Managing Director of ISEE

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 145,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition waivers

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a Managing Director of iSEE to lead day-to-day operations and implement the strategic vision. The role requires coordinating administrative, financial, HR, and research administration activities with a focus on sustainability, energy and environment initiatives.

The ideal candidate will oversee budgets, salary programs, and partnerships, while ensuring compliance with university policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of management experience involving financial management, accounting and budget development.
• At least 3 years supervisory experience, including hybrid and remote workers.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee administrative and financial operations, ensuring policy compliance.
• Lead grants life-cycle management and compliance in research administration.
• Supervise staff and manage HR, salary programs, and professional development.
• Oversee unit budgets, procurement, and integration with OVCRI leadership.
• Develop external relationships with faculty, institutes, funding agencies and partners.

Skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Conflict resolution

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Office software

Job description

Managing Director of ISEE

Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment

This position requires in-person work on the Urbana-Champaign campus.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs. The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a globally recognized interdisciplinary institute dedicated to advancing solutions to the world's most pressing sustainability challenges. iSEE brings together researchers, students, industry leaders, policymakers, and community partners to accelerate innovation at the intersection of climate, energy, agriculture, natural resources, and environmental stewardship. Through a unique integration of cutting-edge research, transformative education, public engagement, and campus sustainability leadership, iSEE translates scientific discovery into real-world impact, helping build a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for Illinois, the nation, and the world. As a campus-wide institute with a strong reputation for collaboration and innovation, iSEE seeks a managing director to expand its impact, strengthen strategic partnerships, and advance the University of Illinois' role as a global leader in sustainability, energy, and environmental solutions.

Job Summary

Manage the day-to-day operations of the Institute and provide leadership in implementing the strategic vision and direction.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Administrative Leadership
  • Direct all administrative and financial operations in the institute, ensuring compliance with University policies, procedures, and relevant state and federal laws.
  • Support the Director in development and implementation of strategic planning documents and chair weekly staff and management meetings to coordinate activities and monitor progress across the institute's three mission areas. Oversee planning and execution of iSEE engagement events.
  • Serve as the institute contact with facilities management, space utilization, and other administrative functions.
  • Serve as the Director's designee in a variety of administrative and HR matters.
• Research Administration
  • Oversee the grants process through the full life-cycle - opportunity identification, proposal development, award negotiation, post-award and close out.
  • Support the unit response to any audit inquiries.
  • Serve as the primary contact to Sponsored Program Administration and the Office of Research Security and keep up to date on grant compliance, research security, export controls, and other applicable regulations.
• Human Resources Management
  • Direct and supervise professional staff within iSEE to facilitate effective administration of finances, sponsored research, event planning, campus sustainability, and educational and engagement programs, which includes: managing responsibilities, prioritizing workloads, professional development, and performance evaluation. Support training and mentorship of professional staff in centers within iSEE.
  • Serve as a liaison between unit and OVCRI HR on hiring practices, performance management, visa processing, and policy interpretation and implementation.
  • Oversee the annual salary program for the unit and centers within the unit, including salary recommendations for institute staff and issuing salary planner letters.
• Financial Management
  • Responsible for fiscal management and control of state appropriations, grants, contracts, gifts, indirect cost recovery, and self-supporting funds.
  • Implement unit policies and workflows for the maintenance and management of accounts, monitoring of expenditures, procurement, and equipment, and budget development.
  • Collaborate closely with the OVCRI business leadership on the annual budget planning process.
• Other duties
  • Develop and foster relationships with faculty, other institutes and departments, funding agencies, and industry collaborators.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, science, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of management experience involving financial management, accounting and budget development.
• At least 3 years supervisory experience, including hybrid and remote workers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in business, engineering, science, or a related field.
• One year of experience with research administration, including grants, contracts, and compliance in academic or government-funded settings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to exercise initiative, confidentiality, discretion, and sound independent judgment.
• Must be skilled in conflict management and resolution.
• Ability to interact effectively with faculty, students, staff, alumni and other unit stakeholders.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining vigilant attention to details.
• Commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Ability to use standard office technology and tools.
• Knowledge of and/or experience in a land-grant university system.
• Ability to navigate and succeed within large, complex, decentralized organizations with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $145,000 to $160,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifiers and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Monday, November 9, 2026. For further information about this specific position, please contact Leslie Lewin Reinhart at 217-333-0034. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first‑generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far‑reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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 accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].

Requisition ID: 1038802
Job Category: Professional and Administrative