Director of Recruiting & Transition Coordinator

Director of Recruiting & Transition Coordinator

Division Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Summary

The Director of Recruiting & Transition Coordinator provides championship caliber leadership to the recruiting efforts of Fighting Illini Football. This staff member will be a valued asset of our recruiting staff, providing leadership on key recruiting initiatives, namely, supporting incoming student-athletes as they transition to our university. This position will positively represent the program and is expected to operate in a manner that promotes a life-changing, student-athlete experience.

Duties & Responsibilities

Player Transition

• Lead the onboarding process for new signees and transfers from registration to campus arrival;
• Develop a comprehensive onboarding program for incoming student-athletes and their families, providing guidance and education about university life;
• Foster a smooth and effective transition for our incoming student-athletes, contributing to both their immediate comfort and long-term success;
• Ensure that newcomers complete and submit required materials to admissions, academic departments, compliance offices, and medical staff;
• Maintain communication with compliance to ensure enrollees meet NCAA eligibility standards;

Director of Recruiting & Transition Coordinator

Division Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Summary

The Director of Recruiting & Transition Coordinator provides championship caliber leadership to the recruiting efforts of Fighting Illini Football. This staff member will be a valued asset of our recruiting staff, providing leadership on key recruiting initiatives, namely, supporting incoming student-athletes as they transition to our university. This position will positively represent the program and is expected to operate in a manner that promotes a life-changing, student-athlete experience.

Duties & Responsibilities

Player Transition

• Lead the onboarding process for new signees and transfers from registration to campus arrival;
• Develop a comprehensive onboarding program for incoming student-athletes and their families, providing guidance and education about university life;
• Foster a smooth and effective transition for our incoming student-athletes, contributing to both their immediate comfort and long-term success;
• Ensure that newcomers complete and submit required materials to admissions, academic departments, compliance offices, and medical staff;
• Maintain communication with compliance to ensure enrollees meet NCAA eligibility standards;
• Collaborate with operations staff regarding logistics for incoming student-athletes’ move-in arrangements;
• Draft and distribute a monthly newsletter to parents of prospective student-athletes;
• Communicate directly with coaching staff to provide updates on the onboarding process; and
• Serve as a contact for incoming student-athletes and their families, addressing any questions they may have.

General Recruiting and Admissions

• Contribute to the overall design of digital messaging and physical recruiting correspondence;
• Assist fellow staff members in maintaining accurate information in recruiting database;
• Direct communication plan with prospects and families for the coaching staff;
• Preliminary transcript evaluations on high school and transfer prospects;
• Cultivate and enhance relationships with recruits, families and coaches; and
• Works with compliance staff to determine NCAA initial and transfer eligibility for each recruit; and direct each recruit through the admission cycle.

On-Campus Recruiting and Admissions

• Liaise with prospective student-athletes guidance offices and counselors to obtain copies of current transcripts, test scores and school officials’ signature per NCAA rules prior to campus visit;
• Assist with travel arrangements for all potential recruits including flights, airport transportation per NCAA rules;
• Assist with all athletic ticket requests and meal allocation for official and unofficial visits for recruits, parents or legal guardians, student-athlete hosts and recruiting coaches;
• Coordinate building aesthetics for all campus visits;
• Provide on-campus tours for prospective student-athletes and families at the direction of the General Manager;
• Construct and develop itineraries for visits throughout the year; and
• Input pre and post visit compliance documents and ticket requests into the compliance software.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

Will work nights and weekends.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Sports Administration or related field. Prior recruiting experience at
Division I level; prior administrative experience at Division I level.

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.

Championship Mindset & 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 8/10/2026. Salary is $65,000 - $80,000 commensurate with experience. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 4, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Ashley Browning at anbrowni@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 : 1037709
Job Category : Education & Student Services
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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