Hybrid - Work Model
Job Category: Academic Professional
The University of Illinois System (University) is pleased to announce the search for Senior Director, Institute of Government and Public Affairs (IGPA). The Senior Director serves as the chief administrative officer of the institute and leads IGPA's missions of public engagement and public policy research and analysis, overseeing the activities of the IGPA faculty scholars and working groups as well as the activities of the professional and support staff. The Senior Director also engages in professional relationships with elected and appointed government officials as well as community organizations and supports these groups with activities such as direct consultation; service on boards, commissions and task forces; training for public servants; and production of a variety of policy analysis projects. Outreach to multiple constituencies including elected and appointed government officials, corporate and nonprofit executives, other policymakers, and the media to establish and cultivate relationships with the institute. The position reports directly to the Executive Vice President & Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Full description and application are available here.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SYSTEM
The University of Illinois System, established in 1867 and comprised of three universities at Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield, enrolls more than 94,000 students and has a sponsored research portfolio of more than $1.1 billion. The system is, in total, a $7.18 billion enterprise with an annual economic impact of more than $19 billion.
Three unique universities provide world-class programs and student experiences, all united in enhancing the public good, delivering an outstanding student experience, and seeking truth. For more information about the University of Illinois System, each university, as well as UI Health and the regional centers, please visit the University’s website.
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
IGPA is a premier policy research institute in the University of Illinois System that supports and conducts research and analysis on public policy issues. Primarily focused on policy issues in the state of Illinois, IGPA's mission is to connect the expertise of faculty at the three universities of the U of I System with policymakers, practitioners, and the public, with the goal of providing non-partisan, policy-relevant knowledge and expertise. Public policy areas of interest in Illinois and elsewhere include education and learning, budget and finance, transportation, mental and physical well-being, energy and the environment, government and politics, and other emerging issues.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Required:
- Provide leadership and direction for the activities of IGPA. Develop a vision for IGPA, set priorities and goals in consultation with IGPA faculty working groups and the universities, and implement strategies to achieve the priorities and goals. Collaborate closely with the provosts and other university and system leaders to secure consistent support of IGPA.
- With group leaders, organize the activities of IGPA's faculty working groups and ensure that faculty members in each group support and contribute to those activities. Work with system and university leaders to develop effective incentives that enable IGPA to achieve its goals and objectives.
- Oversee IGPA activities in all areas of public policy research and analysis, as well as the institute's public outreach and government engagement efforts. Manage IGPA staff members and provide leadership and oversight of IGPA programs and initiatives.
- Identify and nurture an extensive network of professional consultative relationships with appointed and elected officials in local, state, regional, and federal government, as well as other higher education institutions, policy and research institutes, law reform bodies, community organizations, and corporations where applicable. Proactively seek opportunities for IGPA to serve the state appropriately through public policy research and analysis.
- Develop opportunities for advancing IGPA through fundraising in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Vice President & Vice President for Academic Affairs (OEVP/VPAA) and the University of Illinois Foundation.
- Maintain professional consultative relationships with relevant academic departments, colleges, and centers/institutes in the area of public policy to identify collaborative opportunities across the universities. Serve as the primary liaison between IGPA and other system units, as well as between IGPA and academic leadership at each of the three universities.
- Oversee all aspects of the administrative, financial, business, and property activities of IGPA.
- Perform other duties, tasks, and assignments appropriate for the role of Senior Director and as assigned by the EVP/VPAA.
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QUALIFICATIONS
Education Required
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Required:
- Tenured faculty at an accredited higher education institution, preferably public. Exceptional qualifications and experience related to this position may be substituted for this requirement.
- Strong leadership experience in higher education with an appreciation for shared governance.
- Demonstrated ability to interact with governmental and other public policy leaders formally and informally.
- Distinguished record in public policy research and/or public policy making.
- Demonstrated ability to interact with news media; experience in fundraising, gain consensus among a variety of individuals and stakeholder groups and influence constituents who are not direct reports.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentations, as well as the ability to negotiate with multiple stakeholders.
- Willingness to carefully consider input from IGPA-affiliated faculty and staff before making final decisions and to be transparent about IGPA's strategy and tactics.
- Experience in public policy development and policymaking at the state, regional, or national level is strongly desired. Which may include a significant advisory or consultative role to policymakers, substantial and recognized contributions to the public discourse on issues of public policy, and/or an elected or appointed position in government.
Preferred:
- Familiarity with the state of Illinois and its public policy making institutions and groups.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is an Academic Professional position. This position is Hybrid and can be located on any of our three campuses, Urbana-Champaign, Chicago or Springfield.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION
For full consideration, candidates must apply and submit a letter of application, resume, and names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references by 6 pm on 2/23/2024.