University of Illinois
Assistant Head, Business & Strategic Planning - Animal Sciences
University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, us, 61803
Assistant Head, Business & Strategic Planning
Animal Sciences
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Through innovation, discovery, and state-of-the-art teaching, we make a difference in people's lives, the lives of the animals they keep, and in global animal conservation efforts. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.
Assistant Head, Business & Strategic Planning
The Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) seeks candidates for position of Assistant Head, Business & Strategic Planning. This position has an integral leadership role on a collaborative team, reporting to the Department Head of Animal Sciences. The Animal Sciences Business Office Team has a legacy of providing effective and efficient client services. The team fosters an environment of support and inclusion. This position and the team benefit from the diversity of backgrounds throughout the College of ACES that helps to provide a supportive environment for growth.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Provide strategic leadership and planning functions for the Department of Animal Sciences including overseeing fiscal resources, finance functions, and human resource management within the unit. The Department has research, teaching, and extension/outreach programs.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategically Lead Administrative Operations
• Oversee all financial, human resource and administrative operations in the department and ensure that relevant state and federal laws and regulations as well as University policy and procedures are applied.
• Oversee, hiring, training and scheduling of staff in business operations. Provide training related to business, human resource operations, and grants and contracts for faculty and staff.
• Manage and supervise the Department's business functions (including office staff), maintaining and enhancing the strong service orientation of the office.
• Implement Departmental policies for the maintenance and management of accounts, monitor expenditures, budget development and preparation of various types of management information.
• Direct and supervise professional and support staff to facilitate effective administration within the department including delegation of duties/responsibilities; prioritizing workloads to ensure deadlines are met and urgent matters are addressed in a timely manner; monitoring productivity; and overseeing progress of short- and long-term unit objectives and goals.
• Identify areas of fiscal activity that could benefit from improved processes and initiate the development and implementation of process improvements.
• Serve as an alternate Departmental Unit Security Contact (USC).
Human Resource Management
• Manage human resources administration for the unit and subunits with the department.
• Analyze the human resources needs of various departmental activities and advise faculty and staff on such for the recruitment of academic and staff personnel and personnel policies. Includes position establishment, affirmative action policies, personnel actions of all types, and union and labor relations in conjunction with the College.
• Provide oversight and strategy to the Human Resource Office including but not limited to policy and systems development, appointment processing, staff performance evaluation, professional development, and hiring processes.
• Assist with the annual salary increase assignment process and oversee salary planner for the departmental annual budget.
• Provide counsel to department head and faculty in handling personnel issues, advise Head and faculty on recruitment of academic and civil service staff (including OAE/AA) policies.
• Oversee the financial aspect of hiring new staff and determine academic salary recommendations with, and/or on behalf of, the Department Head.
Strategic Analysis and Budgeting
• Responsible for fiscal management and control of all Department funds including state and federal appropriations, grants, contracts, gifts, indirect cost recovery, and self-supporting funds.
• Identify areas of fiscal activity that could benefit from improved processes and initiate the development and implementation of process improvements.
• Work closely with the unit's leadership team, ACES business managers, ACES Human Resources and Office of Budget, Finance and Resource Planning, and University administrative and business offices.
• Actively manage various departmental operations such as auxiliary enterprises, special initiatives and projects as directed.
Research Administration
• Serve as the primary resource for budget preparation, administrative requirements and approvals for grant proposals.
• Assist faculty in identifying funding opportunities, preparation of grants and contracts, and financial planning and forecasting. Function as liaison with Sponsored Programs Administration. Direct Departmental level research operations administration.
• Oversee and coordinate responses related to Post-Award information and compliance requests.
Facilities Management
• Serve as departmental contact with various College and Campus Offices and Divisions including facilities management, space utilization and other administrative functions.
• Oversee department's inventory control.
Other Duties
• Serve as the Department Head's designee in a variety of administrative matters and as the liaison to the unit, College and Campus committees.
• Serve on departmental, campus, and/or University committees. Prepare reports and analyses relating to budgets, grants and contracts, and human resources.
