Position Vacancy Announcement

Organizational Strategic Analyst

SURS is the administrator of a cost-sharing, multiple-employer, public employee retirement system that provides retirement, survivor, disability, and death benefits to employees of Illinois state universities, community colleges, and certain other affiliated organizations and agencies. SURS was created in 1941, by an act of the Illinois General Assembly, and is governed by the Illinois Pension Code (40 ILCS 5/15- 101 et seq.). SURS provides benefit services to over 250,000 members who work for 61 employers.

SURS is responsible for investing assets in a diversified portfolio of U.S. and foreign stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments. SURS maintains a defined benefit plan, which on June 30, 2023, had assets valued at approximately $23.2 billion. SURS also administers two defined contribution plans, the Retirement Savings Plan, which on June 30, 2023, had assets of approximately $3.7 billion and the Deferred Compensation Plan, which had assets of approximately $28.5 million. Northern Trust serves as SURS’ master trustee custodian.

Position: The Organizational Strategic Analyst guides SURS’ leadership in making sound decisions. The Organizational Strategic Analyst is part of the Project Management Office and is a key member of the team responsible for providing critical research insights to drive the company’s decisions, forecasts, and operating plans. This is a high-profile position within the SURS organization where an individual will have the opportunity to work closely with and become a valued partner to the Executive and business leadership teams.

Position Title: Organizational Strategic Analyst

Civil Service Classification: Business/Administrative Associate

Position Type: Full-time | Based in Champaign, IL

Main Duties

• Collaborate with executive and senior management to guide development of strategic plans and continually monitor & maintain them.
• Work to identify meaningful metrics for the development & publishing of organizational scorecards.
• Work to identify & monitor lead measures that contribute to organizational success.
• Manage the research, financial modelling, and management presentations for operational improvement opportunities.
• Build and maintain interpretive models and prepare strategic analysis for business owners to help answer high-priority questions, drive better understanding of SURS’ performance and identify areas of improvement opportunity.
• Partner and collaborate with business owners to structure and deliver data-based recommendations and informed business decisions.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to senior management, executives, and board.
• Ensure accurate reporting on key business drivers and initiatives.
• Stay abreast of relevant industry trends and provide analysis as to how they may impact SURS long-term.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
• Two (2) years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience.
  (NOTE: A Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business or related field.
• 2 - 3 years of experience as a strategic analyst a public pension fund or management consulting firm preferred.
• Extensive experience with developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Strong data modelling capabilities (ability to build fully integrated data visualizations, scenario players, pivot tables).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, data entry, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Knowledge of technology including electronic equipment, computer hardware and software, and their applications.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic, algebra, statistics, and their applications.
• Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Ability to work independently and effectively organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to analyze and develop guidelines, procedures, and systems to outline specific goals and implement plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish tasks.
• Ability to manage a budget and work within the constraints of that budget.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and explain work related documents, policies, and procedures.

Location

Benefits

• Insurance
• benefits, including medical, vision and dental
• Participation in SURS retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave and 11 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave after six months of employment
• Casual/business casual attire (dependent on job duties)
• Flexible work environment
• Free parking
• 37.5-hour standard work week