Coordinator of Undergraduate Recruiting and Outreach
Department of Physics

The Grainger College of Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

• Coordinate the recruitment of high school students to the undergraduate physics degree programs for the Department of Physics. This includes marketing the undergraduate physics programs via the departmental website, print media, and social media, conducting orientation and information sessions for prospective students and their parents (individually or in groups), and generally representing the Department of Physics to prospective students and their families at a variety of recruiting events.
• Work with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions & Recruitment and other college units to develop, plan, and implement strategies for general recruitment into the undergraduate physics programs. This includes recruiting of external transfer students and in-state students into the Grainger Engineering Pathways program, and collaborations with programs like Morrill Engineering Program (MEP), Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE), and Women in Engineering.
• Regularly update and maintain recruitment data and develop recruiting campaign success metrics for dissemination to the departmental leadership and to the Undergraduate Admissions & Recruitment team. Data to maintain include undergraduate placement data for recruiting materials and alumni relations. 
• Foster and support an inclusive environment in the department by promoting activities that strengthen a sense of community. Represent the Department of Physics at national meetings and conferences across the country. 
• Advise prospective first-year students, applicants, their parents, and secondary school guidance counselors in a prompt, informative, comprehensive, professional, and courteous manner in the areas of: the physics degree programs, the application process, arranging a visit, setting up an appointment, and/or general information about Illinois or the Department of Physics. Respond to prospective and admitted student inquiries for admissions information, visits, or about the Department of Physics by telephone, in writing, via e-mail, and in person.
• Help to organize and promote departmental outreach activities such as the Saturday Physics for Everyone lecture program, the Physics Van, and Science at the Market, which can serve the recruiting mission of the department.
• Promote and support the engagement efforts of undergraduate student-led organizations and communities with a focus on enhancing student retention.
• Serve as the department liaison to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for recruiting events (campus-wide admitted and prospective student visit days, college fairs, receptions, etc.).
• Assume additional appropriate related recruitment duties to further the mission of the department.

• Bachelor's degree in physics, Engineering, or closely related field
• A total of two (2) years (24months) in education, training and/or work experience in leading recruitment, engagement, or educational programming.

• Master's degree or higher in Physics or closely related science field.
• 3-5 years of experience working in higher ed.
• Track record of establishing cooperative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• General knowledge of sciences and academic programs. Knowledge of University of Illinois' or other large state University's science programs for undergraduates.
• Strong communication skills. Ability to collaborate with domestic and international students.
• Strong organizational, planning, problem solving and project management skills. Ability to organize meetings, schedules, and events.
• Ability to follow multiple detailed directions of various protocols and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Appointment Information

This is a full-time Civil Service Program Coordinator position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date.  The budgeted salary range for this position is $55,000 - $65,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. 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.  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 December 11, 2025. Apply for this position at https://go.physics.illinois.edu/Ugradrecruit. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. To be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://go.physics.illinois.edu/Ugradrecruit 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 Stephanie Swearingen, sswearin@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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 accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.