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.