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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 individual and programmatic 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 for student participants in academic support communities including, but not limited to Hope Chicago, Phoenix Pact, One Goal, Bottom Line, and SOAR Scholars. This position also serves as the secondary point of contact for the Hope Chicago Program. In coordination with other campus offices, the position serves as a primary liaison, mentor, and consultant for students during their educational development, career planning, and personal growth. A successful candidate has awareness and advocacy for equitable academic services and resources and can build productive campus and community partnerships. This position works under the guidance of the Associate Director of Academic Enhancement and Program Coordinator of Academic Support Communities in University College to collaborate with many stakeholders across campus, community members, family members and support individuals. The incumbent works closely with university faculty, staff, administrators, as well as community leaders and professionals. This position supervises graduate assistants and student employees. Provides individualized services to students involved in an academic support community within University College. Services may include academic needs assessment, developing individual success plans, recognizing and addressing academic and non-academic barriers to academic success, and counseling on other aspects that may affect student retention and academic success.

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

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 students 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 and state and federal law, in particular the Ethics Standards for
all employees of the State of Illinois
5. Ability to multi-task and produce quality work under deadlines
6. Ability and experience working with and advocating for diverse populations, specifically students
7. Ability to work independently and without intense supervision, but also effectively contribute to a team with a learner-centered and service-oriented philosophy

Work Hours

Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm. Consistent evening and weekend involvement is tied to programs and events.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods.
2. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.

Proposed Starting Date

May 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume
Cover Letter
Reference List
Transcripts - See Special Instructions section for additional options

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"

Optional Applicant Documents

Certification of Retirement Annuity

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

Special Instructions for Applicants

Please fully complete the entire application including, but not limited to, the education and work history portions. Be specific on your work history, including employment dates (if part-time you must list the number of work hours) and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Please do not put "see resume" in the duties and responsibilities section of the work history. This will be considered an incomplete application and incomplete applications will not be considered.

College or university transcripts (may be unofficial) must be submitted prior to the application deadline in order to receive full consideration. Transcripts can either be uploaded with your application or submitted via the options listed below. In order to be eligible for Veteran's Preference points on the exam, appropriate military service documentation, such as a DD214, must be submitted prior to the application deadline.

Transcripts and/or DD-214 paperwork may be faxed or mailed to Human Resources by the application deadline:

Fax: 309.438.0011, Attn: Mackenzie Chapman
Address: Illinois State University
Human Resources
Campus Box 1300
Normal, IL 61790-1300

The Civil Service examination for this classification is based on your application materials and responses to the supplemental questions. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from applicants that qualify to take the exam. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score calculated based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register by exam score. After the application deadline, the names within the top three scores will be referred to the department for interview. The active register for this classification will be voided when the position is filled.

Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois. If hired, out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days from the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois driver’s license or a valid State of Illinois ID card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

Applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the U.S. without ISU sponsorship. Sponsorship for work authorization will not be considered for this position.

This position is represented by University Professionals of Illinois.

Contact Information for Applicants

Mackenzie Chapman
Human Resources
309-438-3092
mrchap1@ilstu.edu 

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.