Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), one of the nation’s leading urban public research universities, is dedicated to access, excellence, and impact. As Chicago’s only public research university and its largest educator of health professionals, UIC serves more than 34,000 students and is recognized for driving innovation, advancing equity, and strengthening communities. We are seeking a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking professional who thrives in complex environments and is motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting institutional impact.

Salary: The salary range for this position is $135,000-$155,000

We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.  Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

Position Summary

The Director of Strategic Initiatives and System Affairs serves as a senior partner to the Chancellor and Chief of Staff, leading high-priority projects and advancing strategic institutional goals. The position provides leadership and coordination for initiatives that strengthen UIC’s mission, align university and system priorities, and enhance the efficiency of decision-making processes.

This role requires exceptional judgment, project management skills, and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and relationships—particularly with the University of Illinois System and the Board of Trustees. The Director integrates strategy, analysis, and stakeholder engagement to ensure that institutional initiatives move forward with clarity, accountability, and measurable impact.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Lead planning, coordination, and implementation of high-impact strategic initiatives and projects on behalf of the Chancellor.
• Define success metrics and evaluate outcomes to inform executive decision-making.
• Provide advice and support to the Chancellor and Chief of Staff on university-wide policies, initiatives, and institutional priorities.

System and Governance Relations

• Serve as UIC’s primary liaison to the University of Illinois System and the Board of Trustees, coordinating participation in meetings and ensuring alignment with protocols and priorities.
• Manage preparation of Board items, briefing materials, and reports; advise relevant staff on requirements, deadlines, and expectations.
• Coordinate with campus and system offices to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and strategic alignment in all submissions.

Executive Support and Institutional Engagement

• Support executive searches, reviews, and leadership initiatives within the Chancellor’s direct reporting units.
• Serve on committees related to institutional policy and provide oversight on behalf of the Chancellor’s Office for policy development and implementation.
• Foster communication and engagement with student leadership and other university stakeholders.
• Represent the Chancellor’s Office at internal and external meetings requiring discretion, tact, and strategic awareness.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide oversight of employee administrative leave tracking and reporting to the U of I System in collaboration with UIC Human Resources.
• Manage special projects, programs, and initiatives as assigned by the Chancellor or Chief of Staff.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, administration, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making.
• Strong written, verbal, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Experience managing sensitive or complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective working relationships across diverse teams.

For fullest consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume online at https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/18442 by December 4, 2025. Questions can be directed to Gerardo Jimenez, Director of Human Resources, at cpbsc@uic.edu.

The 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, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation.