What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Logistics and Resources Training Support - Fire Service Institute position at University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine?
Assistant Director of Logistics and Resources Training Support - Fire Service InstituteIllinois Fire Service Institute The University of Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. As the statutory fire academy for Illinois, the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) serves firefighters throughout Illinois and the world. World-class instructors deliver more than 14,000 class hours to students online, on campus and at regional training centers throughout the state. IFSI is operated as a continuing education and public service activity by the University of Illinois.PRIMARY POSITION FUNCTION/SUMMARY:The Assistant Director of Training Infrastructure and Resource Strategy (LRTSC) serves as a key advisor of the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) director, providing strategic oversight for the planning, development, and execution of training resources, facilities, and operational logistics. This position is responsible for aligning infrastructure, technology, and resource management with educational objectives, ensuring IFSI's ability to deliver cutting-edge fire service training.
As a senior leader, the LRTSC drives innovation, policy development, and high-level decision-making, ensuring that all training environments, equipment, and logistical assets support the Institute's mission of education, research, and professional development. The role requires expertise in strategic planning, operational risk management, curriculum integration, and stakeholder engagement.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Strategic Leadership & Organizational Oversight
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
As a senior leader, the LRTSC drives innovation, policy development, and high-level decision-making, ensuring that all training environments, equipment, and logistical assets support the Institute's mission of education, research, and professional development. The role requires expertise in strategic planning, operational risk management, curriculum integration, and stakeholder engagement.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Strategic Leadership & Organizational Oversight
- Provide executive leadership over the IFSI logistics, training infrastructure, and operational support teams, ensuring alignment with the Institute’s academic mission and training goals.
- Directly oversee and provide strategic direction to the following areas:
- Mobile Facility Equipment Management – including fleet, vehicle maintenance, scheduling, and compliance.
- Respiratory Program Management – ensuring equipment maintenance, regulatory compliance, and training integration.
- Heavy Machinery Equipment Program – overseeing readiness, safety, and programmatic development.
- Fire Apparatus & Prop Maintenance Teams – ensuring assets meet training, safety, and academic standards.
- Establish leadership development programs within logistics and training operations, ensuring continuous professional growth among direct reports.
- Act as a lead mentor and strategic guide for operational managers, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Develop and enforce institute-wide policies for equipment usage, risk mitigation, and infrastructure safety, ensuring IFSI remains a leader in fire service education.
- Oversee compliance with state and federal regulatory standards, UIUC policies, and industry best practices for live-fire and hands-on training.
- Implement and enforce all IFSI Policies and Procedures, reviewing and revising protocols with the Senior Associate Director for Academic Operations (SADAO).
- Supervise the completion of required fit testing and training for the instructor cadre, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Oversee incident response protocols related to prop failures, training site risks, or emergency equipment malfunctions.
- Lead research and innovation efforts to integrate emerging technologies into fire service training, including simulated training environments, smart monitoring tools, and data-driven performance analytics.
- Partner with national fire service organizations, university research teams, and industry leaders to identify new methodologies for hands-on, immersive learning experiences.
- Spearhead initiatives to modernize mobile training assets, ensuring IFSI remains a leader in remote, on-demand fire service education.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration between academic program leads, IT, and facility operations to enhance training delivery through technology and infrastructure improvements.
- Represent IFSI at high-level university meetings, national fire training symposiums, and industry conferences, positioning the Institute as a national leader in fire service education.
- Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with government agencies, municipal fire departments, corporate sponsors, and private sector partners to enhance IFSI’s resource capabilities.
- Lead internal leadership development initiatives, ensuring that supervisors and operational leads within logistics, respiratory, and training prop programs have access to mentorship and professional growth opportunities.
- Assist in planning and supporting Fire College, Cadet/Explorer, Winter Fire School, and regional programs.
- Spearhead special initiatives and pilot programs aimed at developing new fire training methodologies, sustainability efforts, and facility enhancements.
- Serve on university-wide committees to support UIUC’s mission in public safety education, applied research, and workforce development.
- Continuously assess and refine strategic goals, ensuring the institute remains innovative, efficient, and future-ready.
- Bachelor's degree.
- At least 3 years of documented experience in logistics, resource coordination, or related fields.
- Strong organizational and leadership skills, with experience supervising staff.
- Experience in the operation and maintenance of heavy machinery, respiratory programs, and fleet management is highly desirable.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.
- Understanding of National Fire Protection Association fire service standards.
- Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in equipment maintenance and logistics.
- Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
- At least 15 years of fire service experience.
- Proven ability to meet the job requirements and implement the duties and responsibilities of an IFSI Program Manager or Unit Lead.
- Demonstrated record of performance, positive attitude, and ability to work well with all program leadership.
- Ability and knowledge to immediately addresses any safety concerns during training and mitigates risks.
- Master's Degree
- At least 15 years of employment with IFSI.
- Experience with IFSI and its programs, systems, processes, procedures, policies, curriculum development, testing, and certification process.
- Solid understanding and use of IFSI's Processes, Procedures, Resource Management System (RMS), budget creation and management, and curriculum project management.
- As an IFSI Instructor, demonstrated a record of performance, positive attitude, and ability to work well with all program leadership.
- IFSI Operations: Comprehensive understanding of IFSI courses, curriculum, facilities, equipment, and related systems (RMS, etc.).
- Communication: Clear and effective oral and written communication, tailored for diverse audiences.
- Collaboration: Strong ability to work effectively in teams and contribute to shared leadership.
- Self-Management: Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time efficiently.
- Problem-Solving: Sound judgment, analytical skills, and the ability to make informed decisions.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to manage multiple tasks, changing priorities, and tight deadlines.
- Customer Service: Commitment to providing positive and professional service to both internal and external customers.
- Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships.
- Policy & Procedure: Ability to interpret and apply IFSI policies and procedures.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within IFSI.
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
Salary : $105,000 - $115,000
