Customer Service Specialist

Allerton Park and Retreat Center – Customer Service Specialist Allerton Park and Retreat Center, in Monticello, IL, is accepting applications for a Customer Service Specialist who will be responsible for ensuring the Allerton guest experience is executed flawlessly with attention to detail. The role includes front desk operations, guest services, hotel inventory management, event coordination, and supervisory responsibilities. Work hours: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (flexible schedule with required weekends). Duties & Responsibilities Front Desk Operations & Guest Services Greeting and registering guests; checking guests out of the hotel to deliver outstanding guest service. Making reservations, sending confirmation emails, processing payments and refunds, and resolving complaints. Maintaining records of guest information and interactions. Compiling monthly revenue numbers and preparing statements for the Retreat Center Coordinator. Supervising part‑time and any other full‑time housekeepers; duties include interviewing candidates, training staff, assigning work, and evaluating performance. Serving as a primary point of contact for guests and potential guests, answering questions about Allerton history, amenities, and local attractions, and directing guests to the appropriate department when necessary. Responding to guest inquiries and requests and resolving complex issues in a timely, friendly, and efficient manner. Ensuring events on the property are prepared when clients arrive by assisting with set‑up and placement of food, beverage, and other items. Booking rentals for events, processing payments, emailing confirmations, and providing necessary information to clients. Selling gift certificates, Allerton merchandise, etc., over the phone or in person; preparing products, shipping, processing payments, and recording sales. Collaborating with the Retreat Center Coordinator to set standards and policies for the Allerton guest experience, including hotel and front desk operations. Managing hotel inventory; purchasing and reporting needed items. Hotel Operations & Maintenance Reporting items in need of repair; ensuring confidentiality and security of guest rooms. Making beds, removing and replacing linens; washing, drying, and folding laundry. Restocking closets. Cleaning guest rooms and bathrooms, including dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and washing windows. Additional Duties Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Three (3) years (36 months) of experience from the following categories: college coursework in business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field (converted to years as described). Relevant experience in customer services, public relations, office administration, business and financial operations, healthcare administration, or a closely related field. One (1) year (12 months) of work experience comparable to that gained as a Customer Service Representative. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to maintain a professional appearance and interact positively with hotel guests. Reliability. Highly organized with high attention to detail. Excellent communication skills. Ability to lift 50 lbs. Appointment Information & Salary This is a 100% full‑time Civil Service 4809 – Customer Service Specialist position appointed on a 12‑month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The salary range is $42,000–$46,000. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available. Benefits This position is eligible for health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents. 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. 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, related conditions, or religion. Application Deadline Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 23, 2026. Apply at: #J-18808-Ljbffr