Associate Director, Academic Programs & Operations

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Chicago invites applications for an Associate Director of Academic Program Operations in the PSD Chemistry department. This role leads administrative operations for graduate and undergraduate programs and serves as the primary owner of program administration, coordinating with the DGS, DUS, and Managing Director.

The position requires strong process improvement, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement with faculty and campus offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• 5–7 years of related work experience.
• Ph.D., or foreign equivalent, in chemistry or related field.
• Experience managing administrative processes in higher education.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for curricular and process improvements with faculty leadership.
• Oversee and track yearly academic performance reviews and student progress.
• Prepare monthly reports of graduate program metrics.
• Coordinate, organize, and lead graduate recruitment, admissions and orientation with faculty leadership.
• Collect student concerns and develop resolution plans with the DGS and DUS.
• Manage undergraduate academic processes including chemistry placement testing, assignments, Minor forms, and course substitutions.
• Coordinate with College and Divisional offices to ensure successful execution of educational programs.
• Manage and oversee payroll streams and workflows for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Organize and manage undergraduate programs and events (Beckman Scholar Program, open houses, awards).
• Manage Teaching Assistant assignments in coordination with the DUS.
• Develop positive working relationships with internal and external constituents for programming and issue resolution.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Strategic thinking

Relationship building

Coordination

Analytical skills

Education

Ph.D., or foreign equivalent, in chemistry or related field

Job description

University of Chicago invites applications for an Associate Director of Academic Program Operations in the PSD Chemistry department. This role leads administrative operations for graduate and undergraduate programs and serves as the primary owner of program administration, coordinating with the DGS, DUS, and Managing Director.

The position requires strong process improvement, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement with faculty and campus offices.