Operations Director

Department

SSD: Center for the Economics of Human Development - Staff and Temporary Employees

About The Department

The Center for the Economics of Human Development (CEHD) brings together top-tier researchers to conduct and disseminate rigorous interdisciplinary research that identifies and explores the conditions under which people develop the skills necessary to thrive in society and achieve their fullest potential. CEHD’s research is guided by Nobel laureate Professor James J. Heckman and includes a comprehensive array of interrelated projects and initiatives which promote a thorough empirical understanding of human flourishing. Unifying this research is an evolving idea that capacities and skills acquired over the lifecycle, starting at conception, transform many aspects of the life course at all stages, ranging from employment and earning prospects to overall health.

Job Summary

The job manages a broad range of business operations and academic activities. Develops and implements office procedures and policies and ensures compliance. Prepares and monitors the budget for a unit.

Responsibilities

• Manages pre- and post- award grant and contract administration for sponsored activity, including directing and coordinating Center and Divisional / agency administration staff to accomplish tasks (proposal development, issuing subcontracts, financial reporting, etc.).
• Leading daily financial activities of the center, monitoring and reconciling accounts, collaboratively developing budgets, and researching, compiling, and analyzing financial data to create reports, proposals and other financial documents to facilitate strategic decision-making.
• Directs financial strategy and management, such as approving purchases, and monitoring and setting payroll allocations.
• Oversees or manage administrative academic matters, such as summer salary payments, visiting scholar and post-doctoral scholar appointments.
• Handling sensitive personnel information in managing human resource activities for the unit, including processes related to recruitment, hiring, onboarding, professional development, performance, and termination of exempt and non-exempt employees.
• Handling general administration, including oversight of data contracts and Institutional Review Board protocols, and development and management of MOU’s and agreements.
• Operationalizes and executes initiatives and priorities of the Faculty Director, including development and management of research projects. Supports the Executive Director and Faculty Director in a range of longer-term, high profile projects, including fundraising, research partnerships, and international collaborations.
• Working as a part of the larger Center team with other administrative support staff to ensure that the Center operates smoothly, including running bi-weekly administrative team meetings and presenting in bi-weekly research team meetings; and, tracking action items from internal staff and research meetings to completion.
• In coordination with Executive Director, improve and establish overall CEHD operational and tactical planning, and execute and distill CEHD business needs, best practices and strategic plan to staff and researchers. Uses best practices to develop and execute organization's operational and overall strategic plan. Develops and implements relevant policies and procedures and ensures compliance.
• Aids in program development and execution (workshops, visitors, strategic initiatives), coordination with internal and external partners (foundations, research partners, subcontractors, consultants, other Centers on campus, and related professional associations and community groups), and general support of Center activities (events oversight, meeting coordination, calendar management).
• Uses best practices to develop and execute organization's operational and overall strategic plan. Develops and implements relevant policies and procedures and ensures compliance.
• Works with minimal guidance in space, facilities, and equipment, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations.
• Performs other related work as needed.
  
  

Education:

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree
  
  

Experience:

• Experience working successfully in a stressful environment, including resolving conflicts.
• A minimum of five years progressively responsible administrative experience.
• Experience in a fast paced environment with demonstrated organization and coordination skills.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit administration.
• Leading and managing projects.
• Experience working with senior leadership.
• Collegiate coursework and/or degree relevant to Center’s research.
• Experience managing academic research programming, particularly in the field of Economics.
• Experience with development/fundraising.
• Experience supervising administrative staff.
  
  

Technical Skills Or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated skill with software programs used at the University, including AURA, Business Objects, Oracle, CBORD, GEMS, TAG, UChicago Box, UChicago Time, Workday, etc. with deep understanding of how these systems interact.
• Advanced knowledge of word processing and productivity systems including G Suite (Calendar, Chrome, Drive, Gmail), Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project, Word), etc.
• Basic knowledge of graphic design and editing software, Adobe Creative Suite (Dreamweaver, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Photoshop).
  
  

Preferred Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, to speak and to write well.
• High attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Ability to maintain calm and courteous demeanor and to work productively despite heavy workload, competing priorities, complex problems, and tight deadlines.
• Considerable skill in working both independently and as a team member.
• Ability to take initiative and organize and complete projects with minimal supervision.
• Ability to use appropriate resources to resolve an issue.
• Ability to synthesize a large volume of information, and assess implications and situational dynamics, and present to Center leadership with a recommended course of action, to support decision making.
• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
• An exceptional work ethic and track record of personal initiative.
• Flexibility and adaptability in an emerging and changing environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel to campus and/or non-campus locations (including internationally) for Center business.
• Willingness and ability to work some evenings and weekends, sometimes with short notice.
• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of administrative processes of the University.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data manipulation to produce reports, dashboards, presentations, and analytic.
• Understanding of the University of Chicago, its history, organization and modus operandi.
  
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References (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

$82,822.00 - $107,181.00

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 the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.

Staff 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.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

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.