---

---

Location

Urbana, IL | United States

---

Job description

Project Manager- Big Ten Academic Alliance

The Big Ten Academic Alliance, the consortium of Big Ten universities headquartered in Champaign, IL and hosted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus, is seeking a Project Manager.


The Big Ten Academic Alliance is at the forefront of higher education academic collaboration and focuses on advancing institutional excellence. We are seeking a Project Manager who will play a critical role in supporting our Operations Team, procurement collaboration, and other stakeholder groups supported by our office. Big Ten Academic Alliance staff are employees of the University of Illinois and receive employee benefits. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse community that values and celebrates the unique contributions of everyone, actively seeking those who share our commitment to diversity and inclusion and who will contribute to the creation of a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

A successful Project Manager will orchestrate various projects crucial to our collaborative academic and operational goals. This role is essential in managing varied initiatives, ranging from operational efficiency to strategic procurement collaborations, and will involve significant workflow/process mapping to enhance organizational effectiveness. This position is critical to the growth of collaborative projects across all institutions. The Project Manager must be willing to independently move initiatives forward, removing barriers and reaching milestones in a timely way.

Duties & Responsibilities

Project Management and Organizational Support

• Work with the Operations Team and other stakeholders to plan, organize, implement, and communicate activities, policies, and processes.
• Attend and document project meetings, recommending best practices for meeting objectives and improving outcomes. Documenting discussions and decisions. Create clear and comprehensive progress reports to keep all stakeholders informed about projects and their impacts.
• Create and disseminate project progress reports, ensuring clear communication across the organization.
• Maintain and organize project documents, records, and data.
• Compile and summarize project information for reports and presentations.

Technology and Communications Support

• Collaborate with Technology and Communications Team: Plan, organize, and implement technology-driven projects and communication strategies.
• Contribute to projects related to IT infrastructure, software development, and digital transformation.
• Facilitate Online Collaboration and Events: Plan and manage online events and meetings, utilizing platforms like Zoom Events and Microsoft Teams to support effective remote collaboration and communication.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Assist in collaborative procurement initiatives by attending meetings, documenting follow-up items, scheduling next meetings, and prompting reminders as appropriate.
• Initiate the collection of data for strategic sourcing initiatives and/or benchmarking. Ensure the maintenance and organization of such data.
• Manage all responsibilities related to Big Ten lab supplies contracting initiatives. This includes, but is not limited to, attending meetings, documenting detailed notes, following up with all participants, scheduling multiple meetings with vendors, and prompting parties on next steps to ensure all initiatives move forward.
• Support the Procurement Benefit Initiative by building a library of presentations, reports, and data. Schedule regular training and build a workflow for regular reporting in cooperation with the leading member institution.
• Perform additional appropriate duties to support collaboration.

Workflow Mapping and Process Improvement

• Lead the development and implementation of workflow/process mapping initiatives across the organization. Analyze current processes, identify inefficiencies, and propose improvements.
• Train and guide staff in new processes and workflows, ensuring smooth adoption and sustained effectiveness.
• Independently update the organization’s Knowledge Base as appropriate.

Position Qualifications

Required-

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a related field.
• A total of one (1) year (12 months) experience in project management and process improvement.

Preferred-

• Certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP, CAPM).
• Experience in higher education or similar complex organizational settings.

Successful candidate will have the following-

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Project Management and collaboration software tools.
• Adaptability: Respond to change positively and adjust style to the needs of the situation.
• Attention to Detail: Thoroughly accomplish tasks with concern for all involved areas.
• Collaboration: Develop cooperation and teamwork while working towards solutions that benefit all involved parties.
• Drive for Results: Demonstrate concern for achieving or surpassing results against internal or external standards.
• Initiative: Proactively act on opportunities and issues to capitalize or resolve them.
• Innovation: Apply original thinking to improve processes, methods, systems, or services.
• Open Communication: Encourage open expression of ideas and opinions.
• Prioritization Skills: Demonstrate the ability to prioritize tasks effectively when under pressure and facing numerous urgent responsibilities.
• Problem Solving: Build a logical approach to address problems or opportunities effectively.
• Professionalism: Think carefully about the likely effects of words, actions, and behavior on others.
• Reliability: Demonstrate high dependability in all aspects of the job.
• Organizational Loyalty: Exhibit appreciation for the Big Ten universities and their academic and research missions.
• Technical Expertise: Apply specialized knowledge, skills, and judgment effectively.
• Ability to work after hours occasionally as necessary.
• Willingness to travel as needed for project coordination.

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 the close of the search. Minimum salary for this position is $60,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements. Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position.


For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Monday, March 18, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through 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 Jennifer Steiling at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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. 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 [email protected].

Requisition ID : 1023115

Job Category : Administrative

Apply at:

---

Job tags

---

---

Salary