Assistant Director of Discovery and Success (Program Director)
University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL, United States
Posting Category
About UIS:
Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu.
Application deadline:
4/9/2026
Minimum Starting Salary:
$27.75 per hour/7.5 hour day
Summary The Assistant Director of Discovery & Success supports student success through academic support services, professional development programming, and cultural engagement initiatives. This role manages programs such as book rental and specialty graduation, coordinates cultural heritage month programming, and facilitates career readiness opportunities. The Assistant Director supervises student staff and works closely with campus partners to promote holistic student development.
Duties & Responsibilities
Direct the operations for the functional area of cultural programming and heritage month initiatives.
Develop and implement leadership development programs, workshops, and retreats that foster self-awareness, identity development, and inclusive leadership.
Advise student organizations and support civic engagement initiatives that promote social responsibility and community building.
Supervise student staff involved in leadership and engagement programming, mentoring them in personal and professional growth.
Collaborate with campus departments to promote inclusive student involvement and co-curricular learning.
Support student retention through identity-affirming and personal development programming.
Contribute to assessment and reporting of student engagement outcomes.
Manage academic support services including book rental and specialty graduation programs.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Communication, Education, or related fields.
A total of three (3) years (36 months) of work experience inherent to the position.
Masters degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.
Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.
Specialty Factors N/A
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Human Development Counseling, Communication, Education, or related fields.
Two (2) years of experience working directly with programs for the LGBTQIA+ and other traditionally marginalized populations.
Relevant experience with diversity, cultural awareness, and sensitivity training.
Experience in planning, promoting, and delivering educational programs and workshops for traditionally marginalized groups.
Practical experience facilitating conversations centered on gender identity and sexual orientation.
Demonstrated effectiveness in working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Ability to work independently
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to work with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and agencies
Teamwork and collaboration skills within and across campus units
Analytical skills and report writing
Knowledge of community and student development principles
Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks
Strong (positive/effective) communication and interpersonal skills
Strong computer proficiency skills (academic management databases, Microsoft Office, etc.)
Ability to communicate effectively with campus departments and students
Ability to develop an assessment plan
Physical Demands
Standing : Occasionally
Walking : Occasionally
Sitting : Occasionally
Lifting : Occasionally
Carrying : Occasionally
Pushing : Occasionally
Pulling : Occasionally
Climbing : Rarely
Balancing : Occasionally
Stooping : Rarely
Kneeling : Occasionally
Crouching : Occasionally
Crawling : Rarely
Reaching : Occasionally
Handling : Occasionally
Grasping : Occasionally
Feeling : Occasionally
Talking : Frequently
Hearing : Frequently
Repetitive Motions : Frequently
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination : Frequently
Taste/Smell : Frequently
Performing Manual Tasks : Frequently
Working Conditions
Extreme cold : Occasionally
Extreme heat : Occasionally
Humid : Occasionally
Wet : Occasionally
Noise : Occasionally
Hazards : Rarely
Temperature Change : Occasionally
Atmospheric Conditions : Occasionally
Vibration : Rarely
Travel Requirements 5% Some travel for out of state and local engagements
Employment Policies and other information Failure to accurately describe work experience, or failure to submit college transcripts may result in an applicant not being admitted to the exam.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.
As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.
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.
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.
UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.
You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.)
Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your: Social Security benefit and Social Security benefit as a spouse
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. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at hremployment@uis.edu or call 217-206-6652.
Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu.
Application deadline:
4/9/2026
Minimum Starting Salary:
$27.75 per hour/7.5 hour day
Summary The Assistant Director of Discovery & Success supports student success through academic support services, professional development programming, and cultural engagement initiatives. This role manages programs such as book rental and specialty graduation, coordinates cultural heritage month programming, and facilitates career readiness opportunities. The Assistant Director supervises student staff and works closely with campus partners to promote holistic student development.
Duties & Responsibilities
Direct the operations for the functional area of cultural programming and heritage month initiatives.
Develop and implement leadership development programs, workshops, and retreats that foster self-awareness, identity development, and inclusive leadership.
Advise student organizations and support civic engagement initiatives that promote social responsibility and community building.
Supervise student staff involved in leadership and engagement programming, mentoring them in personal and professional growth.
Collaborate with campus departments to promote inclusive student involvement and co-curricular learning.
Support student retention through identity-affirming and personal development programming.
Contribute to assessment and reporting of student engagement outcomes.
Manage academic support services including book rental and specialty graduation programs.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Communication, Education, or related fields.
A total of three (3) years (36 months) of work experience inherent to the position.
Masters degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.
Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.
Specialty Factors N/A
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Human Development Counseling, Communication, Education, or related fields.
Two (2) years of experience working directly with programs for the LGBTQIA+ and other traditionally marginalized populations.
Relevant experience with diversity, cultural awareness, and sensitivity training.
Experience in planning, promoting, and delivering educational programs and workshops for traditionally marginalized groups.
Practical experience facilitating conversations centered on gender identity and sexual orientation.
Demonstrated effectiveness in working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Ability to work independently
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to work with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and agencies
Teamwork and collaboration skills within and across campus units
Analytical skills and report writing
Knowledge of community and student development principles
Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks
Strong (positive/effective) communication and interpersonal skills
Strong computer proficiency skills (academic management databases, Microsoft Office, etc.)
Ability to communicate effectively with campus departments and students
Ability to develop an assessment plan
Physical Demands
Standing : Occasionally
Walking : Occasionally
Sitting : Occasionally
Lifting : Occasionally
Carrying : Occasionally
Pushing : Occasionally
Pulling : Occasionally
Climbing : Rarely
Balancing : Occasionally
Stooping : Rarely
Kneeling : Occasionally
Crouching : Occasionally
Crawling : Rarely
Reaching : Occasionally
Handling : Occasionally
Grasping : Occasionally
Feeling : Occasionally
Talking : Frequently
Hearing : Frequently
Repetitive Motions : Frequently
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination : Frequently
Taste/Smell : Frequently
Performing Manual Tasks : Frequently
Working Conditions
Extreme cold : Occasionally
Extreme heat : Occasionally
Humid : Occasionally
Wet : Occasionally
Noise : Occasionally
Hazards : Rarely
Temperature Change : Occasionally
Atmospheric Conditions : Occasionally
Vibration : Rarely
Travel Requirements 5% Some travel for out of state and local engagements
Employment Policies and other information Failure to accurately describe work experience, or failure to submit college transcripts may result in an applicant not being admitted to the exam.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.
As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.
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.
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.
UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.
You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.)
Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your: Social Security benefit and Social Security benefit as a spouse
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. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at hremployment@uis.edu or call 217-206-6652.
Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***
#J-18808-Ljbffr