Assistant Director of Online Programs and Extension, i-Learning Center

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks an Assistant Director of Online Programs and Extension to lead the Office of Online Programs and Extension (OPE). The role focuses on advancing student outcomes and experience within the Master of Veterinary Science program and coordinating the Executive Veterinary Program, with work spanning program development, recruitment, marketing, and partnerships.

Reporting to the Director, the incumbent will manage cross-functional teams across curriculum

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in animal science or related field.
• Licensed veterinary technician (CVT, RVT, or equivalent).
• 5 years' experience managing day-to-day operations of an office or unit in an academic setting.
• Experience managing financial accounts and reports in an academic setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across OPE's academic and extension programs, starting with the MVS and EVP coordination.
• Develop curriculum mapping and competencies to meet degree objectives and student outcomes.
• Lead career development initiatives for MVS students, including internships and employer partnerships.
• Support recruitment, marketing, communications, enrollment, program development, and participant engagement.
• Coordinate faculty, staff, students, and external partners for EVP, Annual Fall Conference, and other initiatives.
• Participate in planning, exercise independent judgment, and lead new initiatives as priorities evolve.

Skills

Academic leadership

Stakeholder coordination

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelors in animal science or related field

Licensed veterinary technician (CVT/RVT)

5 years admin/operations in academic setting

Financial accounts & reporting in academia

Job description

Assistant Director of Online Programs and Extension, i-Learning Center College of Veterinary Medicine

Variable appointment (75-100%)

Job Summary

Assistant Director of Online Programs and Extension provides leadership across the academic, professional, and extension education portfolio of the Office of Online Programs and Extension (OPE). Working closely with the Director, this position has authority to make decisions and take action within assigned areas of responsibility and contributes to the strategic direction and day-to-day success of the office. The initial focus of the position will be advancing student outcomes and the student experience within the Master of Veterinary Science (MVS) degree program and providing leadership and coordination for the Executive Veterinary Program (EVP). The Assistant Director will work across OPE initiatives, including program development, recruitment and marketing, communications, instruction, student engagement, and extension. As the OPE portfolio evolves, responsibilities will shift to support emerging priorities, programs, and opportunities.

Program Leadership

• Provide leadership across OPE's academic and extension programs, with an initial focus on the MVS degree program and coordination of the Executive Veterinary Program. Lead assigned programs and initiatives from planning through implementation and evaluation.
• Contribute to curriculum development and mapping of competencies in courses to meet learning objectives of the degree program and help students receive positive outcomes.
• Develop and lead career development initiatives for MVS students, including internship opportunities, employer partnerships, career programming, and resources that support job placement and successful career outcomes.
• Contribute to and implement strategies related to recruitment, marketing, communications, enrollment, program development, and participant engagement.
• Coordinate faculty, staff, students, participants, and external partners to support successful program delivery, including the Executive Veterinary Program, Annual Fall Conference, and other OPE initiatives.
• Participate in office-wide planning and decision-making, exercise independent judgment within assigned areas of responsibility, and assume leadership for new initiatives as OPE priorities evolve.

Instruction and Student Success

• Facilitate courses and case-based learning experiences, lead student learning pods, and provide coordination and support for other pod facilitators.
• Provide academic advising and career guidance to students, including academic planning, professional goals, career exploration, internships, employment opportunities, and other experiences that support their educational and career goals.
• Develop and lead initiatives that improve student outcomes, engagement, community, career readiness, and professional development.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff on curriculum design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement, including capstone, experiential, and other applied learning experiences.
• Serve as a liaison among students, faculty, instructional staff, pod facilitators, and OPE staff to identify needs, address issues, and support consistent, high-quality learning experiences.
• Adaptability and willingness to assume new responsibilities as organizational priorities evolve.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Normal office setting. Allergies to hay, straw or animal dander may cause discomfort based on the location within the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in animal science or related field
• Licensed veterinary technician (CVT, RVT, or equivalent)
• 5 years' experience managing the day-to-day operations of an office or unit in an academic setting.
• Experience managing financial accounts and reports in an academic setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 years of experience working in a veterinary clinical setting
• Experience providing clinical instruction
• Experience mentoring students interested in pursuing animal health careers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• The ability to lead and work in multidisciplinary teams
• A demonstrated ability to work in an environment with a high degree of ambiguity

Appointment Information

This position is flexible and can be between a 75%-100% Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 11/05/2026. The budgeted salary range for the position at 100% is $60,000-75,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 5, 2026.

University Profile

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.

• Requisition ID: 1038829
• Job Category: Education & Student Services