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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 an Managing Director of Academic Strategy & Programs

The Managing Director of Academic Strategy & Programs leads the agency work in ensuring high quality academic programs, consumer (student) protection, and student supports, in alignment with and to advance the higher education strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois; Serves as a member of the IBHE Leadership team and oversees agency organizational units including Academic Affairs and Student Success, establishing and executing on an ambitious vision.

The ideal candidate will hold a minimum of a Master’s Degree from an accredited institution in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs/Services, Educational Administration/Leadership, Instructional Design, Curriculum and Instruction, Higher Education Policy or related field, ten (10)+ years’ or more years of related experience with five (5)+ years’ of supervision of professional staff, previous experience working within a higher education institution (e.g., academic affairs, student support, administrative leadership), knowledge of higher education policy, equity and student supports, and experience with student retention, success initiatives and strategies.

Major Duties & Responsibilities include:

  • Sets the vision and leads the agency’s work of ensuring high quality academic programs, consumer (student) protection, and student supports are in place across the higher education ecosystem, in alignment with and to advance the higher education strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois; Stays abreast of and draws on deep knowledge of national and state higher education policies and practices

  • Oversees the Academic Affairs unit, including but not limited to the review and authorization of college and university applications for new degree programs, reorganization and consolidations, managing the student complaint process, academic initiatives and academic-related grant oversight

  • Helps create, establish the vision and then oversees the Student Success unit, a new agency unit charged with ensuring institutions are effectively meeting student academic and non-academic needs, are effectively implementing Equity Plans and Practices to aid in the success of every student, and overseeing related grants, programs, and initiatives

  • Builds and maintains high performing teams by way of coaching, developing, and drawing out the best work from staff

  • As a member of the Leadership team, partners with the Senior Managing Director to set direction, execution, and success, including participating in the agency’s annual planning, budgeting, and goal-setting processes

  • Facilitate synergies across departments, institutions, and agencies, providing high-level coordination to ensure peak effectiveness

  • Other duties as assigned, within scope of position

Education and Experience:

Required:

  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs/Services, Educational Administration/Leadership, Instructional Design, Curriculum and Instruction, Higher Education Policy or related field

  • Ten (10)+ years’ or more years of related experience

  • Five (5)+ years’ of supervision of professional staff

Preferred:

  • PhD or equivalent in a related field

  • Experience working within a higher education institution (e.g., academic affairs, student support, administrative leadership)

Knowledge Requirements:

  • Required:

    • Knowledge of higher education policy, academic programs, and innovations, including equity and student supports

    • Understanding of student retention and success initiatives and strategies

Skills & Traits:

  • Required:

    • Strong organizational leader, with clarity of purpose, passion for education and public service, and commitment to advancing equity for students underrepresented in higher education

    • Ability to develop, set, and execute on a vision for the organizational division

    • Sound judgement to assess and make recommendations in various contexts, including national,

    • Strategic thinker with rapid problem-solving skills to effectively handle a variety of situations

    • Excellent communication skills with the ability to write clearly, edit well, and make effective public presentations, including using data visualizations effectively

    • Demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and draw out the best work from staff

    • Collaborative leader who values teamwork and cooperation

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 $148,500- max $175,000/year.

We offer the state’s competitive employee benefits package.

To Apply:

Apply online at: https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/46203/

A resume AND cover letter are required.

Application deadline is 04/25/2025


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 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.

About the position:

The Sr. Associate Director, Early Childhood Programs provides leadership on the work of the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Consortium and to higher education institutions within the Consortium to plan and implement programs and services responsive to legislation and Consortium decisions. In partnership with the unit director, sets and executes on the direction and priorities for the Consortium, serves as lead for the agency on the cross-agency led Early Childhood Advisory Committee; supports the use of data to inform best practices and for required reporting.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field, 5+ years of experience in government, public administration, higher education, education/early childhood, education, public policy or related  field (multiple sectors preferred) , 2+ years of management/supervisory experience, experience with cross organization, agency, sector, department work, experience with supporting students’ academic and holistic needs, substantial project management experience including leading and managing multiple projects and areas of work, setting direction and project execution

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Oversees operations of the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity

    • o Leads efforts to set direction and priorities for the Consortium

    • o Develops and implements processes, procedures, and policies to enable the Consortium to execute on its priorities and direction

    • o Oversees Consortium activities and operations, including membership, bylaws, convenings, relationships governed by memoranda of understanding

    • o Supports data collection and analysis and writing for required reporting, elevating best practices, understanding collective needs and trends, and supporting continuous improvement

    • o Provides expertise and technical assistance to Consortium institutions to continue implementing programs that support adult learners; provides connections and networking opportunities across institutions to promote peer learning and practice sharing.

