Coordinator for International Safety and Security

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois International at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks a Coordinator for International Safety and Security to support health, safety, and emergency response for students, faculty, and staff engaged in international travel.

The role provides operational and administrative support, leads training, tracks incidents, and participates in a 24/7 on-call rotation, collaborating with campus units and external partners to strengthen safety programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Two years (24 months) of experience in international safety, security, risk management, emergency management, student programming, or education abroad; master's may substitute for one year.
• Additional education or training may be required based on position.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for university international insurance and travel registry systems.
• Coordinate pre-departure safety training and deliver trainings on a rotating schedule.
• Track and report international health, safety, and security incidents.
• Support 24/7 on-call rotation for emergencies abroad and incident response.
• Engage with campus units and external partners on safety policies and drills.

Skills

MS Office

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Emergency management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Coordinator for International Safety and Security - International Safety and Security (Hybrid)

Illinois International - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace difference. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Vision 2030 Global Strategy is comprised of five key strategies that will support the university in realizing its vision to be the pre-eminent public research university with a global impact. Illinois International will directly support several activities and initiatives related to the global strategy in the coming years. Learn more about Vision 2030 Global Strategy.

International Safety and Security at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an opening for a Coordinator of International Safety and Security.

International Safety and Security supports the health, safety, and security of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students, faculty, and staff through detailed traveler and program preparation and comprehensive incident response 24/7. International Safety and Security collaborates with units and departments on campus-including the Office of Risk Management, University Counsel, the education abroad offices, and others-to assist students and travelers in engaging in safe and productive international experiences. Learn more about International Safety and Security. International Safety and Security is a unit of Illinois International. Learn more about Illinois International.

Primary Position Function/Summary:

Supports the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of students, faculty, and staff engaged in university-related international travel. Provides operational and administrative support for a wide range of International Safety and Security (ISS) functions, with a primary focus on managing key processes, resources, and communications. The position serves as a central point of contact for university travelers seeking safety-related guidance and support and will participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation to assist with emergency response and critical incident management abroad.

Statement of Duties & Responsibilities:

Operations and Administration

Serve as the primary point of contact for the university's international insurance and travel registry systems.

• Oversee daily operations related to university-approved travel insurance and registration processes.
• Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from students, faculty, and staff.
• Support insurance claims, case management, and traveler assistance requests.
• Liaise with external providers to maintain service standards and update procedures.
• Guide travelers in accessing appropriate travel support resources.

Training and Outreach

Coordinate and deliver pre-departure safety training for international travelers.

• Lead both in-person and online trainings as part of a rotating schedule.
• Maintain and regularly update training content to reflect current policies and best practices.
• Assist in university-wide outreach related to international travel safety and unit initiatives.
• Support the development and delivery of emergency preparedness drills for internal stakeholders.

Incident Tracking and Data Administration

Track, document, and report on international health, safety, and security incidents.

• Enter incident information into the unit's tracking and case management systems.
• Maintain records of significant cases involving university travelers.
• Compile data to support internal decision-making and external reporting requirements.

Incident Response and Crisis Management

Support university travelers during emergencies abroad.

• Serve in a rotating schedule for 24/7 on-call coverage.
• Advise travelers on emergency protocols and facilitate incident reporting.
• Connect travelers to appropriate support services and resources.
• Collaborate with university units and external partners to implement emergency protocols.
• Conduct welfare and accountability checks during critical incidents.
• Participate in after-action reviews to strengthen future responses.

Professional Development and Industry Engagement

Stay informed of evolving trends and best practices in international health, safety, and security.

• Participate in relevant professional organizations such as the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) and Pulse International.
• Attend conferences and trainings, both domestic and international, to support professional growth and represent the university.
• Travel internationally as needed to support unit initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• A total of two (2) years (24 months) in education, training, and/or work experience in international safety, security, risk management, emergency management, student programming, or education abroad. (NOTE: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
• Based on position requirement, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.

Preferred: (Successful candidates will have):

• Experience living, studying, or working abroad.
• Experience in higher education or education abroad.
• Experience identifying, evaluating, and responding to health, safety, and security risks in the context of international travel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Proficiency with technology and data management tools, including at least intermediate-level skills in Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, with the ability to create clear reports and presentations for diverse audiences, including students, faculty, staff, or external partners.
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively, including during times of urgency or crisis.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrating professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Proven ability to build and sustain collaborative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external partners, including government agencies, insurance providers, and international institutions.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and respond appropriately to sensitive, high-stakes, or emergency situations.
• Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy, efficiency, and timely follow-through on critical tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and manage responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of international risk assessment, mitigation strategies, emergency preparedness, and/or crisis response protocols in higher education or related settings is strongly preferred.

Physical Demands, Work Conditions, and Travel Requirements:

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

• May work nights and weekends as part of the on-call rotation. The incumbent will be on call from close of business to opening of business approximately once every three weeks for a period of at least seven consecutive days.
• May work occasional nights for training presentations, approximately three times per year for two hours.
• May work unscheduled nights and weekends to support emergency response and crisis management.
• Domestic and/or international travel up to three times per year for operational needs and professional development opportunities.
• This position occasionally requires traveling some distance on campus to attend meetings and programs.
• The position may require delivering presentations of up to two hours in duration.
  

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION:

This is a full-time 100% Civil Service Program Coordinator position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The salary for this position is competitive and based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity within Illinois International. The budgeted salary range is $55,000 to $65,000.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Civil Service employees may earn up to 28 days of vacation leave per year, depending on length of service. The University offers 11 annual paid holidays, 12 cumulative sick leave days, plus an additional 13 non-cumulative sick leave days, if needed, each year. For more information about campus holidays, vacation leave, and sick leave.

Health insurance is available to employees (with the option to purchase coverage for spouse and dependents), required participation in State Universities Retirement System (SURS), with several options for participation in additional retirement plans. Learn more about employee benefits at the University of Illinois. Newly hired employees are covered by the Medicare portion of Social Security and are subject to this deduction.

The University of Illinois has is strong committed to work-life balance and family-friendly programs for faculty and staff: Work-Life Balance & Family-Friendly Programs and Other Work-Life Programs.

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY:

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a comprehensive and major public land-grant university (Doctoral/Research University-Extensive) that is ranked among the best in the world. Chartered in 1867, it provides undergraduate and graduate education in more than 150 fields of study, conducts theoretical and applied research, and provides public service to the state and the nation. It employs about 3,000 faculty members who serve over 33,000 undergraduates and 17,000 graduate and professional students. More information about the campus is available at www.illinois.edu. The university is located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana (total population 226,000) in east-central Illinois, and is situated about 140 miles south of Chicago, 125 miles west of Indianapolis, and 170 northeast of St. Louis. The University and its surrounding communities offer a cultural and recreational environment ideally suited to the work of a major research institution. For more information about the community, visit Living in Champaign-Urbana, Visit Champaign County, or Champaign County Chamber of Commerce.

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.

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 [e-mail].