Coordinator for International Safety and Security

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign • Urbana, IL

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. This position 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.
• 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 of international risk assessment, mitigation strategies, emergency preparedness, and/or crisis response protocols in higher education or related settings is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• Civil Service employees may earn up to 28 days of vacation leave per year, depending on length of service.
• 11 annual paid holidays
• 12 cumulative sick leave days, plus an additional 13 non-cumulative sick leave days, if needed, each year.
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level