Coordinator of First-Year Application Processing - Office of Undergraduate Admissions

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Duties & Responsibilities -

Coordinate the processing of approximately 60,000 domestic first-year applications annually.

• Ensure that applications are processed accurately and within set deadlines.
• Assist in establishing processing staff assignments for each cycle.
• Manage the self-reported academic record (SRAR) validation and final high school transcript review processes. Serve as the functional expert and main point of contact in these processes.
• Use a combination of professional judgment and reports to determine if delays and/or errors in processing are occurring. Ensure that corrections are made immediately, and follow-up/training is conducted with staff members creating the errors.
• Assist Admissions Specialists in performing their duties during times of high work volume and/or staff absences.
• Develop a strong familiarity with feeder schools, high school course offerings, schedule formats, and grading scales.
• Initiate and respond to inquiries from applicants, parents, and high school or college counselors using our customer relationship management system, Slate, to track such communication. Must be skillful in handling challenging questions about Illinois policies and procedures.

Hire, train, and supervise part-time staff supporting domestic first-year application processing. Create and update instructional documentation and conduct training sessions for processing staff members. Audit self-reported academic record (SRAR) validations and final high school transcript reviews for both quantity and quality; address issues with staff and direct supervisors and use outcomes to inform training.

Participate in the annual evaluation of the admission cycle. Help identify problems in the workflow and initiate changes in functional and technical procedures to resolve such issues. Assist in testing of homegrown and vendor systems during upgrades, enhancements, and fixes.

Read and evaluate first-year applications including making decisions and documenting the reasons for such decisions.

Participate in meetings/committees that include first-year processing topics. Develop and maintain extensive knowledge of trends and initiatives in application systems and processing. This includes participating in professional organizations and other professional development opportunities.

Required Qualifications -

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communication, education, humanities, public relations, social sciences, or a field related to the position.
• Two (2) years (24 months) of professional work experience in admissions, records, registration, and/or closely related experience within an educational setting.

(NOTE: A Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one year (12 months) of work experience.)

Preferred Qualifications -

• Master’s Degree
• Supervisory experience including the training of new staff members.
• Prior experience with Banner, Slate, and/or iAdmit.
• Progressive experience with coordinating admissions operations and projects and/or processing first-year applications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities -

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Keen attention to detail and strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with little supervision.
• High achievement in previous work and/or educational experiences.
• Enthusiastic, self-starter approach to work with a commitment to delivery of high-quality service in a timely manner.
• Ability to effectively engage with staff in a variety of work formats in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to working on behalf of college students from diverse backgrounds.
• Diplomacy and tact in enforcing admissions policies and procedures while at the same time not alienating the individuals to whom we must say no.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in the interpretation of admissions policies and in the handling
• of exceptional cases.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 2753 - Admissions and Records Associate position. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The budgeted salary range for the position is $55,000 - $59,750 annually. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. 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 October 27, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. For full consideration, application materials should include a cover letter, current resume (including month/ year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and transcripts or proof of degree(s). Please ensure your resume highlights your qualifications/experience for this position. This may include professional, academic, volunteer, or other applicable experience that aligns with the responsibilities and requirements of this role.

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 Jennifer Steiling at steiling@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

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 accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1032828
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu