Assistant Dean Special Projects & Strategic Operations - College of Engineering

Assistant Dean Special Projects & Strategic Operations - College of Engineering

Hiring Department: College of Engineering, Dean's Office

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1035402

Posting Close Date: July 3, 2025

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $110,000 to $140,000.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent 'Best Colleges' rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

Position Summary:

The position of Assistant Dean of Special Projects and Strategic Operations plays a central role in elevating the visibility and reputation of the College by coordinating major events, high-profile engagements, and strategic initiatives that shape UIC Engineering's public image and stakeholder relations. In addition, the Assistant Dean partners closely with department heads and Associate Deans to support internal governance, faculty engagement, and special projects that strengthen academic operations and strategic alignment.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Lead and coordinate flagship events such as Commencement, Alumni Board meetings, Advisory Board engagements, and major donor or dignitary visits (e.g., federal officials, state leadership, corporate executives).

Serve as the primary liaison for planning and execution of high-level activities that promote the UIC Engineering brand, including ribbon cuttings, building dedications, and ceremonial events.

Collaborate with the College's advancement and communications teams to ensure strategic messaging and branding alignment across public-facing initiatives.

Support special initiatives involving prominent figures and delegations, including coordination with the Chancellor's Office and UIC's government relations team.

Work directly with department heads to support initiatives that enhance the visibility and external presence of their academic and research programs.

Partner with Associate Deans on strategic initiatives related to academic affairs, faculty success, and student experience.

Coordinate and provide administrative leadership for college-wide governance bodies including the College Executive Committee, COE Faculty Meetings, and leadership retreats.

Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment across academic, operational, and strategic areas.

Act as a central point of coordination for stakeholder-facing events and communications involving faculty, alumni, donors, trustees, industry partners, and government officials.

Provide executive-level support for strategic presentations, briefing materials, and reporting needed by the Dean and senior leadership.

Build and maintain strong relationships with campus partners, including University Communications, Advancement, and External Relations.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in higher education administration, communications, public relations, business, engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in academic administration, project management, or stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated success in coordinating executive-level events and managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to work with confidential information and high-level stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a STEM or engineering college environment.
• Familiarity with academic governance structures and university operations.
• Background in marketing, advancement, or strategic communications is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Executive Event Planning & Protocol
• Strategic Communications & Branding
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement & Diplomacy
• Academic Operations & Governance
• Adaptability & Professional Poise

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.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation


To apply, visit https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/15119?c=uic







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