Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations

Position Title: Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations

Department: Division of Advancement

Organization: University of Illinois Springfield

Salary range: $75,000–$85,000 per year

Apply directly at https://jobs.uis.edu. Position remains open until filled.

Role Overview

This position reports directly to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement. Responsibilities include focusing on projects, supporting the university’s upcoming comprehensive campaign, overseeing division operations, and collaborating across departments to ensure successful philanthropic outcomes.

The role serves as an executive assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement (and occasionally to the Senior Vice President of the U of Illinois Foundation), and acts on the Vice Chancellor’s Leadership Team to help set and execute strategy and vision, bridge communication between Advancement staff and leadership, and optimize organizational structure.

Ideal Competencies

• Master’s degree
• Ten (10) years of administrative experience in higher education and/or advancement
• Work experience in accounting and/or Human Resources
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exhibit good judgment in compliance with University policy
• Understanding of and adherence to the Association of Fundraising Professionals Donor Bill of Rights

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Five (5) years of administrative experience in higher education and/or advancement

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong communication skills
• Computer skills: mastery in creating and analyzing computer-generated databases, spreadsheets, and charts
• Microsoft programs: Excel and Word

Travel Requirements

None/Minimal

Additional Responsibilities

This description reflects the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. Duties may change or expand. All employees must complete mandatory training by established deadlines, including annual ethics and sexual harassment training.

Benefits

Competitive health insurance plans, a dental plan, flexible spending plans, multiple types of term life insurance, long‑term disability insurance, supplemental investment programs, and additional optional offerings.

• Tuition Waivers – Employees and their children may be eligible
• Leave – sick time, shared benefits leave, vacation time, floating holidays, several paid holidays, and other opportunities to take time away from work
• Work‑life balance programs – Be Well Illinois, Recreation and Wellness Programs, Adoption Benefit, Smoking Cessation Program, Weight‑Loss Benefit, and State Employee Assistance Programs

See UIS Employee Benefits & Leave for a complete list and explanation of employee benefits and leave.

UIS is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive campus community. Persons with disabilities, women, and minorities are encouraged to apply.