New

Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
life insurance, paid time off, retirement plan
United States, Illinois, Urbana
Sep 04, 2026
Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives Gies Undergraduate Programs Job SummaryThe Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives provides strategic leadership and operational leadership for the Office of Undergraduate Programs (OUP). Serving as a key partner to the Associate Dean, this position oversees the management of the day-to-day operations, administrative processes, resource management, organizational planning, and cross-functional initiatives that support Undergraduate Programs. The position also serves as a strategic and operational thought partner to the Associate Dean in advancing Undergraduate Programs priorities by translating strategic direction into operational plans, coordinating implementation across OUP, and collaborate in leading continuous improvement efforts that support student success and organizational effectiveness. Duties & Responsibilities Operations & Administration Provide operational leadership by coordinating planning and execution across all OUP functional areas. Collaborate with the Associate Dean in leading operational planning, annual work planning, and organizational coordination for Undergraduate Programs. Develop, oversee, and provide strategic oversight of administrative processes, operational calendars, and business workflows. Manage and oversee OUP budgets and operational resources in collaboration with the Associate Dean. Monitor operational performance and implement process improvements. Coordinate staffing, facilities, communications, and administrative support. Strategic Initiatives & Project Management Partner with the Associate Dean to translate strategic priorities into operational plans and coordinate implementation. Develop, coordinate, and lead cross-functional projects supporting undergraduate education and college priorities. Track progress, identify implementation challenges, and facilitate solutions across units. Develop reports and dashboards to support leadership decision-making. Support accreditation, assessment, and institutional planning efforts. Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness Build collaborative partnerships with faculty, staff, and campus partners. Represent OUP on college and campus committees. Facilitate communication and coordination across Undergraduate Programs. Support change management and continuous improvement. Supervise assigned staff. Other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree. Comparable combinations of education and progressively responsible, relevant experience will be considered. Five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education or a comparable organization. Experience leading operations, projects, or administrative functions. Experience coordinating projects, operations, or administrative functions across multiple stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications Education Master's degree in higher education administration or related discipline. Experience Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and project management skills. Experience managing operations, budgets, and/or business processes in a higher education or similarly complex environment. Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Familiarity with University of Illinois systems and policies. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to communicate effectively with others and the ability to build relationships and represent senior leadership effectively. Demonstrated ability to influence and coordinate work across multiple teams and stakeholders without direct supervisory authority. Ability to make sound decisions using good judgment, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Exceptional organizational, project management, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. 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 search close date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $95,000 to $100,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, and internal equity considerations. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization Become an Illinois professional at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and be part of a dynamic and diverse community dedicated to making a positive impact on both local and global scales, advancing knowledge, and fostering creativity. Learn more about why YOU should join us at UIUC Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Sepetmber 25, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Please submit Resume and Cover letter. For further information about this specific position, please contact porche@llinois.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 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: 1038019 Job Category: Professional and Administrative Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu Apply Now