Career Coach – The Career Center

Career Coach – The Career Center
The Career Center

Job Summary
Multi-faceted role with responsibility for individual career coaching on both a pre-scheduled and drop-in basis. Present career development programs and workshops related to career exploration, decision-making, and career readiness. Part of a collaborative and innovative team committed to career development and success of all Illinois students. Passionate about interacting with students, thriving in a team environment, and committed to inclusion of all students in the services, resources, and programs that support career development and student success. Duties & Responsibilities

Direct Service to Students

Coach students one-on-one and in groups regarding career exploration and planning, employment/internship search, and graduate school preparation and application.
Provide one-on-one resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and personal statement reviews to students.
Conduct ~20 hours/week of career drop-in advising (CDA).
Facilitate career development programs that empower career choice and action, as well as enhance the career readiness of students.
Engage with prospective and admitted students and families through campus admissions and registration events.
Provide 6-8 regularly scheduled career coaching appointments in the evening (e.g., 5:00pm – 6:30pm) to effectively meet student schedules and needs.

Outreach and Engagement with Key Stakeholders

Collaborate with campus partners to deliver career development services and programs.
Oversee the planning and execution of events and activities that build awareness of The Career Center and the services and resources it provides.
Contribute to development and implementation of collaborative career development initiatives in partnership with the broader career services, advising, or student support community at Illinois.

Administrative and Management

Assess, analyze, and report on engagement and impact of services and programs and facilitate continuous improvement.
Contribute to the design, creation, and maintenance of print, electronic, and online resources.
Serve on The Career Center, Student Affairs and/or campus committees, task forces, work groups, and advisory committees.
Participate in professional development activities and associations.

Additional Physical Demands
Position involves working a flexible schedule, including ~two evenings per week during the fall and spring semester and occasional weekends (typically less than 4 weekends per year). Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree.

2. A total of one (1) year (12 months) in education, training and/or work experience in career development, student programming, or student success initiatives in an academic environment.

(Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Educational background in education, student affairs, human resources, counseling, psychology, social work, library or information sciences, or related field.
• Experience in higher education, career services, and/or working with college students.
• Experience facilitating educational conversations or content such as peer mentoring, tutoring, teaching, presenting workshops or programs, etc.
• Experience developing and maintaining professional relationships.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to clearly articulate thoughts and ideas.
• Openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity to cultural differences, and the ability to interact with all people, understand individual differences, and relate with a diverse student population.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with ability to exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues and make data-informed decisions.
• Ability to demonstrate personal accountability, effective work habits, and ability to handle multiple work priorities.
• Ability to work within a team structure while leveraging the strengths of others to achieve common goals.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 – Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 8/1/2026. The budgeted salary range for the position is $49,000 to $53,000. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on May 21, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact James Castree, castree2@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions – every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence – where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

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.

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 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.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1036058
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu