Online Programs Coordinator-Mechanical Science and Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL, USA
Online Programs Coordinator
Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering
Grainger College of Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering seeks an Online Programs Coordinator. This position is responsible for daily administration of the M.EngME online graduate program; this will include recruitment, reviewing applications, advising, and managing issues related to academic progress for the program. Coordinate and support the development and execution of the online Graduate Professional Certification (CERT). In collaboration with the Undergraduate Programs Office and MechSE faculty, develop and grow online activities supporting the undergraduate course offerings.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Administration and Academic Advising
· Manage the online MEngME admissions process, overseeing the 12-month rolling cycle from initial pre-evaluation to final admission notifications under the guidance of the Director.
· Prepare and submit required applicant materials to the Graduate College, communicate with applicants and the Graduate College regarding missing materials ensuring a smooth admissions process.
· Communicate regularly with prospective students and applicants regarding admissions requirements and process, including providing knowledgeable guidance and relevant resources.
· Plan and execute new online program student orientations and lead virtual onboarding of newly admitted online program students.
· Utilize the GradApps, Slate, and other administrative systems to generate and maintain reports on online graduate programs, including applications, admissions, and enrollment, for the Department, College, and Graduate College. Prepare ad hoc reports as needed.
· Manage the shared MEngME program email inbox, phone inquiries, and in-person office traffic.
· Maintain the MEngME program website, handbook, academic catalog entries, and printed materials related to the online MEngME program, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with current program requirements and Department, Graduate College, and University policies and procedures.
· Advise incoming and current students on online course availability and selection, graduation and certificate requirements, and academic policies and procedures; communicate regularly with students to share departmental, college, and campus resources, services, and opportunities.
· Maintain student records and complete program administration processes, graduate petitions, forms to the Graduate College, and other procedures required by the Graduate College for online students.
· Coordinate the degree certification process in the GCP website for online students by verifying completion of degree requirements for conferral using uAchieve and GradRecs, including review of petitions, transfer credit, and curriculum modifications. Involvement in the graduation open house and events.
· Develop benchmarks, track trends, and analyze program data to support assessment, program evaluation, and continuous improvement. Complete program reviews and annual reports for the MEngME and CERT online programs in coordination with the MEngME Program Coordinator. Track and maintain admissions, enrollment, and graduation statistics.
· Collect program and course feedback from current students. Collect and analyze outcome data from graduating students and alumni of the online programs through informal conversations, focus groups, and survey results such as the Illini Success Survey. Collaborate with the Corporate & Alumni Programs Coordinator to track and manage MEng alumni data.
· Serve as liaison for cross campus units involving the MEngME and the CERT online programs such as the Grainger College of Engineering, the Graduate College, Registrar's Office, Engineering Career Services, other Professional Masters Programs Offices, and others as appropriate.
· Collaborate with Grainger College of Engineering and MechSE Department to plan student events and functions. Participate in MechSE alumni events with a focus on graduate and professional education outreach.
· Work with Corporate and Alumni Relations to strengthen ties with industry partners.
Program Development
· Facilitate logistics associated with existing and new online course offerings; work with MechSE faculty to facilitate existing and new online course offerings. Communicate with the MechSE Undergraduate Programs Office to verify teaching assignments and potential online course candidates.
· Onboard adjunct faculty for online MEngME and CERT offerings, coordinating with HR to ensure completion of hiring paperwork and supporting setup of instructional platforms (e.g., Canvas), knowledge of academic deadlines, resources, and best practices.
· Facilitate online offerings for all MechSE courses (undergraduate and graduate) which includes working closely with faculty to establish tools for active learning, office hours. and classroom management.
· Coordinate in-person or hybrid information sessions and develop training materials to support collaboration and dissemination of best practices, including preparing and supporting faculty in the successful development, accessibility, and initial delivery of online courses, for the MechSE M.Eng. Online and CERT programs.
· Collaborate with other units such as Illinois Online, the Grainger College of Engineering Online Programs and Initiatives, CITL, and IT to utilize their resources for online learning.
· Work with department staff regarding classroom technology maintenance and support.
Recruitment and Marketing
· Develop and implement strategic recruitment means for the online MEngME graduate and CERT programs in collaboration with the Director and the Graduate Programs Office.
· Develop, implement, and maintain programs to effectively recruit prospective students to the MEngME online and CERT programs to meet each program's strategic goals and objectives for growth in enrollment. This includes identifying potential prospective student markets, developing communications programs and presentations to effectively reach those markets, and establishing networking relationships with institutions of higher education and corporations which effectively recruit students into the program.
· Develop, maintain, and coordinate communications and marketing tools for the graduate programs and online graduate and undergraduate course offerings, including but not limited to written publications, brochures, web pages, E-week announcements, and social and digital media.
· Plan and execute marketing initiatives to promote programs and online course offerings to prospective students including collaboration with the MechSE Undergraduate Programs Office and Communications Office, involvement in campus activities, engagement of industry sponsors, and attendance of national conferences, which includes some evening and weekend commitments and travel.
· Assist with other duties as assigned, including the development of new initiatives for the programs and department.
Minimum Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in engineering, education, or related field
· A total of two (2) years (24 months) in education, training, and/or work experience in graduate programs or admissions in higher education.
· Note: Master’s degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.
· Demonstrated experience supporting academic programs, online education, or student services.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Master’s degree in engineering, education or related field
· Two years of experience in a field related to online and/or blended learning, could include experience as a student in such programs.
· Demonstrated experience with advising activities.
· Experience in recruitment, marketing, sales, social media, or similar activities.
· Previous experience using GradRecs, SLATE, and/or uAchieve platforms.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to produce clear, accurate, and professional written materials using appropriate grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Excellent customer service, follow-up and technical computer skills.
Ability to organize and manage a broad range of activities.
Familiarity with the graduate admissions policies and procedures.
Comprehensive understanding of University, College, and Department organization, objectives and goals.
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 salary range for this position is $65,000-$75,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience while also considering internal equity.
· Occasional evening and weekend hours for program events and time-sensitive tasks.
· Travel for recruitment/program development activities
· Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy
· 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 Thursday, June 25, 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 professional references. 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 Hannah Dorsey at hdorsey@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.
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 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.
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.
Requisition ID: 1035406
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
