Associate Director, European Union Center

Associate DirectorEuropean Union Center

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The European Union Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is an interdisciplinary hub for teaching, research, and public engagement on Europe, the European Union, and transatlantic relations. The Center brings together faculty and students across the university, supports the Master of Arts in European Union Studies, and connects campus scholarship with educators, policymakers, and communities beyond the university. We seek applications for the position of Associate Director to teach courses, advise students, oversee the graduate program, manage budgets, manage staff, and provide strategic intellectual guidance for developing core areas of the European Union Center (EUC) in a professionally efficient and effective manner. Duties & Responsibilities

Instruction

*Teach up to two core courses that support the MAEUS and the EUC's academic mission as assigned by the home unit and are included in this position's base responsibilities.

*Develop and teach advanced seminars in areas related to the MAEUS program, as needed.

*Develop and lead seminars and workshops that support scholarly research on the European Union and transatlantic relations.

Grant Development and Management

*Identify and evaluate potential external funding opportunities, based on the mission of the center, and write grant proposals in collaboration with Director.

*Manage grant execution to comply with University and funding agencies' guidelines, deadlines, and regulations.

*Work closely with faculty to create, evolve, and execute academic projects.

*Ensure that funding is spent according to grant stipulations; meet with faculty to learn about their current work and ways for them to partner with the EUC on grants and outreach programs.

Advising

*Coordinate academic advising for students in the M.A. in European Union Studies (MAEUS) program.

*Be a point of escalation for students and handle difficult and challenging student academic situations and academic issues.

*Serve as Director of Graduate Programs and conduct annual student academic progress reviews.

Intellectual Co-Leadership

*Provide administrative leadership of the European Union Center office including representing Director in their absence.

*With Director, provide intellectual co-leadership of center academic programming.

*Supervise and manage staff of the Center (hiring, training, delegating, and annual review of staff)

*Evolve and execute a vision and strategy for EUC off-campus instruction/outreach and how it fits with the rest of the Center's vision and academic programs: determining in consultation with the Director the types of grants the EUC will pursue, including grants that fund outreach initiatives, and building institutional partnerships to deliver outreach programs. Oversee and lead center staff execution of extensive instruction/outreach programs to K-12 educators and students, business, media, and other constituents.

*Develop and strengthen relations with other European Centers in the U.S. and internationally.

*Represent the Center in interactions with individual and institutional partners both within the UI and external to the University.

Other Academic Affairs

*Support the academic coordinator in directing the M.A. in European Union Studies (MAEUS) program, the Graduate Minor, and the 5-year BALAS/MAEUS track, including marketing and admission and alumni relations.

*Make strategic decisions about the direction and content of the academic programs, including development and/or redesign of courses offered by the center.

*Collaborate with the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS) and the Graduate College on all academic matters.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in international studies and programs or related fields.
  
• Demonstrated international experience such as studying, teaching or conducting research abroad and/or in Europe.
  
• Minimum of one year of experience in one or more of the following: administration, fiscal and/or grant management, personnel oversight, and academic program management.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in international studies, European Studies programs or related fields.
• International experience such as studying, teaching or conducting research in Europe.
• Grant writing and management experience.
• Experience teaching courses at the university level.

• Working knowledge of one or more European languages other than English.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others
• Ability to work harmoniously with faculty, staff, and students from a wide variety of disciplines, and with representatives from national and international institutions.
• Project coordination and proven organizational talents
• Ability to assume responsibility and to work independently with minimum guidance;
• Initiative and creativity in program development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and desktop publishing software, or similar.
• Sensitivity to the functioning of an interdisciplinary program within the context of a complex university.
• Ability to work with faculty and government agencies, both in the United States and overseas.

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 the deadline date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $68,000 to $74,000. 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. Hybrid work options may be available for this position after an initial on-site training period, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 9, 2026. To apply for this position, please create a candidate profile at https://jobs.illinois.edu and use the Apply Now button on the posting. Upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your application materials.

Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact lascollegehiring@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 must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

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: 1038795

Job Category: Education & Student Services

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu