University of Illinois Chicago - Native American Support Network - Academic Advisor and Program[...]

About the University of Illinois Chicago UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting‑edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, LifeInsurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Position Summary The Academic Advising and Program Specialist will develop and implement student recruitment and retention strategies for Native American students. This position participates in recruitment activities, pathways to enrollment, advising/educational activities, and career exploration throughout the student’s undergraduate experience. This position creates holistic educational plans for students, supporting their academic, career, and life goals. Implements and monitors first‑year student success programs, as well as programs designed to support Native American and other program‑affiliated students at various levels in order to increase graduation rates. Duties & Responsibilities Coordinate recruitment visits to high schools, two‑year colleges, tribal colleges, and community agencies to increase our presence and networking opportunities. Disseminate UIC information at campus open house events; local and national college fairs; local events in the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) community, such as powwows; and day/night/weekend events related to the recruitment of AI/AN students. Advise prospective students (undergraduate, transfer, and non‑traditional students) on academic and other matters, such as applying to UIC, financial aid, and scholarships. Create and lead activities to increase the yield of AI/AN students who are admitted to UIC. Assist in the UIC orientation of new freshmen and transfer students and their families. Establish a network with outside communities to improve educational opportunities. For example, through preparing and conducting presentations at K‑12 schools and community organizations on the importance of higher education for the AI/AN community. Maintain up‑to‑date familiarity with national and local reports on trends and best practices on AI/AN recruitment to steer recruitment efforts in the appropriate direction. Create holistic educational plan for students supporting their academic, career and life goals. Monitor satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion. Provide advising to students regarding college policies/procedures and general academic program requirements; describe courses and prerequisites and disseminate information regarding registration procedures. Provide resources to students to help them understand college culture, how universities are organized, the policies that will affect them, and how to work with faculty, staff, and administrators to address challenges. Implement and monitor student success programs as well as programs designed to support the success of AI/AN and NASP‑affiliated students. Participate in the recruitment and training of peer success coaches and monitor their performance. Assist students with application forms for programs, financial aid and scholarships. Participate in scholarship committees on and off campus to ensure scholarship availability to students. Identify private scholarships for students with special circumstances and assist with application process as appropriate. Liaise between undergraduate advising entities in academic colleges as well as other success units. Create and/or facilitate workshops on major exploration, career development, study abroad, internships, scholarships, and graduate school. Analyze student data to determine trends on AI/AN enrollment and success at UIC. Contribute to the preparation of annual reports and make recommendations for program development. Maintain social media accounts, community committee appointments, and newsletter. Perform administrative duties of the unit for internal hiring, search, and supervision of employees, student or otherwise, and staff the reception area with other NASP employees. Perform purchasing and purchase reconciliation tasks for the unit and maintain university credit cards on behalf of the unit. Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Two years of experience working in an educational setting or organization serving AI/AN population, or related field. Demonstrated knowledge of AI/AN population, history, contemporary issues, and tribal sovereignty and legal status is expected. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential to maintain effective working relations with departments, employees and managers at all levels and external constituencies (parents, high schools, other colleges/universities). Demonstrated ability to develop supportive interactions with students in one‑on‑one and group situations. Intermediate level experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams; Qualtrics; Canva; Zoom. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree preferred. Experience working with AI/AN college students preferred. Experience building and maintaining school or community partnerships preferred. Experience working in a college/university student success program development/administration, student advising, or tribal administration preferred. Familiarity with university student information systems preferred. Posting Close Date : 5/19/2026 Equal Opportunity Employer 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU)