New

Associate Director, Process Innovation

University of Illinois Chicago
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Jul 25, 2025
Associate Director, Process Innovation Associate Director, Process Innovation Hiring Department: Budget & Financial Analysis Location: Chicago, IL USA Requisition ID: 1035521 Posting Close Date: 8/8/2025 Salary: The budgeted salary range for this position is $105,000-$120,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. About the University of Illinois Chicago UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago. Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits. Position Summary The Associate Director of Process Innovation plays a pivotal role in strengthening operational efficiency and financial sustainability within the Vice Chancellor for Finance (VCF) units and across the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). This position oversees key financial functions, including planning, budgeting, and fiscal administration for assigned units, while also leading institutional strategies to modernize and streamline administrative and financial processes. The Associate Director will direct a multi-year initiative to inventory, map, and evaluate critical workflows using Lean, Six Sigma, and other industry best practices. This work will inform the implementation of measurable, sustainable improvements. The position is also responsible for developing internal documentation and training materials to support adoption and knowledge transfer. Additionally, the Associate Director will serve as a consultant to other UIC units, fostering a university-wide culture of innovation. Duties & Responsibilities Budget and Financial Planning Lead financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal administration for assigned Vice Chancellor and Vice Provost units. Develop and evaluate multi-year budget projections, identify financial risks and opportunities, and support long-term resource planning. Prepare annual budget allocation materials and provide financial analyses to inform leadership decision-making. Serve as a strategic advisor to unit leadership, ensuring that operational planning aligns with institutional financial goals. Process Improvement and Innovation Leadership Lead a multi-year effort to inventory, map, and improve administrative and financial processes within VCF units and across UIC. Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and related methodologies to identify inefficiencies and implement effective, measurable improvements. Develop and maintain process documentation, including SOPs, process maps, and internal guidance to support transparency and operational consistency. Design and facilitate training sessions and workshops to promote adoption of improved processes and reinforce a culture of operational excellence. Performance Measurement and Analysis Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the impact of process changes and guide ongoing improvement. Use data analysis to evaluate baseline conditions and support evidence-based decision-making. Institutional Support and Engagement Provide consultative support to university units seeking to enhance administrative or financial operations. Collaborate with stakeholders to design and implement tailored solutions that strengthen efficiency, compliance, and service delivery. Contribute to special projects and perform other duties as assigned to support unit priorities and institutional goals. Project and Change Management Manage complex, cross-functional projects using formal project management tools and best practices. Prioritize initiatives, assess risk, and ensure alignment with institutional goals and timelines. Policy Development and Compliance Contribute to the development, review, and revision of institutional policies related to process innovation and fiscal accountability. Evaluate existing procedures and internal controls, recommending updates that enhance quality, compliance, and resource alignment. Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred. Experience: Minimum of five years of experience in process innovation, project management, or related fields, ideally within higher education, healthcare, or public institutions, with a focus on business-oriented activities. Demonstrated success leading initiatives using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies. Skills and Competencies: Expertise in process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma implementation, or other methodologies, and identifying measurable efficiency improvements. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in a financial or operational context. Effective project management skills with the ability to manage and lead multiple high-impact initiatives simultaneously. Excellent communication and collaboration skills to engage, motivate and influence diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration, drive accountability, and lead cross-functional teams. Proficiency in financial systems, project management platforms, and data analysis tools. Preferred Qualifications Experience in a higher education business setting. Certification in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent). Key Attributes: Deep commitment to UIC's mission of access and affordability while providing high-quality education, research and healthcare. Proactive, results-oriented, and dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence. Ability to lead change and build partnerships across a complex organizational environment. 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. The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation To apply, visit https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/15253?c=uic Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved. Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency jeid-fe53ea5906ba60408f3bc0a7ace4074e