Engagement Coordinator - Materials Science and Engineering

Engagement Coordinator

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking candidates for an Engagement Coordinator position. The Engagement Coordinator will develop, coordinate, and execute engagement programs that educate students and the public about the importance and relevance of materials science and engineering. In this role, the coordinator will maintain operational infrastructure and processes to guide student engagement activities from recruitment through alumni status. The coordinator will build a network of high school contacts for recruiting undergraduates and will maintain close engagement with current students. This position will work closely with faculty and staff to build and maintain an overall culture of positive engagement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Current Student Engagement

• Plan and execute events, including the undergraduate picnic, awards banquet, graduation brunch, holiday party, and senior design poster session.
• Partner with undergraduate student organizations, including Material Advantage and Keramos, to support their efforts, including event planning and participation in professional conferences.
• Actively engage with current students to determine and respond to their changing academic needs by attending meetings with students, building rapport, collecting job placement and graduate school data, and discussing these needs with the department head and faculty to further the educational experience for undergraduate students.
• Manage the communication platform for undergraduate students.
• Build relationships with industry partners to establish regularly occurring professional development seminars and on-site visits for students.
• Collaborate with industry partners to establish an annual Materials Science & Engineering focused career fair and other ways to support post-grad job search efforts.

Undergraduate Recruiting & Outreach

• Support the undergraduate recruiting committee by organizing and hosting meetings with prospective and admitted high school students.
• Arrange events that bring prospective students together with MatSE staff and faculty to enhance undergraduate recruiting efforts, including virtual meetings, demonstrations, and in-person visits.
• Work with College and departmental communications staff to advertise events.
• Maintain a working knowledge of engagement efforts in other departments throughout the College to share best practices.
• Create and publish recruiting materials, including social media content, physical mailers, and handouts.
• Build relationships with targeted high schools and their faculty for recruiting top students.
• Lead logistical planning for Getting Excited about Materials & Middle School Generation Learning about Materials Science camps for students.

Departmental Support

• Complete scholarship entries in DAWS for incoming and current undergraduate students.
• Build relationships with the communications team to develop content about events for social media.
• Plan and execute faculty investitures.
• Partner with the alumni board to program biannual meetings and with student leadership to organize, coordinate and execute the alumni-student mentorship program.
• Assume additional appropriate duties to further the mission of the Department.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• A total of two (2) years (24 months) in education, training and/or work experience leading an engagement, advancement, recruitment, sales, or related program

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, education, or a related field.
• Five or more years of related professional work experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading engagement, educational programs, advancement, or recruiting efforts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with constituents.
• Demonstrated interest in science, engineering, or related technical fields.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated experience working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with prospective students, current students, alumni, faculty, and senior administrators.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external constituents.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment in making decisions in accordance with University policies.
• Ability to research, organize, and manage information and data accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to follow established protocols and procedures.
• Demonstrated organizational and planning skills.
• Basic knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.
• Awareness of current social media platforms.

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 annual salary range for this position is $50,000 - $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. The primary work schedule will be during standard business hours. However, occasional evening and other after-hours work will be required to support events such as recruiting activities. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

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 AND DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on December 3, 2026. 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. 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 Summer Redman at sredman@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.

Champaign-Urbana

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 must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.