Event Planner/Guest Experience Coordinator - Illinois College : Job Details

Job DetailsJob Location Illinois College - Jacksonville, IL Position Type Full Time Education Level Bachelor's Degree Travel Percentage Negligible The Guest Experience Coordinator (GEC) plays a strategic leadership role by delivering inspiring, personalized, and outcome-driven visit experiences that reflect the vibe and distinctive strengths of Illinois College. The GEC serves as the creative lead for daily campus visits and admission events, championing a guest-centered approach aligned with the expectations of students and their parents. This position is responsible for coordinating and continuously improving the visit experience to realize visit and enrollment goals by implementing data-informed best practices and building strong cross-campus collaborations. Essential Functions: The following list of duties is meant to be representative of the work performed in this position. The omission of a specific duty or responsibility will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical extension of position responsibilities.

• Design and manage all aspects of the individual, group, and event-based campus visit experience, including campus tours, tour guide communications, welcome sessions, and programming logistics.
• Implement visit strategies that reflect current enrollment trends, including personalized communication, sensory engagement and an emphasis on building community on campus.
• Work with the student tour guides to build their efforts with authenticity, hospitality, and outcome-based storytelling as vital members of the recruitment team.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for school counselors, community organizations, and special group visits, creating engaging and inclusive experiences tailored to visitor demographics.
• Collaborate with the communication team to ensure visit messaging responds to student and parent needs and priorities.
• Establish systems for real-time feedback and post-visit evaluation. Analyze visitor satisfaction and national best practices, assess impact on yield and enrollment outcomes, and implement changes based on findings.
• Ensure aesthetic excellence and enlightened hospitality for every visit.
• Maintain effective relationships across campus to coordinate the full visitor journey and ensure participation from faculty, staff, and students where appropriate.
• Engage in institutional initiatives that support strategic enrollment growth, student success, and a vibrant residential learning community.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Event planning or welcome center experience preferred
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Creative problem-solver with ability to lead with hospitality and adaptability
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite; familiarity with CRM systems and virtual platforms such as Zoom or a willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment
• Intercultural competence and ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Must be able to lift and carry 30 pounds, reach above shoulders, bend at the waist, and stand for extended periods of time

Additional Job Details: Job Title: Guest Experience Coordinator Department: Office of Admission Reports to: Director of Recruitment and Outreach Status: Full-time, Salaried, 12 month Date Last Revised: May 2025 Salary Range:$40,000 - $48,000 Benefits Information: To view benefit information related to this position, please visit: About Illinois College: Illinois College is a residential, private liberal arts college located in the heart of Illinois, 70 miles northeast of Saint Louis, Missouri, and 30 miles west of Springfield, the capital of Illinois. True to its founding vision in 1829, Illinois College is a community committed to the highest standards of scholarship and integrity in the liberal arts. The College develops in its students qualities of mind and character needed for fulfilling lives of leadership and service, fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success.