The Special Projects Coordinator for the Chief of Staff coordinates and advances the work of the Office of the President under the direction of the Chief of Staff, supporting high-priority initiatives that advance the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the university system. The role is critical to ensuring operational effectiveness of the Office of the President and ensuring the success of various initiatives of the University of Illinois System and its three universities. The Special Projects Coordinator serves as a trusted advisor to the Chief of Staff and other senior administrators. Projects will be assigned by the Chief of Staff and may involve any topic of relevant interest to the administration. This position requires strong alignment with the University of Illinois System's mission, values and strategic vision, sound judgment, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and substantial comfort working in a complex, fast-paced environment. It is expected that the Coordinator will have a dynamic portfolio that includes established projects and initiatives to manage, as well as emerging and ad hoc projects. The Coordinator will manage cross-functional projects, coordinate executive-level communications, ensure timely executive of deliverables, and support the Chief of Staff in managing emergent issues and overflow work. This position is in office daily at our Urbana-Champaign campus and will also require occasional travel to support projects.

Duties & Responsibilities

Conduct research, prepare briefing materials, and synthesize data to inform executive decision-making. Manage key issues by seeking information and counsel, while keeping the Chief of Staff informed.
Lead, coordinate, and execute special projects and initiatives including development of project plans and timelines, monitoring progress, and ensuring the execution and completion of deliverables. Manage ongoing and ad hoc projects and initiatives as assigned by the Chief of Staff.
Facilitate collaboration across departments, campuses, and external stakeholders in a variety of settings (e.g. special projects, task groups, and committees). Assists with communication between the Office of the President and the Board of Trustees; other University System offices; administrative offices, faculty and staff of the three universities in the system; state and federal agencies; and others as needed and/or requested related to portfolio assigned duties and/or special projects and initiatives.
Organize and support high-level meetings, retreats, and special events including agenda development, logistics, budget management, and follow-up. Serve as a liaison between the President's Office and internal/external partners and guests.
Assists as necessary to help solve problems in a positive and proactive manner ensuring collaboration with the relevant stakeholders and adherence to state and federal laws and policies of the University and Board of Trustees.
May supervise graduate assistants and/or student workers on a project or ongoing basis.
Upon request, represents the President at university, campus and public activities.
Performs such other duties as assigned by the Chief of Staff.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position. 2. 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.) 3. Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in an area of specialization inherent to the position may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Advanced degree in public administration, higher education, business or related field preferred.
2. At least five years of relevant professional experience, including project management, executive support, or strategic initiatives work with senior or executive level leadership preferably in higher education, non-profit or public sectors.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Highly developed written and oral communication skills.
Mature judgment and demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills; adaptability to meet changing demands; and ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
Ability to identify, research, analyze and address a wide variety of issues and problems in a high- volume and often fast-paced work environment.
Collegiality, approachability and diplomacy at all levels of an organization, included the ability to motivate and engage others.
Demonstrated ability to work with senior leadership and navigate complex organizational structures.
Ability to travel occasionally.

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 1/5/2026. The budgeted salary range for the position is $70,000 to $80,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

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 November 20. 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. For further information about this specific position, please contact Johanna Mayer at johannam@uillinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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 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: 1033783
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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