Associate Director, Business & Finance - Office of the Chief Information Officer

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Office of the Chief Information Officer is seeking an Associate Director for Business & Finance to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Technology Services within the Office of the CIO. This position serves as a key advisor on financial strategy, business models, and resource planning, while ensuring the effective management of budgets, business operations, and compliance. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in financial and administrative management, proven experience in higher education, and the ability to think both strategically and analytically. We are looking for a collaborative leader who can communicate complex financial information clearly, foster accountability and innovation, and build strong partnerships across campus. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

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Job Summary

Provide leadership and oversight of the Business & Finance Unit in support of the Office of the CIO and Technology Services, and act as the lead expert in campus budgeting, accounting, business practices, procurement, strategic analysis, and data-based decision support.

Duties & Responsibilities

Business Strategy & Leadership

• Serve as a senior advisor to the Office of the CIO, contributing to strategic planning, policy development, and long-range financial and operational strategy.
• Design, develop, and implement sustainable business models for delivering IT services across the campus.
• Identify, analyze, and implement financial processes that optimize costs, uncover savings, and expand financial capacity to align with campus strategic goals.
• Develop financial frameworks and performance measures (dashboards, scorecards, forecasts, milestone reviews) to guide executive decision-making.
• Collaborate with the Chief Administrative Officer and campus leaders to understand and optimize overall IT spend, streamline financial reporting, and simplify processes.
• Represent the Office of the CIO in strategic financial discussions with campus leadership, committees, and advisory groups.

Financial & Business Operations Management

• Direct and oversee the financial analysis and business operations teams within Technology Services.
• Lead all aspects of financial management, including budget development, submission, monitoring, and reporting and rate reviews.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and transparent budget information is provided to Technology Services managers to support effective decision-making.
• Ensure efficient, accurate, and transparent business operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, procurement, contracts, RFPs, business affairs, service agreements (SLAs/OLAs), and administrative support functions.
• Act as primary liaison with internal and external auditors; ensure compliance with university, state, and federal financial regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement in operational processes, ensuring efficient service delivery and adherence to institutional standards.
• Model and reinforce a culture of accountability, transparency, and service excellence within the finance and operations teams.

Provide excellent customer service through process ownership and leading by example to other Technology Services units; act as a business advocate for the OCIO to the campus

• Represent the Office of the CIO and Technology Services on campus-wide committees such as the Budget Officer Council and Provost Rates Committee.
• Provide business and financial expertise to cross-functional teams tasked with workflow design, process improvements, and service enhancements.
• Serve as a trusted business advocate for the OCIO to the broader campus community, ensuring clarity, responsiveness, and transparency in financial and operational matters.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
2. Seven (7) years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience.
   1. 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.
3. Demonstrated experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
4. Demonstrated experience in a higher education work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in Business, Accounting, or related field.
2. Demonstrated experience with costing requirements of Federal grants.
3. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and execution.
4. Experience participating in diverse workgroups.
5. Successful completion of leadership or management training.
6. Professional Certification in related business and management field including but not limited to the CPA

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Core Competencies Expected:

• Strategic & Analytical Thinking – Ability to assess complex financial and operational problems, gather and interpret relevant data, and develop innovative, sustainable solutions that align with institutional goals.
• Leadership & Team Development – Ability to set direction, establish priorities, manage performance, and foster accountability, collaboration, and professional growth across diverse teams.
• Communication & Influence – Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly, build trust with stakeholders, and advocate effectively at multiple organizational levels.
• Results Orientation & Accountability – Demonstrated focus on achieving outcomes, meeting deadlines, ensuring compliance, and following through on commitments to deliver high-quality results.

Required:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial and operational information clearly. • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to think strategically and conceptually, with creative problem-solving.
• Proficiency with financial analysis tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, databases, statistical/analytical software).
• Knowledge of service costing principles, including allocation of direct expenses, personnel, and institutional/organizational overhead.
• Ability to extract, analyze, and synthesize data to support sound business and financial decision-making.

Preferred:

• Understanding of IT service delivery business models, preferably in a higher education environment.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning and reporting systems (e.g., Banner, EDW, Eddie, or comparable higher education business systems).
• Knowledge of government costing standards and compliance requirements (e.g., OMB A-21 or successor regulations).

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5010 - Business/Administrative Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $125,000.00 to $150,000.00, and salary is commensurate with experience.

Fully remote work may be possible for this position per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 2, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment.

To complete the application process:
Step 1) Submit the Staff Vacancy Application using the “Apply for Position” button.
Step 2) Submit the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability forms.
Step 3) Upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names/contact information for three references.

For further information about this specific position, please contact Dallas Johnson at dallas1@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

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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 accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

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Requisition ID: 1032521
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu