Primary Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Strategic Positioning
● Developing and executing comprehensive implementation plans for projects and
initiatives, in alignment with the mission and priorities of the Center and Institute
● Develop and manage an Advisory Committee, and subcommittees as needed, that
fosters the Center’s success
● Incorporating critical reviews and analyses of research and data to inform strategies
● Identifying prospective partners, developing tailored engagement strategies to
achieve the Center’s goals
● Secure funding that covers the cost of the Center’s operations by optimizing use of
available federal, state, institutional, and private resources
Center Leadership, Execution, and Implementation
● Develop and manage critical relationships with a wide range of stakeholders,
including high school and postsecondary agencies and institutions, employers,
student success organizations, higher education subject matter experts and
policy makers to achieve implementation of projects and initiatives achieve
implementation of projects and initiatives.
● Connecting with CSU departments and units, such as Academic Affairs or External
Affairs, to fully understand vision and direction for project development and
implementation
● Hire and manage Center staff.
Research
● Conducting and releasing research that contributes new understanding of dynamics
impacting Black and Latine students in Illinois’ higher education system and solutions for closing the education attainment divide
● Identifying target audiences and developing tailored engagement strategies to achieve project goals
● Bringing innovation, a fresh perspective, and a willingness to engage beyond traditional
approaches in order to advance projects and initiatives in a saturated market
Policies & Systems Change
● Developing and Integrating coalition building, communication, and policy enactment
plans to achieve implementation of projects and initiatives. This includes educating a
wide-range of decision-makers on key policies and practices to close the education
divide, including legislators, education system leaders (including state agencies, school
districts, postsecondary institutions), and employers.
Desired Professional Experiences / Qualifications:
● A minimum of five years at a senior-level administrative level in advocacy roles,
non-profit management, or related fields
● Knowledgeable of best practices and current trends in higher education, ideally in the
area of needs of Black and/or Latine students
● Demonstrated leadership in ‘systems-change’ work, whether it is through policy change
at an agency or institution or legislative engagement
● Experience with conducting research that advances an understanding of systems’
challenges and potential solutions
● Highly efficient, effective and results-oriented individual with strong business acumen
● Experience working with governing and advisory boards for alignment of strategic
priorities
● Proven experience leading, motivating, and managing coalitions of support
● Excellent interpersonal skills and a communication style that can drive consensus
building with internal and external constituents
● Experience with fundraising preferred
Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required; a master’s degree is
preferred.
Salary & Benefits: The position salary range is $100,000 – $115,000, depending on experience.
CSU offers a competitive benefits package.
