The Senior Instructional Portfolio Manager (Senior IPM) is a senior member of the instructional support team who oversees the planning, delivery, and evaluation of high-enrollment online courses across multiple portfolios. Independently manages complex course operations, supervises and mentors a small pod of IPMs and/or support staff while continuing significant individual contributor work. The Senior IPM provides day-to-day operational leadership, supports consistency in instructional delivery practices, and serves as a resource for complex course, grading, and student support issues. Partners closely with faculty, graders, learning designers, and operational teams to improve workflows, support quality course delivery, and implement scalable process improvements across portfolios.
Duties & Responsibilities
Instructional Team Leadership and Supervision
- Supervises and mentors a cluster of IPMs and/or support staff while continuing to independently manage complex portfolio responsibilities.
- Provides coaching, guidance, and performance feedback to support staff development and operational consistency.
- Supports onboarding and mentorship of new instructional support staff and graders.
- Assists leadership with workload balancing and staffing coordination across portfolios based on course demand and operational needs.
- Leads cross-functional operational projects and reinforces best practices related to instructional support workflows, communication, and quality expectations.
Course Planning, Delivery, and Evaluation
- Oversees course planning and delivery across multiple portfolios, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and alignment with instructional and operational priorities.
- Serves as a senior operational partner for instructors across portfolios, anticipating needs and supporting effective course delivery.
- Leads transition, soft launch, and evaluation meetings for assigned portfolios; documents outcomes and supports follow-through on action items.
- Audits and streamlines course operations across portfolios; reinforces documentation standards and process adherence.
- Leads data-informed improvement initiatives by analyzing dashboards, surveys, ticket trends, and operational feedback to identify and implement process improvements.
Student Support and Issue Resolution
- Oversees resolution of complex or sensitive student and instructor issues across assigned portfolios; ensures timely documentation and consistent handling practices.
- Coordinates multi-stakeholder cases and advises IPMs on issue management, escalation practices, and communication strategies.
- Ensures accommodation and exception processes are applied consistently and documented appropriately; identifies workflow improvement opportunities.
- Synthesizes issue resolution trends and contributes recommendations for operational improvements and preventative practices.
Grading Oversight & Quality Assurance
- Oversees grading operations across assigned portfolios to ensure timely completion, consistency, and quality.
- Leads rubric reviews, supports grader calibration efforts, and provides guidance on grading practices and issue resolution.
- Reviews grading data and quality trends to identify areas for improvement and support continuous quality initiatives.
Continuous Improvement
- Leads cross-functional improvement initiatives and supports implementation of scalable operational enhancements.
- Documents and shares process improvements, recommendations, and workflow updates across instructional support teams.
Other Duties
- Mentors peers and contributes to internal training and onboarding efforts.
- Participates in professional development aligned with instructional operations and leadership responsibilities.
- Performs additional duties and supports special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree.
- A total of four (4) years in education, training and/or work experience in online instructional coordination, including online course/program coordination, learning management system (LMS) support, portfolio management, and/or instructional support activities.
- Demonstrated experience leading staff and managing complex, multi-course operations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in business, educational technology, instructional design, education, or a closely related field.
- Experience in higher education, especially in online program delivery.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams or program-level initiatives in higher education.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Proficiency with educational technologies including Canvas, Box, Zoom, and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to apply standards and follow documented procedures.
- Ability to communicate effectively with others; ability to build collaborative relationships.
- Initiative, adaptability, and responsiveness in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Knowledge of compiling data and generating course or program reports.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Capacity to contribute effectively to large, complex academic projects.
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 - Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after search close date. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience while considering internal equity. The budgeted salary for this position is $67,000 to $72,000.
This position is eligible for sponsorship except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.
Remote work options may be available for this position; however, must be available to be onsite at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign campus based on operational needs.
For more information about Gies Business, visit https://inside.giesbusiness.illinois.edu/work-at-gies
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on July 23, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
Please submit a cover letter and resume with your application.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
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 accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected].
Requisition ID: 1036762
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
