Employer Engagement Coordinator

developing career-readiness skills, exploring professional pathways, connecting with employers, and pursuing internships and full-time employment opportunities. The Employer Engagement Coordinator will support campus recruiting and employer engagement activities by coordinating recruiting programs, maintaining employer relationships, administering employer-facing systems and workflows, and collaborating with College and campus partners. Two positions are available, with one specializing in Recruiting Operations and Events and the other in Marketing and Strategic Communications. For more information about Gies Business, visit https://inside.giesbusiness.illinois.edu/work-at-gies. Job Summary The Employer Engagement Coordinator supports the Employer Engagement team by coordinating campus recruiting and employer engagement activities that expand career opportunities and employer connections for Gies students. Duties and Responsibilities Shared Employer Engagement Responsibilities- Track A & B Serve as a shared point of contact for employer inquiries received through the Hirebusiness mailbox and other Employer Engagement channels; respond to questions, provide guidance, route specialized requests when appropriate, and ensure timely and consistent employer service. Provide shared employer support for career fairs, employer showcases, and other recruiting programs by answering questions about registration, participation, schedules, logistics, policies, available services, and recruiting opportunities. Coordinate employer recruiting activities, including reserving space and managing scheduling structures, room assignments for campus interviews, information sessions, coffee chats, networking programs, and other recruiting activities. Administer foundational employer-facing workflows in Handshake and other designated recruiting platforms, including reviewing and approving jobs, employer events, and interview requests in accordance with established policies and procedures. Maintain working knowledge of Employer Engagement programs, recruiting services, policies, systems, and resources so either Coordinator can provide consistent first-line support to employers and appropriately escalate complex or specialized matters. Serve as a liaison among employers, Employer Engagement, CPD, academic programs, and campus partners by coordinating timely information and connecting employer recruiting opportunities, events, jobs, internships, and engagement activities with appropriate stakeholders, resources, and communication channels. Support assigned employer portfolios by conducting outreach and follow-up, tracking employer engagement and next steps in designated systems, and helping coordinate customized recruiting and engagement activities based on employer needs and established priorities. Track A Only - Recruiting Operations & Events Serve as the operational project lead for assigned career fairs, employer showcases, and other signature recruiting programs, managing the overall project plan, timelines, registration processes, space, vendors, staffing, accessibility, materials, day-of operations, and post-event activities. Manage detailed timelines and workflows for assigned recruiting programs, including employer registration, scheduling, space, operational employer communications, vendors, volunteers, staffing plans, accessibility, materials, day-of operations, and post-event assessments. Coordinate purchasing, contracts, event budgets, catering, supplies, event-related expenditures, and vendor requirements with the Student & Corporate Connections Office Manager and other college or university partners. Coordinate event venues, facilities, technology, risk-management, procurement, accessibility, and other shared operational needs with Gies Facilities Management and campus stakeholders. Administer recruiting activities and employer-facing workflows within Handshake and other designated platforms, including event setup, registration, scheduling, approvals, communications, technical support, issue resolution, and maintenance of accurate participation records. Provide operational guidance to participating employers and employers within assigned portfolios related to registration, scheduling, logistics, policies, accessibility, and event participation; conduct appropriate follow-up, troubleshoot issues, and connect employers with recruiting channels and resources within established service standards. Track established event measures and maintain event-specific timelines, templates, and post-event documentation; contribute operational observations to post-program reviews and implement approved improvements to workflows, automation, guidance, and service delivery Track B Only - Marketing & Strategic Communications Manage the annual Employer Engagement communications calendar, recurring newsletters, promotional schedules, communication templates, digital content requests, and coordination with CPD social media and Gies Business Marketing & Communications (MarCom). Develop and coordinate communication and marketing plans that promote employer engagement programs, recruiting activities, career fairs, employer showcases, and other signature initiatives, with targeted outreach to students, employers within assigned employer portfolios, faculty, Career Services Council (CSC), CPD, and other campus partners to encourage participation and engagement. Develop and coordinate participant communication plans across the engagement lifecycle, including awareness, invitations and calls to action, registration, preparation, reminders, day-of information, and follow-up for employers and students. Coordinate employer and company representatives’ participation, including customized engagement activity for assigned employer portfolios, in career education programs, workshops, classroom presentations, employer panels, networking events, and other educational initiatives, including related communications and promotional support. Manage the coordinated promotion of employer events, internships, job opportunities, and recruiting activities across Handshake, websites, newsletters, digital signage, and other communication channels to increase awareness and participation among appropriate student and stakeholder audiences. Coordinate outreach to faculty, CSC, CPD, and other campus partners to promote recruiting programs, expand student awareness, recruit volunteers when needed, and support employer and student participation in Employer Engagement initiatives. Monitor communication needs, audience preferences, channel effectiveness, and stakeholder feedback to inform communication planning, content coordination, and participant engagement. Track established communication and campaign measures; maintain communication-specific calendars, templates, and documentation; contribute observations to post-campaign reviews and implement approved improvements. Shared Employer Engagement Responsibilities- Track A and B Shared Employer Engagement Insight Management & Continuous Improvement Maintain accurate assigned employer portfolio, employer engagement, recruiting program, event, and communication data in designated systems. Track established measures such as participation, recruiting activity, program outcomes, communication engagement, and stakeholder feedback. Prepare routine reports and summaries using established templates, reports, and dashboards. Identify basic trends, recurring issues, and opportunities to improve workflows, communications, employer experiences, and program delivery. Support post-program and post-campaign reviews and implement approved process improvements and best practices. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree. A total of two (2) years (24 months) in education, training and/or work experience in event management, recruiting, communications, marketing, program coordination, employer or corporate engagement, higher education, or a related field Preferred Qualifications Three (3) years of professional experience in event management, recruiting, communications, marketing, program coordination, employer or corporate engagement, higher education, or a related field. Experience coordinating complex or large-scale recruiting events or programs with multiple stakeholders, deadlines, vendors, accessibility considerations, or logistical requirements for candidates assigned to the Recruiting Operations & Events specialization. Experience developing communication campaigns, newsletters, digital content, or marketing strategies for candidates assigned to the Marketing & Communications specialization. Higher education or employer relations experience. Experience leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to improve efficiency, accuracy, communication, project management, and overall effectiveness in a professional setting Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external internal and external stakeholders through multiple communication methods. Strong presentation and facilitation skills with the ability to confidently deliver training sessions, workshops, and presentations to employers, faculty, staff, students, and campus partners. Exceptional organizational, project management, and planning skills with demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to independently prioritize competing responsibilities, manage multiple deadlines, and deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment. Ability to anticipate needs, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative while managing projects with minimal supervision. Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, with the ability to quickly learn new technologies and systems such as CRM, event management, and project management platforms. Ability to collaborate effectively across teams while fostering open communication, shared accountability, mutual support, and alignment with organizational goal. Strong customer service orientation with the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with employers, company representatives, faculty, staff, students, vendors, and other campus stakeholders. Ability to analyze information, identify trends, solve problems, and recommend process improvements that enhance operational effectiveness and stakeholder experience. Commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment that values varied perspectives and backgrounds while treating all individuals with professionalism and respect. 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 search close date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $52,000 to $54,000 annually . Final compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, and internal equity considerations. Employees hired into this position will be expected to work on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis (37.5 hours per week). The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx. 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, November 25, 2026 . Please provide a cover letter and resume . 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 porche@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.