Job Title: Operations Director

Job Summary

This job manages a broad range of business operations and academic activities at the CEHD. Directs the day-to-day operations of the center and the management of finance, grants, contracts, partnerships, and HR activities.

Responsibilities

The Operations Director will be responsible for a range of administrative activities for the Center:

• 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.).
• Leads 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 administrative academic matters, such as summer salary payments, visiting scholar and post-doctoral scholar appointments.
• Handles 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.
• Handles general administration, including oversight of data contracts and Institutional Review Board protocols, and development and management of MOU’s and agreements.

Operations Director will also undertake activities such as:

• Operationalizes and executes initiatives and priorities of the Faculty Director, including development and management of research projects.
• Works 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 the Executive Director, improves and establishes overall CEHD operational and tactical planning, and executes and distills CEHD business needs, best practices and strategic plan to staff and researchers.
• Supports the Executive Director and Faculty Director in a range of longer-term, high profile projects, including fundraising, research partnerships, and international collaborations.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree

Work Experience:

5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Work 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.

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.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated skill with software programs used at the University, including AURA, Business Objects, Oracle, CBORD, GEMS, UChicago Box, UChicago Time, Workday, etc. with a 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).

Application Documents

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

Apply through Workday at the link below. Make sure to upload all required application documents for full consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

For questions or additional employment information, please email jjh.info@uchicago.edu.