Assistant Director for Advising & Recruitment Full-time NEW

 The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign invites applications for an Assistant Director for Advising & Recruitment in the School of MCB. 

We seek answers to fundamental questions about how organisms work and the many implications for life. Through a rich culture of collaboration, we drive new discoveries in human health and empower students with the critical and analytical skills needed for successful careers. We educate students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, and our alumni can be found throughout the world as leading healthcare providers, researchers in industry and academia, educators, and more. Meet the MCB community at mcb.illinois.edu.  

Job Summary  

To provide assistance to the Associate Directors and Director of the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology (MCB) regarding curricular oversight and management of all recruitment and advising activities within the School of MCB, including serving as lead advisor for all undergraduate degree programs within the School from recruitment, first-time matriculation, and timely navigation through the curriculum to degree attainment and beyond.  

Duties & Responsibilities  

Administration/Leadership  

• Provide strategic input, oversight and assistance with all operational aspects of all recruitment and advising activities within the School of MCB, including serving as lead advisor for all undergraduate degree programs within the School from recruitment, first-time matriculation, and timely navigation through the curriculum to degree attainment and beyond.    

• Provide input and assistance with implementing strategic plans for the development, delivery, evaluation, assessment, and continuing improvement of the advising programs and student services for all existing and new School degree programs, including study abroad and internal and external instructional training programs.    

• Direct the hiring, supervision and evaluation of all advising and career counseling personnel in the Instructional Programs of the School, including the hiring, training, management and evaluation of academic advisors, career counselors, student peer advisors, interns for advising office support, and student work study and hourly office workers in the advising office.   

• Provide input and govern with signature authority the use of funds to meet the recruitment, retention, advising and post-graduation career objectives of the Instructional Program in both the short- and long-term for all degree programs in the School.    

• Co-direct the coordination of the planning, organization and execution of all MCB recruitment, graduation, and career development events, such as workshops, conferences, New Student Welcome, Convocation, School and LAS Honors Ceremonies, Undergraduate Research Symposia, Graduation events, Homecoming and Alumnae events, etc.   

• Provide input and assistance with implementing strategic plans for the development and branding of new recruitment, retention, mentoring and career development programs that are tailored to the needs of our students and faculty, including establishing new relationships with other key units and leading conversations regarding creating/setting vision for existing and new recruitment and advising programs.    

• Provide visionary input to the university STEM advising community, serving as liaison with other advisors and units within the School, LAS, and other units and offices on Campus (Academic Affairs, Admissions, Student Support Services, Registrar, Career Services, etc.) and nationally (Council for the Advancement of Standards in higher education, National Academic Advising Association NACADA), fostering relationships that serve to meet the recruitment goals and educational outcomes of the School of MCB and the Campus.  

Academic Advising & Mentoring  

• Oversee and provide support for all advising efforts within the School regarding consultation and support to students, including advising about course expectations and performance, career development, and educating about requirements of their degree programs and the varied pathways to meet those requirements through individual conferences and group sessions as they plan their educational path, determine vocational goals, and fashion themselves into the best possible candidate for their next step.   

• Organize, convene, and deliver special programs and workshops in areas such as career options, career development, preparing job applications, preparing applications to graduate and professional schools, undergraduate research, internships, and education abroad, and fellowships.   

• Serve on and/or participate in selected or appointed School, LAS and Campus committees and programs that promote recruitment, retention, academic and career success for students in our degree programs, such as serving as MCB representative on the School of MCB Distinction Committee, Campus LGBTQ Ally Network, Women’s Career Institute, Emerging Women Leaders, Biology Admissions or Marketing Committees, serving as lead advisor of the Pre-Health and Professional Mentorship Program, and other related committees or working groups.   

• Oversee communications with students, including maintenance of degree program and student organization websites and Facebook groups, academic advising and career counseling workshops and events.   

• Provide interpretation and application of academic and campus policy, as well as best practices guided by learning outcomes, in providing guidance to faculty, instructors, advisors, career counselors, and other instructional program personnel.   

• Oversee the maintenance of accurate advising records and tracking of students through the degree programs, including after graduation and beyond, ensuring that students are provided consistent, accurate and prompt advising services.   

• Recruit and screen applications, select, train and supervise School student ambassadors and student leaders for all of the degree programs, serving as guides and assistants to faculty, instructors, and peers regarding delivery of curricula and advise about successful attainment of academic and career goals.  

Student Academic Recruitment  

• Lead and oversee recruitment efforts and meetings with the prospective, admitted, and transfer students and their families, working with admissions and other recruitment personnel to design and maintain flyers, brochures, websites, and information portals for interested prospective and transfer students.  

• Provide oversight for the recruitment and retention of high-achieving and motivated students into the majors and honors programs.  

• Oversee all efforts to provide current students with appropriate academic advise for retention in the major and successful and timely attainment of their degree.   

• Provide oversight and support for incoming transfer students, by consulting with students at matriculation for transition to our degree programs from other majors on campus and from other institutions, monitoring student progress through their degree program, and ensuring successful graduation attainment and career path beyond.   

• Develop, organize, and implement strategic enrollment outreach and recruitment campaigns to ensure that the School, LAS and Campus meets or exceeds student enrollment, retention and graduation goals.   

• Develop and coordinate comprehensive assessment plans for conducting research related to advising and student retention and graduation rates and career success.  

Instruction (Traditional and Non-traditional)  

• Provide instructional support to faculty, instructors, and student teaching assistants with regard to coordinating student registration, tracking student absences and grades for courses, advertising course offerings, monitoring status and providing special assistance to at-risk populations, and overseeing transfer student enrollments.    

Instructional Implementation   

• Provide input and manage all advising facilities and activities within the School, including oversight and management of designated budgets for advising and recruitment efforts and events.   

Other Assigned Duties   

• As Needed: Perform other assigned, instruction-related duties, as needed, to ensure the smooth running of the instructional program.  

Qualifications 

Minimum Qualifications  

•  Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, physiology, neuroscience, or closely related field.  

• At least 3 (three) years (36 months) of demonstrated professional working experience in higher education including experience in advising and recruitment.  

• Demonstrated professional working experience in supervising and leading a team.  

• Demonstrated experience organizing meetings, conferences, graduations and award ceremonies, or other large events.  

Preferred Qualifications  

•  Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, teaching, biology, psychology, counseling, or closely related field.  

• Experience in strategic management and goal setting and implementation in higher education.  

Successful Candidates Will Have:  

• Knowledge and expertise in assessment, data analysis, interpretation.   

• Demonstrated effectiveness in designing and assessing successful recruitment efforts.   

• Demonstrated ability to respond to concerns of undergraduate students, faculty, staff, administrators, and other constituents.  

• Excellent professional, organizational, communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.     

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.   

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.   

• Ability to take initiative and work independently.  

Appointment Information  

• This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the application deadline. 

• This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.  

• The budgeted salary range for this position is $69,000- $79,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. 

• Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.   

Application Procedures & Deadline Information 

• Apply through UIUC’s Job Portal: [Please click the Apply button for the link or address]. Scroll down the page until you see the “Career Opportunities” section. Select “View Opportunities Here” in the “Staff” box.  

• Apply for this position by locating it in our job portal and pressing APPLY NOW. You will upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names/contact information for three professional references.  

• Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 23, 2026. 

• Applications not submitted through [Please click the Apply button for the link or address] will not be considered.  

• For further information about this specific position, please contact Amy Gilbert at searches@mcb.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.  

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: 1037743  

Job Category: Education & Student Services  

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu  

Tagged as: Life Sciences