Project Manager - OVCIA Advancement Operations at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Project Manager - OVCIA Advancement Operations




Office of the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement


University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Based in Urbana-Champaign, IL with hybrid/remote opportunities

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement (OVCIA) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks a full-time Project Manager to serve as an integral piece of the organization and process management of the work of the Advancement Operations Team.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a global, preeminent university. Since its founding in 1867, it has earned a reputation as a world-class leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. In 2022, the University successfully completed its most ambitious philanthropic campaign, "With Illinois," raising $2.7 billion during the eight-year campaign and remains resolute towards its future philanthropic efforts. Developing robust advancement operations processes is critical towards fulfilling the University's Boldly Illinois strategic plan and future fundraising campaign goals.



Organizational Relationships and Job Summary


As a member of the OVCIA's Advancement Operations Team, which consists of the Strategic Engagement, Strategic Planning and Organizational Development, and People + Culture groups, the Project Manager will provide strategic support as we seek to better document, communicate, and analyze our growing portfolio of projects.

An important connection point between the Advancement Operations groups, the ideal candidate will help create a working environment that produces high caliber work and that embodies our advancement values: Exemplify Integrity; Practice Empathy; Embrace Collaboration; Inspire Innovation, and Enable Impact.

The Project Manager reports to the Senior Director of Advancement Operations and will manage one direct report.



Job Summary

Will provide strategic support as we seek to better document, communicate, and analyze our growing portfolio of projects.



Duties & Responsibilities


Project Management and Operational Support

• Develop and maintain a project management system that accurately captures the projects happening across the Advancement Operations team for easy access and reporting.
• Facilitate consistent and comprehensive project tracking through close collaboration with Advancement Operations teammates.
• Connect regularly with project leads to monitor project progress and deadlines, proactively addressing any potential delays when possible.
• Serve as supervisor for one direct report, working closely with them to delegate tasks needed for successful project execution across advancement operations projects.

Stakeholder Coordination and Reporting

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with team members and advancement colleagues to facilitate collaboration and support project success.
• Create and provide regular project status reports for a variety of audiences to keep them informed of progress and impacts.
• Assist in preparing ad-hoc presentations or briefs, including but not limited to those that outline project status, share results, or share information about a process.

Documentation and Process Improvement

• Develop and enforce standardized documentation practices across projects to ensure consistency and clarity.
• Ensure all projects are properly documented from initiation to closure and that project documents, records, and data are organized and easily accessible for team members and stakeholders.
• Facilitate regular project and process reviews, collecting and analyzing results and feedback to inform future improvements and identify opportunities for increased operationalization of projects.
• Develop documentation for staff on new processes and workflows, ensuring smooth transitions and sustained effectiveness.

Impact in Your First Year


At Advancement at Illinois, we value our employees and provide resources to help you continually learn and grow. We foster a strong, collaborative community of people who are driven by their ability to make a difference.

Within 3 months, you'll:

• Become familiar with the strategy, values, and priorities of the OVCIA and specifically the Advancement Operations team.
• Attend trainings, professional development, and networking activities for newcomers within Advancement
• Meet regularly with colleagues across Advancement Operations to begin to understand the work and current documentation systems of the team

Within 6 months, you'll:

• Facilitate consistent and comprehensive project tracking through close collaboration with Advancement Operations teammates.
• Begin the process to choose and adopt a project management and documentation system for the team.
• Coordinate, document, and help prioritize cross-functional projects within Advancement Operations.

By the end of the first year, you'll:

• Cooperatively set annual goals with your supervisor.
• Receive one-on-one coaching from People & Culture to help your transition to your new role.
• Facilitate process improvement reviews for projects and documentation processes within the team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• A total of three (3) years (36 months) of work experience in project management and/or process improvement in higher education or similar complex organizational settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP, CAPM).
• Experience working within project management systems and timelines and using those systems to streamline operations.
• Experience prioritizing tasks in an environment with multiple projects that have different requirements and timelines.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to multi-task and manage complex projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to develop cooperation and teamwork while working towards solutions that benefit all involved parties.
• Demonstrated ability with complex problem solving grounded in a logical approach that address problems or opportunities effectively.
• A commitment to working in a way that models the values of Advancement at Illinois: Exemplify Integrity; Practice Empathy; Embrace Collaboration; Inspire Innovation, and Enable Impact.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.

Appointment Information


This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 - Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after close date. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The expected salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000...

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .



Application Procedures & Deadline Information


Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 25, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a resume, cover letter, and the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of three professional references... In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Brenda Morris at bcmorris@illinois.edu an/or visit our Application FAQ site for tips. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.


Please note: Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.


The Illinois Advancement community is committed to an ongoing, proactive process to foster and achieve diversity and inclusion in its development, alumni relations and communication activities. We will respect and encourage different voices, perspectives and ideas as we strive to represent individuals of all backgrounds and cultures which includes but are not limited to the following: nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, spirituality, age and ability who represent our alumni, donors and friends of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.



CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY:


The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a comprehensive and major public land-grant university (Doctoral/Research University-Extensive) that is ranked among the best in the world. Chartered in 1867, it provides undergraduate and graduate education in more than 150 fields of study, conducts theoretical and applied research, and provides public service to the state and the nation. It employs about 3,000 faculty members who serve over 33,000 undergraduates and 17,000 graduate and professional students. More information about the campus is available at www.illinois.edu .

The university is located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana (total population 226,000) in east-central Illinois, and is situated about 140 miles south of Chicago, 125 miles west of Indianapolis, and 170 northeast of St. Louis. The University and its surrounding communities offer a cultural and recreational environment ideally suited to the work of a major research institution. For more information about the community, visit: Living in Champaign-Urbana , Experience Champaign Urbana , or Champaign County Chamber of Commerce .

Health insurance is available to employees (with the option to purchase coverage for spouse and dependents), required participation in State Universities Retirement System (SURS), with several options for participation in additional retirement plans. Learn more about employee benefits at the University of Illinois . Newly hired employees are covered by the Medicare portion of Social Security and are subject to this deduction.

The University of Illinois has a strong commitment to work-life balance and family-friendly programs for faculty and staff: Work-Life Balance & Family-Friendly Programs and Other Work-Life Programs .

When you pursue a career with Illinois Advancement, you'll join our tight-knit community of professionals who treat each other with as much care and respect as we treat our donors. At Illinois, we invest in you. Our leaders are eager to partner with you on the next phase of your career and have the tools and experience to help you succeed. Illinois Advancement values creativity and fosters a collaborative, flexible environment to develop new ideas that become best practices - and we're looking for your unique skills. Learn more about what others have to say about their experiences: Opportunity Awaits .

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, 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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .


Requisition ID:1027320
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
Apply Now