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IBHE has been supporting higher education in Illinois for more than 50 years. We are a dedicated team of professionals, overseen by a Board appointed by the Governor, who are working for a strong, equitable higher education system, which we believe is essential for the state to thrive. We work with leaders in colleges, universities, state and federal government agencies, governors, legislators, and other entities to strategically further this mission.

In its strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois: Higher Education Paths to Equity, Sustainability, and Growth IBHE has identified three goals and 25 strategies to help achieve its vision of a higher education ecosystem that ensures individuals, families, and communities across the state thrive.


The Board has identified three goals

  • Equity - Close equity gaps for students who have been left behind.
  • Sustainability - Build a stronger financial future for individuals and institutions.
  • Growth - Increase talent and innovation that drives economic growth.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and minorities to apply.

IBHE is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act, state agencies must ensure that the employment process is accessible to persons with disabilities. Specifically, these laws require that the state provide reasonable accommodation upon request by individuals participating in all steps of the employment process. This includes the State of Illinois interview process.

The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) is seeking a Director of Research, Analytics, & Data .

As a member of the IBHE Leadership team, the Director of Research, Analytics, & Data provides leadership, governance, support, and vision in the areas of data, analytics, and research for the Illinois Board of Higher Education; Supports strategic planning and policy development; Sets/leads organizational priorities/objectives; sets policy and procedure for defined unit; accountable for overall results and sustainable operation of defined unit.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • A minimum of a Master’s degree in a related field from an accredited Institution (PhD preferred)

  • Minimum of 7 years progressively responsible related experience with a minimum of two (2)+ years’ of supervision of professional staff

  • Formal education and/or experience in the field of data analysis, institutional research

  • Knowledge or experience with higher education policy

  • Experience working with a Board or similar

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Sets direction, provides direct oversight and oversees execution of assigned unit(s); contributes to agency annual planning, goal setting, budget development, priority development, and Board presentation and reporting (as required); contributes to a collaborative agency culture
  • Collaborate with the Managing Director for Policy, Research, and Fiscal Analysis and other staff to provide leadership in areas of research, analytics, and data in higher education, including data reporting and analysis, online applications, database development, and institutional data collection
  • Collaborate with state agencies, including ICCB, to perform analyses that require cross-agency coordination
  • Assist in implementing the Agency’s strategic plan for higher education, including lead responsibility for development of reporting metrics and assessment of the plan's goals and objectives, supporting development of a statewide accountability system
  • Lead the creation, management, and oversight of IBHE’s data assets, including public-facing and internal dashboards, analytic products, and data collections, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and high-quality database management
  • Lead reporting and analytics that drive higher education policy, including state-mandated and workforce reports
  • Lead IBHE’s workforce analytics team, ensuring accurate analysis and reporting to meet statutory supply-and-demand requirements and support workforce planning
  • Lead and chair key committees, driving strategic oversight and decision-making
  • Serve as representative or assigns staff to serve as representative for federal and state data systems, including IPEDS and the Illinois Longitudinal Data System
  • Collaborate with Governor's Office and General Assembly to provide information and respond to requests regarding data and policy-related issues in coordination with IBHE's Legislative Liaison
  • Manage multiple contracts and agency agreements, analyzing contract terms, identifying potential risks, and finding solutions to problems.
  • Supervises and mentors a diverse, multi-faceted team; provides leadership for hiring, onboarding, and professional development ensuring their success
  • Other duties as assigned, within scope of position

Education and Experience:

Required:

  • Master’s degree* in a related field from an accredited Institution *Three additional years of experience may be substituted for a Master’s degree (PhD in a related field, from an accredited Institution preferred)

  • Minimum of 7 years progressively responsible related experience with a minimum of two (2)+ years’ of supervision of professional staff

Knowledge Requirements:

    • Formal education and/or experience in the field of data analysis, institutional research

    • Knowledge or experience with higher education policy

Skills & Traits:

  • Commitment to public service and passion for education

  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork; ability to build and maintain positive working relationships

  • Demonstrated ability to solve problems independently and maintain a positive, solutions-oriented approach in a dynamic environment

  • Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of constituents and stakeholders, such as Board members, senior government executives, elected officials, institutional officers and leaders, and private sector leaders.

  • Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of constituents and stakeholders, including but not limited to Board members, senior government executives, elected officials, institutional officers, and private sector leaders

  • Excellent problem-solving and written and verbal communication skills

  • Strong project-management skills, excellent follow-through, and ability to organize and prioritize

  • Good judgement and discretion

  • Collaborative, team-oriented, relationship-focused; Demonstrated ability to support and develop professional staff

Work location:

  • IBHE offers remote and hybrid work arrangements, based on position and supervisor discretion. IL Residency is required.

  • Travel within Illinois is expected, as required by the work.

Salary and Benefits:

Starting salary commensurate with experience, within the range of $115,000 - not to exceed $147,500/year.
We offer the state’s competitive employee benefits package.

Apply online at: https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/49498/

A resume AND cover letter are required.

Application deadline is 09/29/2025

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and minorities to apply.

¹ IIBHE is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act, state agencies must ensure that the employment process is accessible to persons with disabilities. Specifically, these laws require that the state provide reasonable accommodation upon request by individuals participating in all steps of the employment process. This includes the State of Illinois interview process.

About the position:

As a member of the IBHE Leadership team, the Director of Higher Education Finance Policy provides oversight of the Fiscal Policy administrative unit; provides leadership in strategic higher education finance, qualitative research, analytics, budgeting, and reporting; Supports strategic planning and policy development; Sets/leads organizational priorities/objectives; sets policy and procedure for defined unit; accountable for overall results and sustainable operation of defined unit.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • A minimum of a Master’s degree in a related field from an accredited Institution (PhD preferred)
  • Minimum of 7 years progressively responsible related experience with a minimum of two (2)+ years’ of supervision of professional staff
  • Significant experience with data analysis and modeling including with institutional, state, and/or postsecondary data
  • Significant experience with higher education policy, financial analysis, public budgeting
  • Knowledge of state postsecondary finance policy and budgeting processes, including state funding formulas
  • Experience working with a Board or similar

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Sets direction, provides direct oversight and oversees execution of assigned unit(s); contributes to agency annual planning, goal setting, budget development, priority development, and Board presentation and reporting (as required); contributes to a collaborative agency culture

  • Oversees review, analysis, synthesis, and presentation of institutional finances and financial risk assessments to inform Board actions, policy and practice changes

  • Oversees implementation, transparency, and accountability for university funding and appropriations

  • Oversees development and implementation of affordability strategies for higher education

  • Oversees development, analysis, modeling, and program implementation for capital planning, including analysis of institution capital master plans, non-instructional capital expenditures, prioritization of capital projects, and progress toward completion for public and private institutional state-funded capital

  • Provides information and analysis to the Governor’s Office and General Assembly regarding budget, financial, and policy-related issues

  • Supervises and mentors a diverse, multi-faceted team; provides leadership for hiring, onboarding, and professional development ensuring their success

  • Develops and provides analytic support for other teams within the agency and collaborates to produce thoughtful agency reports

  • Other duties as assigned, within scope of position

Education/Experience:

  • Master’s degree* in a related field from an accredited Institution *Three additional years of experience may be substituted for a Master’s degree (PhD preferred)

  • Minimum of 7 years progressively responsible related experience with a minimum of two (2)+ years’ of supervision of professional staff

Knowledge Requirements:

  • Significant experience with higher education policy, financial analysis, public budgeting

  • Knowledge of state postsecondary finance policy and budgeting processes, including state funding formulas

  • Understanding of public university finances

Skills & Traits:

  • Expert in data analysis, synthesis, visualization and presentation

  • Strong analytical ability and familiarity with advanced financial concepts

    • Demonstrated ability to provide and interpret financial management information and to communicate to non-financial audiences:

    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

    • Collaborative, team-oriented, relationship-focused; Demonstrated ability to support and develop professional staff

    • Problem-solver and self-starter; ability to stay positive and motivated Strong project-management skills; excellent follow-through, and ability to organize and prioritize

    • Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of constituents and stakeholders, including but not limited to Board members, senior government executives, elected officials, institutional officers, and private sector leaders.

    • Commitment to higher education equity goals

    • Demonstrated ability to support and develop professional staff

Work location:

IBHE offers remote and hybrid work arrangements, based on position and supervisor discretion. IL Residency is required.

Travel within Illinois is expected, as required by the work.

Salary and Benefits:

Starting salary commensurate with experience, within the range of $115,000 - not to exceed $147,500/year.

We offer the state’s competitive employee benefits package.

To Apply:

Apply online at: https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/49499/

A resume AND cover letter are required

Application deadline is 09/29/2025

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and minorities to apply.

IBHE is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act, state agencies must ensure that the employment process is accessible to persons with disabilities. Specifically, these laws require that the state provide reasonable accommodation upon request by individuals participating in all steps of the employment process. This includes the State of Illinois interview process.