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Title: Academic Advisor - Kinesiology and Recreation
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: School of Kinesiology and Recreation
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The School of Kinesiology and Recreation invites applications for an Academic Advisor to begin January 5, 2026.

This position is responsible for coordinating and directing undergraduate advisement and communicating the progress of advisement procedures and policies to the school director, assistant director, and programs. Academic advisement requires awareness and thorough understanding of University and school policies and procedures. The advisor is responsible for communicating appropriate information to students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

Additional Information

The School of Kinesiology and Recreation is a part of the College of Applied Science and Technology (www.cast.ilstu.edu). It is housed within the state-of-the-art Student Fitness Center and McCormick Hall building, which opened in January, 2011. There are 3 undergraduate majors (Exercise Science, Physical Education Teacher Education, and Recreation and Sport Management) with a total of 1040 undergraduate students. KNR is also home to 8 graduate programs.

Illinois State University: IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 22,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.

Bloomington-Normal Community: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$50,000 - $55,000

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree
2. Interest in and knowledge of kinesiology and recreation.
3. Computer skills involve working with PC and the academic software, including running and interpreting data.
4. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form with faculty, staff, school leadership, students, parents and alumni
5. Exchange or delivery of information with supervisors and/or managers in other departments, deans, general public/citizens, state or federal elected officials, faculty and/or staff from other universities, and professional/business community
6. Excellent organization skills
7. Familiarity with characteristics and needs of undergraduate students
8. Candidates must be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law.
9. Employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master's Degree

Work Hours

The core work hours of this position are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Position occasionally requires work beyond regular office hours.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis

Proposed Starting Date

January 5th, 2026

Required Applicant Documents

1) letter of application; 2) resume; 3) advising philosophy (limited to 2 pages); and 4) the names and contact details of 3 references

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

For full consideration, please complete an online employment application by November 12, 2025.

Contact Information for Applicants

Megan Taylor
mltayl13@ilstu.edu
309-438-8661
School of Kinesiology and Recreation

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.