Assistant Director, Morrill Engineering Program - Engineering Administration Base pay range: $65,000.00/yr - $75,000.00/yr

The Undergraduate Programs Office in The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks applicants for an Assistant Director for the Morrill Engineering Program. This position is primarily responsible for building and sustaining a vibrant MEP program community that fosters belonging, engagement, and academic excellence. This role provides academic and professional advising to undergraduate engineering students, with emphasis on supporting underrepresented minority students (African American, Native American, Hispanic). The role includes designing, implementing, and evaluating academic enrichment and support programs that improve retention, access, and success of students who seek support from the Morrill Engineering Program.

Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Support/Retention

Provide proactive advising to MEP students, especially those at academic risk, by monitoring progress and initiating timely interventions.

Participate in the delivery of the MEP Mentoring Course for First Year students (ENG 111) and related retention programs that promote academic accountability, professional development, and cohort building.

Collaborate with the Jeffries Center to support retention and academic support programs for engineering students.

Coordinate with the Center for Academic Resources in Engineering (CARE) to organize facilitated study groups (Peer-Lead Teams) and academic enrichment workshops for MEP students on study skills, time management and academic planning.

Lead the planning of MEP signature activities including the EMBARK early move-in program, System of Success (SOS) retreats and annual banquet in collaboration with the MEP Program Coordinator. This includes engaging with corporate sponsors, alumni, and student leaders and overseeing recruitment, training, and supervision of student staff.

Partner with University and college offices, programs, and cultural centers on initiatives related to inclusion, diversity, and outreach to underrepresented minority populations in engineering.

Recruitment

Collaborate with Grainger Engineering staff to attract underrepresented minority students through outreach strategies and recruitment events, on- and off-campus.

Work with the Division of Exploratory Studies (EXP) and other campus units to engage underrepresented minority students in inter-college transfer (ICT) into engineering.

Partner with the MEP Program Coordinator to improve the yield of underrepresented minority students admitted to Grainger Engineering.

Student Professional Development

Promote MEP student engagement with scholarship programs, co-curricular activities, and professional development activities through timely communication and referrals.

Track and support students’ professional, academic, and personal development by connecting them with corporate partners, graduate programs, and national organizations supporting underrepresented students in engineering.

Collaborate with the Coordinator of Undergraduate Research to proactively place students in research positions.

Work with the Graduate & Professional Programs office to develop pathways for MEP student participation in graduate degree programs.

Program Development

Research national best practices in minority student recruitment and retention to inform and enhance MEP initiatives.

Participate in regional and national organizations and conferences (e.g., ASEE, NAMEPA, NACME) that support minority student success in engineering.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, STEM education, or a related field.

A total of three (3) years (36 months) in education, training, and/or work experience supporting college students in student programming or administration.

Demonstrated experience in college student advising and/or academic retention programs.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in engineering, STEM education, or a related area.

Professional work experience with academic and professional development programs for undergraduate engineering students.

Supervisory/management experience (e.g. experience selecting, training, supervising, and evaluating staff and volunteers).

Demonstrated experience in mentoring and advising underrepresented minority college students.

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 $65,000 - $75,000. 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.

Application Procedures and Deadline Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on 10/15/25. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. 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 Anisa Abalos-Ramirez at aabalos@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requisition ID: 1032429

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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