Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Operations, Gies Undergraduate Programs

Gies Undergraduate Programs

Gies College of Business

Job Summary

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic & Administrative Leadership
  
  • Accountable for developing, executing, and sustaining strategic priorities for OUP in conjunction with the Associate Dean and in alignment with the College’s purpose-driven goals.
  • Serve as a senior advisor to the Associate Dean, assessing OUP’s operational needs and resources to ensure effective and efficient policies and procedures.
  • Translate strategic priorities into actionable goals and ensure alignment across recruiting and admissions, advising, and learner engagement.
  • Provide timely analysis and strategic recommendations to support decision-making.
  • Represent OUP in engagements with a variety of constituents, with the ability to help shape commitments, resolve issues, and contribute to agreements in atypical circumstances.
  
  
  
• Operational Oversight
  
  • Oversee and accountable for administrative, human resources, communications, facilities and financial activities/ functions for OUP. Create and maintain a functional budget while monitoring budget allocations and expenditures, making sure resources are used effectively to support undergraduate priorities.
  • Accountable for providing analysis and reporting on operational performance connecting day-to-day processes and activities of the units to the college’s longer-term strategic goals and objectives.
  • Accountable for leveraging the use of data to inform strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Supervise and mentor professional staff; conduct performance evaluations and foster professional development
• Strategic Project Management
  
  • Lead special initiatives and, as requested by the Associate Dean, serve on college/campus committees to advance OUP’s strategic priorities.
  • Accountable for developing and executing strategic planning retreats, assessment cycles, and feedback loops across the unit.
  • Direct all accreditation and compliance activities (AACSB, campus, and other governing bodies)
  • Accountable for developing and managing an integrated data ecosystem for key student outcomes and other relevant OUP success metrics.
  • Provide strategic leadership and supporting initiatives that enhance the undergraduate learner experience, ensuring OUP operations contribute to a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students.
  • Other related duties to support the strategic mission of the Gies College of Business and Office of Undergraduate Programs
  
  
• Stakeholder Relationships & Engagement
  
  • Collaborate with Advancement and MarCom to elevate visibility of OUP’s impact for all relevant stakeholders.
  • Represent OUP to internal and external stakeholders; serve as a liaison between the Associate Dean and college/campus partners.
  • Accountable for building and maintaining strong relationships with faculty, staff, and campus partners that support undergraduate education.
  • Collaborate across the college, including with academic departments, Career and Professional Development, Advancement, and Marcom, as well as central leadership to align OUP operations with broader Gies and campus initiatives

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in higher education administration, business, or related field; OR bachelor’s degree with progressively responsible experience in higher education or a related field. Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience, including at least 5 years in management/leadership roles in higher education or a comparable organization.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing operations, finances, and/or business processes in a higher education environment.

Demonstrated leadership, strategic planning, and organizational skills

Supervisory experience in a student- or academic-services unit.

Experience with undergraduate academic advising or student services.

Familiarity with University of Illinois systems and policies.

Experience supporting accreditation, assessment, or learner experience initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to represent senior leadership. • Ability to make sound decisions using good judgment and innovative problem solving. • Ability to function independently and manage complex projects across multiple stakeholders. • Exceptional organizational and time management skills. • Budget management, forecasting, and analytical skills. • Ability to foster a culture of service and inclusivity for undergraduate learners. • Knowledge of student development principles and higher education best practices. • Ability and motivation to engage with data analysis, KPI dashboard design/usage, and ethical AI practices, with a commitment to continuous learning in these areas. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. The expected start date is as soon as possible after Monday, 12/1/2025. The budgeted salary range for the position is $120,000 to $130,000 annually.

At Gies, we believe in being a place of inclusion and equity, a place where all can succeed. This position must be attentive to the College’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity and ensure it is being implemented throughout projects and activities. For more information about Gies Business, visit https://inside.giesbusiness.illinois.edu/work-at-gies.

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 Monday, November 17, 2025. 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. For further information about this specific position, please contact porche@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.

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.

Requisition ID: 1033106
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu