Academic Advisor - Department of Communication (College of LAS)

Academic Advisor - Department of Communication
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Department of Communication is searching for an Academic Advisor to provide holistic academic advising and coordination of student services in support of the personal, educational, and professional development of undergraduate students. Advisors serve as the primary point of contact for prospective and admitted students, offering guidance on academic planning, degree progress, experiential learning opportunities, and postbaccalaureate pathways. Advisors collaborate closely with faculty and departmental leadership to ensure students receive accurate, timely, and developmentally appropriate support throughout their academic careers. Duties & Responsibilities

• Primary Academic Advisor for prospective and admitted students in the Department of Communication including holding posted drop-in and appointment hours;
  
  * Meet with faculty and department leadership to discuss disciplinary trends and department research focus in order to effectively advise students;
  
  * Assist students with course selection and registration
  
  * Advocate on behalf of students experiencing personal difficulties and referring them to appropriate campus resources
  
  * Track students' progress toward a degree and to determine when students need additional academic assistance and design individual support plans for students.
• Contributes to orientation and onboarding activities for new students;
  
  * Plan and assist with undergraduate student events, including orientation, convocation, and activity fairs;
  
  * Representing the department at student activities.
• Work with department-related student groups select and supervise student advising interns
  * Participate in departmental communication/marketing efforts
• Advise students on academic opportunities including study abroad and teaching, research, and career internship programs
  
  * Advise students on post-baccalaureate plans such as graduate or professional schools and careers

Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree.

* One (1) year of professional experience or two (2) years of graduate work.

* Experience working directly with students in secondary or higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

* Master's degree in Communication or related field.

* Two years of advising and/or teaching experience at the university level.

Successful Candidates Will Have

* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly those that enable the candidate to effectively communicate clearly with a wide range of constituencies including, students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni and partners.

* Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices.

* Demonstrated ability to work from a strengths-based advising perspective.

* Demonstrated ability to track and assess student academic progress.

* Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, with a wide range of on-campus and off-campus constituencies.

* Knowledge of academic skills and student development issues associated with undergraduate student populations, especially those that require enhanced advising and academic skills support.

* Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, web and social media, Banner, and degree audit systems

* Ability to work developmentally with students; ability to promote student learning, development, and success by applying varied advising approaches to complex individual student situations.

* Knowledge
and application of effective communication and relationship building
skills, including active listening, to work constructively and
collaboratively with a variety
of individuals and groups.

* Knowledge and use of summarization and simplification techniques to explain complex concepts in simple, clear language appropriate to the audience.

* Ability to apply past experience and analysis of information to arrive at sound and timely conclusions.

* Ability to mobilize time and other resources to get things done.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the deadline date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $55,000 - $62,000. 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. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Wednesday, August 26th, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including email) for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your application materials, including all relevant experiences. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact lascollegehiring@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.

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.

Requisition ID: 1037773

Job Category: Education & Student Services

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