Chief Project Officer and Director of Strategic Planning

Chief Project Officer and Director of Strategic Planning

Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park

This position will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement but will require regular presence in Chicago.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

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 Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) is a first-of-its-kind park for quantum scale-up and related quantum and advanced microelectronics research and development. Minutes away from downtown Chicago along Lake Michigan, this site will: 1) build on a track record of historic investment by the State in quantum information science and technology, and 2) further establish Illinois as a global hub for quantum. The park is designed to support the full ecosystem of companies, researchers, suppliers, end users and other partners working to facilitate the development and commercialization of quantum technologies, including the world's first fault-tolerant computers. For more information, visit our website.

Job Summary

The Chief Project Officer and Director of Strategic Planning (CPO) is a senior executive responsible for the strategic oversight, leadership, and execution of all project-related activities as well as ongoing strategic planning activities within the organization. This role ensures that projects align with company goals, deliver business value, and foster cross-functional collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence. The CPO serves as a key advisor to executive leadership and drives the successful delivery of the organization's project portfolio.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Project Management Leadership
  • Lead the Project Management Office and oversee a team executing high-impact, cross-functional initiatives.
  • Develop and implement standardized project management methodologies, tools, and templates.
  • Monitor project portfolios for performance, risk, and alignment with business strategy.
  • Serve as a point of escalation to resolve complex project challenges and ensure stakeholder engagement.
• Project Execution and Oversight
  • Guide teams in the delivery of projects on time, within scope and budget, while managing risk.
  • Ensure application of best practices across teams and support change management initiatives.
  • Oversee progress tracking and issue resolution throughout the project lifecycle.
• Strategic Planning, Alignment, and Governance
  • Develop and lead strategic planning processes for the organization.
  • Ensure all projects support organizational priorities and contribute to long-term goals.
  • Evaluate and prioritize initiatives based on strategic value and available resources.
  • Establish project governance frameworks to promote accountability, consistency, and transparency.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Build strong relationships across the organization to foster collaboration and shared ownership.
  • Communicate project and portfolio performance to diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Facilitate cross-functional decision-making and alignment.
• Value Delivery and Performance Management
  • Focus on business outcomes and ensure realization of expected benefits.
  • Track and analyze performance metrics and KPIs to evaluate success and drive improvements.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in project execution.
• Resource and Financial Management
  • Align resources and capacity with project demand and strategic priorities.
  • Oversee project budgeting, forecasting, and cost management to ensure financial discipline.
  • Prevent overcommitment by requiring capacity and alignment checks before launching new initiatives.
• Capability Building and Team Development
  • Strengthen organizational project management capabilities through training, mentorship, and tools.
  • Champion project management excellence and promote adoption of diverse methodologies.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing team, encouraging accountability, innovation, and continuous growth.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Project Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related discipline).
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in project management.
• Demonstrated success in senior leadership roles (e.g., Director of Project Management, Head of PMO).
• Proven experience leading organizational change and driving transformation initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA or Master’s in a related field).
• Demonstrated experience working within a university or higher education environment.
• Project Management Professional (PMP), PRINCE2, CAPM, or equivalent certification.
• Experience managing complex project portfolios across a matrixed or multi-project environment.
• Familiarity with Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid project management methodologies.
• Prior experience integrating digital tools and technologies (e.g., AI, cloud platforms) into project workflows.
• Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute (PMI), ScrumMaster (CSM) or PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), or Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive change, and foster collaboration.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills with experience engaging senior stakeholders.
• Skilled at aligning projects with business strategy and making data-informed decisions.
• Proficient in project management tools and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall); knowledgeable in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Ability to evaluate performance metrics, manage risk, and optimize project delivery.

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 $230,000 to $270,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Monday, December 1, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Incomplete applications and applications not submitted through will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Susan Key at 217-333-0034. 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 [email protected].

Requisition ID : 1033680

Job Category : Professional and Administrative

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