Job Description

Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Graduate School

Job Summary

Working with the AVP for Graduate Education and Internationalization Initiatives and the Graduate School team, this position oversees the day-to-day operations of the Graduate School, coordinates the scholarship and fellowship programs, coordinates the awarding process of graduate student funding (including pre and post award management), maintains student records and progress toward degree, and supports the budget functions by overseeing the day-to-day expenses such as the recruitment funds.

Additional Information

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

For more University Benefit information: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/ 

Information regarding eligibility for participation in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program can be reviewed here https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/insurance/

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$20.61 - $24.99 per hour

Required Qualifications

1. High school graduation or equivalent
2. Any one or any combination totaling 1.0 unit of the following:
   - Four (4) years (48 months) of work experience comparable to the third level of this series = 1.0 unit. This work includes performing a wide variety of office support tasks, which require the use of judgment and initiative and the ability to operate computer systems, using word processing, database and software packages. Knowledge of the organization, programs, practices and procedures of a department/unit is central to the performance of the duties.
   - Two (2) years (24 months) of work experience comparable to the fourth level of this series = 1.0 unit. Function as an agent of the unit or organization by performing highly specialized administrative support duties. An in-depth knowledge of the organization, programs, policies and procedures of the unit/department is essential to the performance of the duties. Ability to use good judgment, operate computer systems, using word processing, database and software packages, and to exercise discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience with managing office operations
2. Knowledge of balancing and maintaining high-cost budgets
3. Thorough knowledge of Graduate School policies and procedures as they relate to graduate students
4. The following skills and/or abilities:
   a. Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy of highly sensitive information
   b. Good word processing skills, organization skills, and knowledge of computer software
   c. Ability to work with others in a team setting, both in the Graduate School and in relationships with other units
   d. Outstanding ability to multi-task, organize and prioritize competing tasks
   e. Ability to work effectively and efficiently
   f. Excellent in-person, verbal, and written communication skills, including correct spelling and grammar
   g. Experience with the MS Office suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Work Hours

8:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

1. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.
2. Remain at a workstation for extended periods.
3. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.

Proposed Starting Date

September 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Cover Letter
Writing Sample that demonstrates your style of communication in a professional setting

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"

Optional Applicant Documents

Transcripts - See Special Instructions to Applicants for additional options

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

Special Instructions for Applicants

Please fully complete the entire application including, but not limited to, the education and work history portions. Be specific on your work history, including employment dates (if part-time you must list the number of work hours) and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Please do not put "see resume" in the duties and responsibilities section of the work history. This will be considered an incomplete application and incomplete applications will not be considered.

To be eligible for Veteran's Preference points on the exam, appropriate military service documentation such as a DD-214 must be submitted prior to the application deadline.

Military service documentation may be emailed, faxed, or mailed to Human Resources by the application deadline:

Email: kgshelt@ilstu.edu 
Fax: 309.438.0011, Attn: Kira Shelton
Address: Illinois State University
Human Resources
Campus Box 1300
Normal, IL 61790-1300

The Civil Service examination for this classification is based on your application materials and responses to the supplemental questions. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from applicants that qualify to take the exam. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score calculated based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register by exam score. After the application deadline, the names within the top three scores will be referred to the department for interview.

Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois.

Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for Illinois State University in the United States. Illinois State University will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Illinois State University is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Illinois State University.

Contact Information for Applicants

Kira Shelton
Human Resources
kgshelt@ilstu.edu 
(309) 438-2120

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.