Project RISE is Heartland Community College’s federally funded TRIO Student Support Services program. The program empowers and motivates first-generation, income-eligible, and students with disabilities in their pursuit of a college degree.

The Program Assistant will play a key role in helping the program run smoothly — providing administrative, financial, and event coordination support while contributing to a welcoming and inclusive environment for Project RISE student participants.

• Provide administrative support for the TRIO program, including in-person and phone reception and daily clerical tasks
• Create and manage both paper and electronic program records
• Access and compile College-wide records regarding admission, enrollment, financial aid eligibility, and academic records
• Support processes to establish new TRIO student participants, including recruitment efforts and onboarding details
• Coordinate progress monitoring of participants’ academic performance
• Process expenses, maintain financial records, provide budget updates, and assist with other grant requirements as guided by the Director
• Coordinate logistics for department events and activities, including the annual recognition event
• Maintain online forms of communication (website, group emails, social media)

• Associate degree or appropriate experience/education
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and accuracy in recordkeeping, ability to problem-solve, and to function professionally under pressure
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively and inclusively within a diverse campus community, including demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of the TRIO target population
• Proficiency or familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, and Outlook

• Familiarity with PeopleSoft administrative software
• Background similar to that of students served by TRIO
• Experience working in an educational or professional office environment

Applications received by November 5, 2025 will receive priority consideration, with review of applications continuing as needed.

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND ABILITY TO BE PRESENT ON-CAMPUS/IN-PERSON IS REQUIRED.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Position is contingent upon continued grant funding.

Heartland Community College is an equal opportunity institution.

HCC values equity, diversity and inclusion. We create a collegial and welcoming culture by taking collective responsibility in the creation, protection, and enhancement of an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus community.

EMPLOYEE LEAVE
Vacation: 20 days (160 hours) per year with a maximum annual carry-over of 40 days (320 hours); Accrual of 6.16 hours will be granted on the last day of each pay period

Sick Leave: 12 days (96 hours) per year with unlimited annual carry-over; 12 days (96 hours) granted on start date; Beginning on the first anniversary, accrual of 3.70 hours will be granted on the last day of each pay period.

Volunteer Leave: 1 day (8 hours) per year with no annual carry-over;
8 hours granted on start date, then annually granted on January 1

Special Leave: Available by approval for bereavement, emergencies, and legal requirements

Parental Leave: 4 weeks for qualifying events, once per 12-month rolling period

Holidays: 12 designated paid holidays, plus 3 paid Floating Holidays (24 hours); Floating Holidays granted on start date, then annually granted on the anniversary date. HCC is closed from Christmas Eve Day through New Year’s Day generally resulting in additional paid days

EMPLOYEE INSURANCE COVERAGES
Eligibility begins the first day of the month following or coinciding with the date of employment.

Medical Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield, 2 Plan Options
$3,000 Deductible PPO (Copay Plan): Employee coverage paid 100%; dependent coverage paid 45%
$4,000 Deductible QHDHP (HSA Plan): Employee coverage paid 100%; dependent coverage paid 45%

Dental Insurance: Delta Dental
Employee coverage paid 100%; dependent coverage paid 45%

Vision Insurance: VSP
Employee coverage paid 100%; dependent coverage paid 45%

Life Insurance: Sun Life
Term life insurance equal to twice the annual base salary

Optional Insurances: Sun Life
Accident; Critical Illness; Long-term Disability; Voluntary Life

RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Retirement System: State Universities Retirement System (SURS) - choice of Traditional, Portable, or Retirement Savings Plan with 8% pre-tax payroll deduction

Retirement Health Insurance Plan: College Insurance Program (CIP) - health insurance for SURS retirees with 0.95% pre-tax payroll deduction

Savings Plan: SURS Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) 457(b) – automatic enrollment with 3% pre-tax payroll deduction. Ability to opt out within 30 days of hire

Tax-sheltered Annuity Plan: 403(b) plan permitting voluntary salary reductions within IRS rules

OTHER BENEFITS
Flexible Spending Plan: Section 125 Plan permitting voluntary salary reductions to pay for eligible healthcare and childcare expenses using tax-free dollars within IRS rules

Tuition Waiver: HCC tuition waiver for employee and dependents and HCC Continuing Education course fee waiver for employee

Tuition Reimbursement: Tuition reimbursement for employee for up to $3,500 per fiscal year

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and referral service for employee and dependents

Employee Identification Card: Access to HCC Fitness and Recreation Center, HCC Library, and Bloomington- Normal Public Transit System (Connect Transit)

Sick Leave Bank

Long-Term Remote Work: With approval, up to 2 days (16 hours) remote work per week, after a minimum of 5 months in position

Long-Term Alternate Work Schedule: With approval, compressed workweek or flex work schedule, after a minimum of 5 months in position

Flexible Summer Work Schedule: With approval

Benefits listed are subject to change. Specific benefits may be dependent upon employment classification, duration of employment, full-time or part-time work status, etc.