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.
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 Policy, Research & Fiscal Analysis.
The Managing Director of Policy, Research & Fiscal Analysis leads the agency work in establishing a statewide higher education policy agenda, including legislative, regulatory, and fiscal proposals, in alignment with and to advance the higher education strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois; Serves as a member of the IBHE Senior Leadership team and oversees agency organizational units including Policy, Higher Education Finance Policy, and Information Research, Analytics, and Reporting, establishing and executing on an ambitious vision; Serves as the chief policy advisor to the Executive Director.
The ideal candidate will hold a minimum of a Master’s Degree in public policy, public administration, or related field from an accredited Institution in a related field, ten (10)+ years of related experience, vast experience with public policy research, development and advocacy, including experience working in or with local, state, or federal government, and five (5)+ years of supervision of professional staff.
Serves as a member of the Senior Leadership team, guiding agency direction, execution, and success, including the agency’s annual planning, budgeting, and goal-setting
Leads the agency work in establishing a statewide higher education policy agenda, including legislative, regulatory, and fiscal proposals, in alignment with and to advance the higher education strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois; Stays abreast and draws on deep knowledge of national and state higher education policy research, initiatives, and innovations
Establishes and executes on research agenda to support policy development, reporting, program analysis, and student success
Guides development of statewide higher education fiscal policy, including overseeing annual higher education operating and capital budget recommendations, research analyses, publications, and reporting
Sets the vision for, leads and directly oversees multiple agency divisions including Policy, Higher Education Finance Policy, and Information Research, Analytics, and Reporting
Builds high performing teams including but not limited to providing coaching, developing, and drawing out the best work from staff
Provides high-level coordination across agency departments, units, and functions, to ensure peak agency effectiveness
Informs and provides analysis to the Board, Governor’s Office, and Legislature; engages with the Board and Board members on major initiatives, committees, and projects
Other duties as assigned, within scope of position
Knowledge of major higher education policy, programs, and innovations
Understanding of applicable research, data systems, and analytic approaches
Knowledge of or capacity to understand major fiscal policy choices at the institutional and state levels Demonstrated ability to support and develop professional staff
Strong organizational leader, with clarity of purpose, passion for education and public service, and commitment to advancing equity for students underrepresented in higher education
Capacity to develop, set, and execute on a vision for the organizational division
Highly analytical with the ability to review, assess, and dive deeply into a variety of data, reports, and research to assess meaning and implications, synthesize findings, and present concise conclusions and recommendations
Sound judgement to assess and make recommendations in various policy contexts, including national, state, and institutional
Ability to synthesize, summarize, and present important information to general stakeholder and specialized audiences
Excellent communication skills; Can write clearly, edit well, and make effective public presentations; Uses data visualizations effectively
Demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and draw out the best work from staff
Collaborative and team-oriented leader
Required:
Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, or related field
Ten (10)+ years of related experience
Experience with public policy research, development and advocacy, including experience working in or with local, state, or federal government
Knowledge of major higher education policy, programs, and innovations
Understanding of applicable research, data systems, and analytic approaches
Knowledge of and capacity to understand major fiscal policy choices at the institutional and state levels
Preferred:
Five (5)+ years of supervision of professional staff
PhD (or equivalent) in a related field, from an accredited institution
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.
Annual starting salary commensurate with experience, within the range of $148,500 - not to exceed $175,000
We offer the state’s competitive employee benefits package.
Apply online at: https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/44664/
A resume AND cover letter are required.
Application deadline is 03/15/2025
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