Department
F&A KOO Operational Excellence
About the Department
Finance and Administration (F&A) at the University of Chicago is a collaborative division providing essential services across Financial Services, Information Technology Services, Risk Management, Internal Audit, Compliance, Human Resources, and Shared Services. Our goal is to deliver the support infrastructure that fuels the University's academic and research excellence.
The F&A Knowledge and Optimization Organization within Finance and Administration includes three key teams: Operational Excellence (OpEx), the Knowledge and Support Center, and the Training Center. This organization is dedicated to advancing service quality, efficiency, and innovation across HR, Payroll, and Procure-to-Pay functions. Our mission is to drive forward-looking, data-driven improvements that empower faculty and staff to focus on teaching, research, and discovery.
Job Summary
The University of Chicago’s Finance and Administration division seeks a Director of Process Innovation and Continuous Improvement to lead strategic initiatives aimed at transforming administrative service delivery. This leader will serve as a thought partner across functions, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, optimize technology use, and enhance the end-user experience through innovative, data-informed solutions.
This role will oversee a portfolio of enterprise-wide initiatives focused on increasing operational excellence and ROI through systems thinking, process redesign, metrics-driven performance improvement, and service innovation. The Director will lead a team in deploying tools and methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma, service design, and business analytics to drive measurable improvements across complex systems.
Responsibilities
- Leads strategic initiatives to enhance process performance, service quality, and efficiency across the Finance and Administration portfolio.
- Drives a culture of continuous improvement through thought leadership, partnership, and expert facilitation of enterprise-wide improvement efforts.
- Oversees development of performance dashboards and KPIs to monitor outcomes, uncover insights, and inform decision-making across HR, Payroll, and Procurement functions.
- Leverages business intelligence and data analytics to uncover inefficiencies, model future state scenarios, and evaluate innovation opportunities.
- Provides consultative guidance to executive leadership on service delivery models, process optimization, and organizational design.
- Builds and develops high-performing teams focused on operational excellence and user-centered innovation.
- Aligns project execution with institutional strategic priorities, compliance standards, and best practices in process governance and quality assurance.
- Acts as a strategic advisor to University stakeholders, facilitating change through influence, data storytelling, and process transparency.
- Represents the department in cross-functional committees and institutional planning efforts related to enterprise systems, shared services, and operational effectiveness.
- Reports directly to the executive director for Knowledge Organization and Service Management
- Tracks progress, conducts analysis, as well as prepares for and facilitates project meetings. Ensures adherence to quality standards and reviews project deliverables.
- Acts as a resource and subject matter expert for project team and provides analytical guidance. Interprets complex project issues and provides analytical guidance to a project team.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations, analytics, or related field.
- Master’s degree, MBA, MPP, or relevant discipline.
Experience:
- Background in higher education, research institutions, or large service-based organizations.
- 5-8 years of progressive experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or business transformation.
- Proven track record leading complex initiatives in a matrixed organization.
- Demonstrated leadership managing professional teams and engaging stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- Strong facilitation and consulting skills, with the ability to communicate insights clearly and influence outcomes.
Certifications:
- Certification in Lean Six Sigma, project management, such as PMP or equivalent.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Familiar with performance management, KPI development, and business analytics.
- Expertise in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid role with flexibility for remote work and regular on-site presence to lead key meetings and initiatives.
- Anticipated on-site presence is 1–4 days/month, or as needed.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Administration & Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$134,093.00 - $201,139.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in theBenefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
