Director of Operations & Strategic Planning - Hybrid - University of Illinois : Job Details

Director of Operations & Strategic Planning - HybridVice Pres External Rel & Comm- HybridPosting Category:(Sponsorship for Work authorization is not availablefor this position.)Reporting to the Vice President External Relations and Communications, the Director of Operations & Strategic Planning leads strategic and tactical special initiatives on behalf of the cross-functional External Relations and Communications office. This role leads the unit's strategic planning process and helps to ensure integrated alignment across all the unit's functions. As the operations lead, the Director acts as a coordinating body and liaison for operational functions. Works with the leadership team on budget development and management as well the unit administrative components of hiring, departure and onboarding processes. Responsible for supporting the vendor acquisition process across the unit in support of team goals. Leads efforts on evaluating business processes and tools to optimize efforts and increase efficiency and effectiveness. Dotted-line management of administrative assistants and support staff to advance cross departmental initiatives and activities, as well as operational management of multi-location offices and team needs. As the University of Illinois System Chief Records Officer, lead the FOIA office and staff and ensure quality, compliance and transparency on behalf of the system and its three universities.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as a strategic partner to the Vice President and leadership team and assume organization-wide accountability for strategic planning and initiatives that integrate across external relations and communications.

Function as the dot connector across initiatives to ensure a maximizing of efforts and use of resources. Clarify and oversee connection points and initiatives across departments. Serve as a conduit and contact point so key objectives are communicated clearly and can be met.

Lead annual planning process in conjunction with the leadership team, ensuring cascade to organizational and individual goals and objectives.

As the University of Illinois System Chief Records Officer, provides leadership and consultation for FOIA administration. Direct the work of the Associate Director for FOIA administration and other FOIA staff, providing oversight of processing of Freedom of Information requests. Understand the processing cycle and oversee the updating of the FOIA website. Supervises as needed with responsive document collection and review, processing strategies for sensitive System Office requests, and interactions with the Public Access Counselor.

Lead management of the business functions of the Office for External Relations and Communications, such as budgeting, purchasing, RFP and contract matters, staffing, and technology needs.

Lead the evolution of team culture, including facilitating onboarding new employees, inclusiveness of remote and hybrid employees, and other activities with the aim of achieving best-in-class organizational health.

Optimize processes by looking for and addressing gaps and inefficiencies. Work with the leadership team to develop high-quality and scalable processes to improve how the unit operates as the organization grows and evolves.

On behalf of the Vice President and in conjunction with the executive leadership team, research and draft reports such as the annual office summary, annual FOIA summary for the board, periodic updates for the president, and responses to annual budget review.

Work closely with the Vice President on setting the agenda and content for leadership team meetings. Assume the lead on running these meetings and ensuring follow-up on action steps.

Coordinate and produce presentations for External Relations and Communications Leadership and provide feedback to the Vice President to help ensure any potential blind spots are addressed; wisely share direct, candid, and wide-ranging input.

Represent External Relations and Communications as appropriate on system and university committees, fostering collaboration and promoting the needs and services of executive offices. Performs outreach and promotional duties and presents about the Office External Relations and Communications to other system and university units as requested.

Serve as the liaison with the System Human Resource Services offices on human resource needs.

Other duties and responsibilities appropriate for a Director of Operations & Strategic Planning position.

QUALIFICATIONS Required:

Bachelor's degree in a related field (business, management, communications, journalism, advertising, political science, etc.).

Preferred:

Master's in higher education administration, business, management, communications, political science or related field preferred.

Ten years of professional experience in a leadership role business operations or strategic initiatives with evidence of increased responsibilities over time.

Experience in higher education.

Strong PowerPoint development skills

Experience with or strong knowledge of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Excellent strategic sensibilities with the ability to influence and consult leaders at all levels of the organization.

Exceptionally strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to present and communicate effectively at the highest level with many audiences.

Proven experience in office and staff management.

Strong organizational skills

Experience and expertise with MS Office software, Adobe Acrobat.

Strong analytic skills and experience with budget and talent management

Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to develop strong, productive relationships.

Effective teamwork skills and ability to organize teams for maximum productivity.

The ability to use independent judgment to make sound decisions that impact the system.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION This is a Full Time academic professional position. The expected start date is 1/6/2025. The minimum salary for this position is $115,000 and thesalary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. System Office jobs such as this one are not eligiblefor the Referral Program. APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION For full consideration, please click APPLY NOW on this page to submit an application, references and cover letter through our job board by 6 pm on 11/24/2024.System Human Resource Services(217) ###-####[email protected] 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. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the System Human Resource Services, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 217-###-####, or by emailing [email protected].Requisition ID: 9000717 Job Category: Academic Professional Campus Location: Urbana#LI-BS1