Visiting Big Ten Fellow at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Visiting Big Ten Fellow




Division Intercollegiate Athletics


The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) invites applications for a Visiting Big Ten Fellow to support the department. In addition, the Visiting Big Ten Fellow will play a critical role in supporting the broader strategic priorities of the DIA, and ultimately this position will help foster a life-changing experience for student-athletes.

Since 1892, DIA has operated on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to support its intercollegiate athletic programs. Today, DIA supports 21 intercollegiate varsity sports which compete as a part of the Big Ten Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. DIA provides the resources for over 500 student-athletes to participate at the highest levels of their respective sports. This extensive support ecosystem includes over 35 departments employing over 300 dedicated staff members including 80 plus varsity coaches working collaboratively to provide individualized championship-caliber opportunities to our student-athletes, in the classroom, in the competitive arena, and in personal and professional development, to enhance their growth and life preparation. The DIA mission is to Unify, Develop, Inspire, and Achieve, for the benefit of our student-athletes, our university, and our broader community.

DIA has set forth six strategic priorities to help guide and advance its overarching mission: Championship people, championship mindset; strategic innovation and investment; athletic success; financial sustainability; win championships; community engagement and enrichment. Together, these priorities present a cohesive vision for the direction of the department.




Organizational Relationship


This position will report to the Senior Associate Athletic Director, Sport Administration/Inclusion.



Job Summary

The Visiting - Big Ten Fellow will provide departmental education and leadership in the areas of unity, belonging, recruitment and retention for both student-athletes and DIA staff. Engage and empower Fighting Illini student-athletes to embrace their own athletic experiences to enhance their growth and life preparation.

For a complete list of duties and responsibilities, you can view the complete Job Description


Impact in Your First Year



Within 3 months, you will: In the first three months, the employee should be able to establish rapport with staff and student-athletes, understand program offerings and affinity group dynamics, attend athletic events, staff meetings, and student-led initiatives to be seen as a trusted presence and advocate, and collaborate on small-scale social media campaigns that highlight unit programming efforts and/or national observances.


Within 6 months, you will: After six months, the employee in this role should be capable of co-leading prior existing and newly created educational initiatives, supporting student-athlete affinity groups by coordinating and hosting events, and offer insights and observations about quality of programs and offer recommendations for enhancements.


By the end of the first year, you will: After twelve months, the employee in this role should be capable of proposing long-term DEIB programs, mentorship initiatives for student-athletes, independently creating and leading educational programs, and creating a unit-specific year-in-review summary report for internal and external stakeholders, and use data to guide strategic adjustments and/or identify gaps.



Minimum Qualifications


Education:

• Required: Bachelor's degree Experience:
• Required: 1 - 2 or years of work in developing initiatives and programs in equity, diversity and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications


Education

• Preferred: Master's degree

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to this position is required
• Critical understanding of the complexities of minoritized identities and social justice
• Demonstrate experience with operational policies and procedures planning, review, and development
• Ability to manage multiple collaborative projects and systems in fast-paced environment - Demonstrate excellence in written and verbal communication and organizational skills - Demonstrate strong integrity and character who shares a commitment for knowing and complying with NCAA, B1G Ten Conference and University rules.
• Championship Mindset and Expectations Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff; Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience; Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations; Commitment to the Athletics Department and University's mission and values; Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel; and Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

Appointment Information


This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 5/8/2025. The budget salary range is $45,000-$55,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualification, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Become an Illinois professional at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and be part of a dynamic community dedicated to making a positive impact on both local and global scales, advancing knowledge, and fostering creativity. Learn more about why YOU should join us.

DIA believes that athletics provides a forum to bring together people across all spectra of identities. We are committed to welcoming, affirming, and celebrating students, coaches, staff, and spectators of all races and ethnicities, sexes, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and abilities. DIA's mission is to unify, develop, inspire, and achieve. It is no mistake that "Unify" is our first priority, a priority which requires a level of empathy and respect to create a culture of community, inclusivity, and belonging. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are a part of who we are and a standard that we are all responsible for upholding.




Application Procedures & Deadline Information


Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on April 28, 2025. 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 Krissy Doran at kdoran@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: 1030215
Job Category: Education & Student Services
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
Apply Now