Special Projects and Engagement Manager
University of Illinois

Special Projects and Engagement Manager Agricultural and Consumer Economics, College of ACES WE TRANSFORM LIVES.
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Job SummaryManage special projects, external engagements and events, and marketing/communication efforts in the department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE). Lead engagement efforts with external stakeholders, including alumni and donors, by strategizing and executing communications, events, and other partnerships. Coordinate marketing projects, serve as the primary writer and editor for many departmental communications, and develop content for social media channels. Work closely with various stakeholders to assist in the successful execution of a variety of projects, programs, and events. Duties & Responsibilities
Program Management

• Coordinate alumni engagement events, including reunions, committees, and networking events, and assist with planning and implementing workshops and external events for department stakeholders. Partner with the Undergraduate Advising Office to create and implement graduation events to establish connections with ACE alumni.

• Serve as lead for engagements with special groups, such as Illini Summer Academies, ACES Family Academies, etc. This includes designing the format, coordinating presenters, organizing activities, managing timelines, and securing resources.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for donors and alumni, including ensuring letters of thanks are sent to donors and coordinating social media features of scholarship recipients. Ensure that alumni contact information is current and engagement is tracked in the campus constituent databases (e.g., customer relationship management software).

• Serve as liaison with ACES Corporate Relations, holding regular check-in meetings to align on events, initiatives, and priorities; functioning as the ACE subject matter expert on calls or in meetings; and helping identify opportunities and generating new ideas.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of departmental engagement efforts, events, programs, and other external efforts, informing and providing feedback to ACE administration when appropriate.

• Lead the physical recruiting and outreach efforts, including bulletin board strategy and management of video boards. Collaborate with the Business Office, IT, Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, and ACES Marcom.

• Update the ACE website's text and information and advise faculty on how to update their personal and research center websites. Websites are maintained by ACES IT and initial training on how to update the websites will be provided to employee hired.

• Coordinate with external committees, such as the ACE External Advisory Committee, including establishing goals, creating meeting agendas, and managing events and logistics.

• In collaboration with the College of ACES Alumni Association staff and board members and Advancement staff, help to create and execute an alumni engagement plan for the Department of ACE.

• Occasional travel to conferences to lead efforts in marketing the department and ensuring presence among similar universities and entities.

Marketing and Communication

• Provide ongoing, timely content on social media channels that is creative and engaging, taking into account audiences' varied backgrounds and priorities.

• Serve as the department liaison to the ACES Office of Marketing and Communication and ensure that materials reinforce the University of Illinois brand and key messages on a variety of topics, which require initiative, tact, and discretion.

• Manage the department's mass communications in SmartSheets, collaborating with college and departmental stakeholders to craft messaging, meet timelines, and properly utilize efforts. This includes the semi-annual ACE Alumni and Friends Newsletter.

• Coordinate special projects as needed and assist with divisional communication needs as they arise.

Other duties as assigned by the Head of the Department.
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture (e.g., agribusiness management, agricultural economics, animal sciences, crop sciences, environmental sciences), business, economics, marketing, advertising, journalism, communications, or related field.
• One (1) year (12 months) in education, training, and/or work experience in advancement/stewardship, program or brand management, communications, marketing, public relations, or higher education administration.
• Demonstrated experience executing a professional social media engagement plan.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of professional work experience in program management, communications, marketing, public relations, advancement, stewardship, brand management, or a related professional area.
• Experience using MS Office, Canva, Adobe, donor databases, project management software and other computer-based systems.
• Familiarity with fundraising, alumni relations, and stewardship.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to be self-motivated, work independently, and prioritize tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with a broad array of internal and external constituents.
• Ability to be organized and demonstrate attention to detail while progressing toward big picture.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 - Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

The expected start date is as soon as possible after 1/20/2025. The budgeted salary range for this position is $52,500 - $60,500. Salary is commensurate with experience.

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 May 06, 2026. 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 Caroline Helton chelton@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 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: 1033980
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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