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Title: Chief of Staff, Finance and Planning Division
Department: Vice President Finance & Planning
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The Chief of Staff to the Vice President of Finance and Planning plays a critical leadership and strategic role in supporting the VP by overseeing operations, managing key initiatives, and ensuring that the Finance and Planning division runs smoothly and efficiently. This position involves high-level coordination, project management, and communication across multiple departments, serving as a trusted advisor and partner to the VP. The ideal candidate will be an experienced professional with strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills, capable of managing both the tactical and strategic needs of the VP’s office.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$215,000 - $230,000

Additional Information

University Benefit Highlights: 
 
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life 
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options 
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents 
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks 
- Paid benefit time 
 
Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree
2. Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a leadership, project management, or strategic operations role, in higher education
3. 4-6 years of experience in supporting senior leadership, driving initiatives, and leading cross-functional teams
4. Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master's degree in business, finance, public administration or a related field
2. Experience with or certification in Lean Six Sigma techniques to improve work
3. Experience with complex, integrated accounting systems, e.g. Oracle, PeopleSoft and experience with query tools is preferred. Technical fluency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.

Work Hours

Standard work hours are M-F, 8am - 4:30 pm. Occasional weekend and evening work may be expected.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

1. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.
2. Remain at a workstation for extended periods of time.
3. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.

Proposed Starting Date

8/1/2025

Required Applicant Documents

Resume/C.V.
Cover Letter
Reference List (specifically, the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of at least three professional references)

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Contact Information for Applicants

Cindy Lotz, Director of Executive Search Services
(309) 438-7487
cllotz@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.