  • Serves as IBHE representative / lead on the ECACE Advisory Committee, includes working in partnership with other state agencies

    • Leads and develops a staff team, overseeing their work, professional development and success

    • Other duties as assigned, within scope of position

Education/Experience:

Required:

  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field

  • 5+ years of experience in government, public administration, higher education, education/early childhood, education, public policy or related  field (multiple sectors preferred)

  • Experience building out new work in partnership with others: researching, conceptualizing, designing, identifying needs, implementing, and adjusting as needed 

  • Experience leading and managing multiple projects and areas of work 

  • Experience setting direction and executing projects and work 

  • Experience managing projects and working independently  

Preferred:

  • PhD or equivalent in a related field
  • 2+ years of management/supervisory experience
  • Experience with cross organization, agency, sector, department work
  • Experience with supporting students’ academic and holistic needs

Knowledge Requirements:

  • Knowledge of the early childhood higher education landscape in Illinois
  • Knowledge of the Illinois Gateways Credential system and the ISBE Professional Educator Licensure system in Illinois

Skills & Traits:

  • Proven ability to set direction and execute work and projects 

  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork 

  • Flexibility and the ability to shift priorities as needed 

  • Ability to work with multiple external partners and see things from a variety of perspectives 

  • Ability to facilitate groups and bring groups to agreement, consensus, or decision  

  • Strong belief in the value of a cross institutional consortium to advance access, persistence, and completion through high-quality, student-centered programs 

  • Strong problem-solving skills and a solution-oriented approach to the work  

  • Proficiency in basic technology tools, such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, Zoom 

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 $93,500 - max $115,000/year.

We offer the state’s competitive employee benefits package.

To Apply:

Apply online at: https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/46210/

A resume is required.

Closing date 04/25/25

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.

About the position:

The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) is seeking a Director of Higher Education Finance Policy.

The IL Board of Higher Education (IBHE) is responsible for making annual budget recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly on behalf of the state’s higher education system, including public universities, community colleges (with the Illinois Community College Board), student aid (with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission) and various other agencies, grants, and programs. Additionally, IBHE collects, analyzes, and reports on fiscal issues related to Illinois’ higher education ecosystem. The Director of Higher Education Finance Policy provides senior-level oversight of the agency’s fiscal policy analysis and policy-setting and serves as a member of the leadership team; Oversees the Fiscal Policy administrative unit; provides leadership in strategic higher education finance, qualitative research, analytics, budgeting, and reporting; Supports strategic planning and policy development with a fiscal lens.

The ideal candidate will be an expert in data analysis, synthesis, visualization and presentation with a minimum of a Master’s Degree from an accredited Institution in a related field, have 5+ years of progressively responsible professional, related experience with 2+ years of experience in a leadership role, have experience with Government and/or Higher education finance, have knowledge of/experience with state funding streams for higher education, and have substantial experience presenting to and advising elected officials and senior organizational leaders.

Major Duties & Responsibilities include:

  • Leads the Board’s strategic higher education finance policy, fiscal data analysis and budgeting, providing vision, analysis, and execution

  • Leads the development of the annual higher education operating and capital budget recommendations to the Board, Governor, and General Assembly

  • 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 the 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

  • Leads and develops a staff team, overseeing their work, professional development, and success

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

  • Serves as a member of the IBHE leadership team, providing direct oversight and management of the assigned unit

  • Other duties as assigned, within scope of position

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • 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

  • Ability to collaborate and work well within teams

  • 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

Education and Experience:

  • Required: Master’s degree* from an accredited Institution, in a related field

    • Three+ years of professional-level, relevant experience may be substituted for a Master’s degree

  • Significant experience with data analysis and modeling including with institutional, state, and/or postsecondary data

  • 5+ years of progressively responsible professional, related experience (required) with at least 2 years of experience in a leadership role (preferred)

  • Government and/or Higher education finance experience a plus, including understanding of state postsecondary finance policy and budgeting processes.

  • Knowledge of/experience with state funding streams for higher education preferred

  • Experience presenting to and advising elected officials and senior organizational leaders

  • 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

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/43614/

A resume is required.

Application deadline is 04/25/25

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.