Director of Systems & Process Improvement, Finance & University Planning (2847)

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Director of Systems & Process Improvement, Finance & University Planning (2847)
Pocatello - Main
NOT eligible for remote work, on-campus position
Priority Date: August 3, 2025

Institution Information

Idaho State University, established in 1901, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culture built on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000 students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students and faculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. We are proud to offer exceptional academics nestled in the grand, natural beauty of the West. We invite you to apply to be a part of our University community!

Job Description

The Director of System and Process Improvement is responsible for leading and overseeing university-wide initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and improve the effectiveness of systems supporting academic and administrative functions. This role drives cross-departmental collaboration, change management, and data-informed decision-making to support ISU’s mission and strategic goals. This role requires a forward-thinking leader with a strong background in process improvement, technology integration, and cross-functional leadership and collaboration. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: 
● Develop and execute a university-wide strategy for process improvement and systems optimization in alignment with ISU’s mission and values. 
● Collaborate with senior leadership to identify improvement opportunities aligned with institutional priorities. 
● Provide leadership, work direction, and mentoring to system and process improvement team members.

Process Improvement & Lean Methodologies: 
● Design, manage, and support process re-engineering and continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies. 
● Conduct process mapping, root cause analysis, and impact assessments. 
● Foster and promote a culture of continuous quality improvement across academic and administrative units.

System Optimization: 
● Partner with units and stakeholders across the university to evaluate and enhance existing systems and workflows. 
● Identify gaps, redundancies, and inefficiencies in current technologies and processes. 
● Assist in system implementation, upgrades, and integration projects as needed.

Change Management & Training:
● Actively communicate ISU’s System and Process Improvement vision, goals, principles, and outcomes with campus stakeholders and constituents. 
● Develop and implement change management strategies to support process and system transformation and a culture of continuous quality improvement. 
● Ensure stakeholders are informed, active contributors in improvement initiatives and satisfied with results and outcomes. 
● Collaborate with Human Resources and other units to create training materials, facilitate workshops, and lead stakeholder engagement activities. 
● Mentor campus units in adopting and sustaining process improvements. 

Data & Reporting:
● Use data to identify opportunities for improvement and to measure the impact of initiatives. 
● Develop reporting structures to monitor progress and inform leadership. 
● Report regularly to university leadership on project outcomes and strategic recommendations.

Minimum Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Organizational Development, Higher Education, Information Systems, or related field 
● Five years of increasingly responsible experience in system and process improvement in a complex organization 
● Knowledge of and experience in Lean, Six Sigma, or related methodologies 
● Excellent interpersonal and written and oral communication skills; ability to build shared vision and consensus and positively influence change 
● Skilled in facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and leading organizational change efforts and initiatives 
● Demonstrated program and project management skills 
● Demonstrated commitment to currency in best practices and technologies 
● Ability to think and communicate strategically, with a hands-on approach to execution 
● Experience leading staff and cross-functional project teams 
● Demonstrated commitment to quality, integrity, and service-oriented collaboration

Preferred Qualifications

● Master’s degree 
● Higher education experience strongly preferred 
● Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or related methodologies

You must submit your CV/resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references, including current contact information. This position will remain open until it is filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received on or before August 3, 2025. Salary will be between $75,000 - $80,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistance program (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; and generous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.

Note: Thank you for your interest in positions at Idaho State University. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by logging into your profile and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions, please review our frequently asked questions.

Posting Number: req2545
Type: Working 12 months per year
Position: Non-classified Staff
Division: Finance and Administration

Idaho State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, including Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

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