• In the department head's absence, represent the department regarding financial strategic planning matters.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Required:
Bachelor's degree
Preferred:
MBA, MPA or relevant advanced degree
Experience:
Required:
Three years' experience involving administration, fiscal, personnel, and/or general organizational responsibilities within a large and complex organization with a high volume/time-sensitive workload.
Preferred:
Direct experience and knowledge of University of Illinois business and accounting systems, as well as business processes, including HR, procurement, payables, receivables, and policies and procedures preferred. Knowledge of and experience working with multiple sources of funds, including state, federal, gift, self-supporting, and ICR preferred.
Training, Licenses or Certifications:
Preferred:
Illinois Certified Research Administrator, self-supporting certification
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Commitment to shared decision-making and experience in working collaboratively in a team environment.
1. Exercise initiative, confidentiality, and independent judgment in carrying out the functions of this position.
2. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn federal, state and funding agencies policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and codes applicable to the administration of grants and contracts.
3. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, University policies and procedures.
4. Knowledge of principles and processes involved in contractual and grant monitoring procedures.
5. Knowledge of computers; word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.
6. Ability to negotiate , influence and reconcile differences.
7. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
8. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community; strong interpersonal and communication skills.
9. Ability to provide technical advice and information to faculty and staff in their area of expertise.
10. Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.
11. Ability to motivate, develop, and direct people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
12. Ability to analyze data and formulate conclusions.
13. Ability to function in a high stress environment to meet deadlines.
14. Ability to take initiative; willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges; exercise independent judgment and discretion.
SALARY AND APPOINTMENT DETAILS:
This is a full-time (100 FTE%, 12/12 service basis) academic professional appointment. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for this position is $90,000 to $120,000. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.
PROPOSED STARTING DATE:
The proposed start is as soon as possible after the closing date.
APPLICATON PROCEDURES:
Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting on https://jobs.illinois.edu and upload your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by
6:00 pm (CST) on August 15, 2025 . The position will remain open until filled. All requested information must be submitted via the online system for your application to be considered.
For further information, please contact Dr. Matt Wheeler, Chair of the Search Committee (mbwheele@illinois.edu), or Dr. Dan Shike, Interim Head of the Department (dshike@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
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 : 1031248 Job Category : Professional and Administrative Apply at:
https://jobs.illinois.edu
Animal Sciences
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Through innovation, discovery, and state-of-the-art teaching, we make a difference in people's lives, the lives of the animals they keep, and in global animal conservation efforts. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.
Assistant Head, Business & Strategic Planning
The Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) seeks candidates for position of Assistant Head, Business & Strategic Planning. This position has an integral leadership role on a collaborative team, reporting to the Department Head of Animal Sciences. The Animal Sciences Business Office Team has a legacy of providing effective and efficient client services. The team fosters an environment of support and inclusion. This position and the team benefit from the diversity of backgrounds throughout the College of ACES that helps to provide a supportive environment for growth.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Provide strategic leadership and planning functions for the Department of Animal Sciences including overseeing fiscal resources, finance functions, and human resource management within the unit. The Department has research, teaching, and extension/outreach programs.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategically Lead Administrative Operations
• Oversee all financial, human resource and administrative operations in the department and ensure that relevant state and federal laws and regulations as well as University policy and procedures are applied.
• Oversee, hiring, training and scheduling of staff in business operations. Provide training related to business, human resource operations, and grants and contracts for faculty and staff.
• Manage and supervise the Department's business functions (including office staff), maintaining and enhancing the strong service orientation of the office.
• Implement Departmental policies for the maintenance and management of accounts, monitor expenditures, budget development and preparation of various types of management information.
• Direct and supervise professional and support staff to facilitate effective administration within the department including delegation of duties/responsibilities; prioritizing workloads to ensure deadlines are met and urgent matters are addressed in a timely manner; monitoring productivity; and overseeing progress of short- and long-term unit objectives and goals.
• Identify areas of fiscal activity that could benefit from improved processes and initiate the development and implementation of process improvements.
• Serve as an alternate Departmental Unit Security Contact (USC).
Human Resource Management
• Manage human resources administration for the unit and subunits with the department.
• Analyze the human resources needs of various departmental activities and advise faculty and staff on such for the recruitment of academic and staff personnel and personnel policies. Includes position establishment, affirmative action policies, personnel actions of all types, and union and labor relations in conjunction with the College.
