Communications Coordinator

Communications Coordinator

Division of Parks & Natural Spaces

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has an opening for a Communications Coordinator for the Division of Parks and Natural Spaces, which consists of Allerton Park and Retreat Center (Monticello, IL) and the Illinois Arboretum (Urbana, IL). The position will be based primarily in Monticello. This position will assist in all aspects of marketing and communications, working closely with multiple departments to meet organizational goals. The candidate should be a motivated, creative communicator with attention to detail and a passion for promoting the Division’s mission and vision.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Write, copy and post events/programs to various web and ticketing platforms.
• Maintain/update organization websites and engage audiences through social media platforms.
• Design impactful, on-brand marketing materials (print/web ads, signage, brochures/flyers, social media graphics, etc.).
• Gather content and produce a weekly e-newsletter and annual printed newsletter.
• Attend events to capture photographs/video.
• Serve as a point person for media relations, including identifying and building relationships with media contacts, pitching stories, and handling inquiries.
• Interview instructors, artists, donors, volunteers, visitors, etc. for articles and press releases.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate creative marketing strategies to increase visibility, advertise events, and grow sales.
• Monitor the return on investment of marketing efforts through various methods (i.e., research, surveys, data analysis).
• Assist fundraising efforts by increasing visibility of the development program and contributing to donor/prospect communications.
• Serve as a team player, champion, and advocate for the Division of Parks and Natural Spaces by supporting its mission, attending events (including those occurring outside of normal business hours), contributing to collaborative projects, and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.

• One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional photography experience
• Social media content creation experience
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and graphic design

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work on multiple projects while maintaining a high level of quality
• Ability to be proactive in finding new ways to meet the needs of internal and external partners and customers

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate 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 for this position is $45,000-$58,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

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

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 31, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. For full consideration, application materials should include a cover letter, current resume (including month/year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and transcripts or proof of degree(s). Please ensure your resume highlights your qualifications/experience for this position. This may include professional, academic, volunteer, or other applicable experience that aligns with the responsibilities of this role.

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 Kelly Vogelbaugh at kvogelba@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

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.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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 accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1035330
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

Salary : $45,000 - $58,000