Assistant Director, Health Professions Advisor
The Career Center is committed to empowering Illinois students through individualized coaching, meaningful opportunities, and the development of lifelong career management skills. Guided by a student-centered approach, we strive to deliver exceptional service, provide evidence-based resources grounded in career and student development theory, and foster a collaborative, inclusive team environment. Through strong partnerships, continuous learning, purposeful innovation, and a shared commitment to leadership, we work to advance student success while serving as leaders within the University of Illinois career services community and the broader profession.
Job Summary
Multi-faceted role that coaches students one-on-one and in groups with a particular focus on health professions advising; coordinates career development programs and workshops; and fosters relationships with key campus partners and/or external stakeholders. Supervises paraprofessional student staff who deliver peer-to-peer services, workshops, and programs. Part of a collaborative and innovative team committed to career development and success of all Illinois students.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Direct Service to Students
Advise and coach pre-health students as they explore, prepare for, and apply to health professions programs (e.g., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy), including assistance with personal statements, application reviews, and interview preparation.
Develop and deliver student-facing workshops and programs with a primary focus on pre-health.
Coach students individually and in groups regarding career exploration and planning, internship and employment searches, and graduate/professional school preparation and application.
Provide content for and maintain learning management systems and other online resources for pre-health students. - Outreach and Engagement with Key Stakeholders
Coordinate events and strategic partnerships with admissions representatives and health-related community agencies.
Collaborate with campus partners to deliver services and programs for pre-health students.
Develop, maintain, and actively cultivate relationships with campus partners and other stakeholders who contribute to career development services and programs, particularly those serving pre-health students.
Oversee the planning and execution of events such as the Illinois Pre-Health Conference, Graduate and Professional School Fair, open houses, orientation programs, and similar activities, with a focus on pre-health student engagement and admissions representative participation.
Deploy outreach strategies designed to increase awareness of and access to pre-health advising services and support among students.
Contribute to the development and implementation of collaborative pre-health initiatives in partnership with the broader career services and academic advising communities at Illinois. - Administrative, Management, and Supervision
Assess, analyze, and report on the engagement and impact of services and programs to facilitate continuous improvement.
Contribute to the design, creation, and maintenance of print and online resources.
Create and deliver presentations for a variety of audiences, including parents, campus partners, and external colleagues, about The Career Center and Pre-Health Advising.
Serve on The Career Center, Student Affairs, and/or campus committees, task forces, work groups, and advisory committees.
Participate in professional development activities, professional associations, and ongoing training to stay current on trends in health professions admissions.
Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student staff who support outreach, programming, and large-scale events.
Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations
This role requires occasional evening and weekend work.
Specialty Factors
Bachelor’s degree. A total of one (1) year (12 months) in education, training, and/or work experience in academic advising, career coaching, educational programming, and/or student support services.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position.
Educational background in counseling, education, student affairs, science, or related field.
Experience as a pre-health advisor or as an academic advisor in a science-oriented discipline.
Experience that demonstrates knowledge of admissions requirements and preparation strategies for graduate and professional programs.
Experience developing and maintaining professional relationships.
Experience planning, implementing, managing, and evaluating educational programs.
Experience working in a team environment
Knowledge of career/student development theory and practice.
Credentialed as a career coach or counselor through one of the national career development organizations.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Excellent communication and public presentations skills with ability to clearly articulate thoughts and ideas.
- Openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity to cultural differences, and the ability to interact with all people.
- 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 8/17/2026. Salary range is $60,500-$63,000, 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 7/5/26. 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 Holly Lovett, khm2@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.