• Provide oversight and strategy to the Human Resource Office including but not limited to policy and systems development, appointment processing, staff performance evaluation, professional development, and hiring processes.
• Assist with the annual salary increase assignment process and oversee salary planner for the departmental annual budget.
• Provide counsel to department head and faculty in handling personnel issues, advise Head and faculty on recruitment of academic and civil service staff (including OAE/AA) policies.
• Oversee the financial aspect of hiring new staff and determine academic salary recommendations with, and/or on behalf of, the Department Head.
Strategic Analysis and Budgeting
• Responsible for fiscal management and control of all Department funds including state and federal appropriations, grants, contracts, gifts, indirect cost recovery, and self-supporting funds.
• Identify areas of fiscal activity that could benefit from improved processes and initiate the development and implementation of process improvements.
• Work closely with the unit's leadership team, ACES business managers, ACES Human Resources and Office of Budget, Finance and Resource Planning, and University administrative and business offices.
• Actively manage various departmental operations such as auxiliary enterprises, special initiatives and projects as directed.
Research Administration
• Serve as the primary resource for budget preparation, administrative requirements and approvals for grant proposals.
• Assist faculty in identifying funding opportunities, preparation of grants and contracts, and financial planning and forecasting. Function as liaison with Sponsored Programs Administration. Direct Departmental level research operations administration.
• Oversee and coordinate responses related to Post-Award information and compliance requests.
Facilities Management
• Serve as departmental contact with various College and Campus Offices and Divisions including facilities management, space utilization and other administrative functions.
• Oversee department's inventory control.
Other Duties
• Serve as the Department Head's designee in a variety of administrative matters and as the liaison to the unit, College and Campus committees.
• Serve on departmental, campus, and/or University committees. Prepare reports and analyses relating to budgets, grants and contracts, and human resources.
• In the department head's absence, represent the department regarding financial strategic planning matters.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Required:
Bachelor's degree
Preferred:
MBA, MPA or relevant advanced degree
Experience:
Required:
Three years' experience involving administration, fiscal, personnel, and/or general organizational responsibilities within a large and complex organization with a high volume/time-sensitive workload.
Preferred:
Direct experience and knowledge of University of Illinois business and accounting systems, as well as business processes, including HR, procurement, payables, receivables, and policies and procedures preferred. Knowledge of and experience working with multiple sources of funds, including state, federal, gift, self-supporting, and ICR preferred.
Training, Licenses or Certifications:
Preferred:
Illinois Certified Research Administrator, self-supporting certification
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Commitment to shared decision-making and experience in working collaboratively in a team environment.
1. Exercise initiative, confidentiality, and independent judgment in carrying out the functions of this position.
2. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn federal, state and funding agencies policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and codes applicable to the administration of grants and contracts.
3. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, University policies and procedures.
4. Knowledge of principles and processes involved in contractual and grant monitoring procedures.
5. Knowledge of computers; word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.
6. Ability to negotiate , influence and reconcile differences.
7. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
8. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community; strong interpersonal and communication skills.
9. Ability to provide technical advice and information to faculty and staff in their area of expertise.
10. Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.
11. Ability to motivate, develop, and direct people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
12. Ability to analyze data and formulate conclusions.
13. Ability to function in a high stress environment to meet deadlines.
14. Ability to take initiative; willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges; exercise independent judgment and discretion.
SALARY AND APPOINTMENT DETAILS:
This is a full-time (100 FTE%, 12/12 service basis) academic professional appointment. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for this position is $90,000 to $120,000. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.
PROPOSED STARTING DATE:
The proposed start is as soon as possible after the closing date.
APPLICATON PROCEDURES:
Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting on https://jobs.illinois.edu and upload your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by
6:00 pm (CST) on August 15, 2025 . The position will remain open until filled. All requested information must be submitted via the online system for your application to be considered.
For further information, please contact Dr. Matt Wheeler, Chair of the Search Committee (mbwheele@illinois.edu), or Dr. Dan Shike, Interim Head of the Department (dshike@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
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 : 1031248 Job Category : Professional and Administrative Apply at:
https://jobs.illinois.edu