Director, STAGE Center Partnerships and Strategy

The University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago seeks a Director, STAGE Center Partnerships and Strategy to drive growth across science-art collaborations. Reporting to the Faculty Director, you will cultivate national and international partnerships, lead grant funding efforts, and advance programmatic priorities while guiding staff and budgets.

You will oversee engagement with diverse stakeholders, develop fundraising strategies, and translate research into compelling initiatives that expand STAGE's impact in

Qualifications

• College or university degree in related field required.
• 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Grant writing experience and ability to manage multidisciplinary programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the STAGE Center's growth strategy.
• Build and expand core partnerships with NSF, Argonne, and international partners.
• Oversee staff, budgets, and program operations to ensure alignment with priorities.
• Plan and manage high-profile events nationally and internationally.
• Identify funding opportunities and prepare grant proposals.

Skills

Grant writing

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Budget management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree or PhD a plus

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Zoom

Box

Project management tools

Job description

Department

PME STAGE Lab

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) is the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering, and integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. UChicago PME's rigorous academic and research programs are enhanced through the University of Chicago's unique partnership with Argonne and Fermi National Laboratories, and the broad excellence of scholarship and education on campus. In the next phase of growth as a School, PME will continue to expand its team of world‑class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting‑edge facilities. PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Devoted to collaborations among scientists and artists, STAGE (Scientists, Technologists and Artists Generating Exploration) is a Center within the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. The Center's distinct research merges scientific and artistic inquiry, often through the creation and development of new film, theatre, games, and other artistic endeavors inspired by science and technology. STAGE harnesses the power of storytelling, emotional engagement, and entertainment to translate complex scientific ideas into relatable human experience, promoting understanding of the sciences in the public arena through new forms of artistic expression.

Job Summary

The STAGE Center is seeking a Director, STAGE Center Partnerships and Strategy to help drive its next phase of growth. Reporting to the Faculty Director of STAGE, this position offers the opportunity to work with a talented team of motivated professionals to drive a uniquely creative interdisciplinary endeavor that fuses science and art. This role will interface with diverse scientists, technology experts, and multidisciplinary artists across academia, industry, and the professional arts world. While STAGE leadership ultimately drives strategic long‑term vision, the Director, STAGE Center Partnerships and Strategy, will execute strategic priorities and plans, develop and implement programmatic initiatives, and facilitate the Center's growth and visibility. This includes, but is not limited to, cultivating new strategic initiatives, grants, and fundraising, and building strong relationships and partnerships with stakeholders, such as local and national leadership, faculty, and other internal and external partners. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader with a great deal of initiative; they have a positive, proactive approach, and their goal will be to move STAGE's ever‑expanding portfolio of widely varying projects and initiatives, large and small, forward while ensuring that day‑to‑day operations run smoothly. They are accountable for the performance and results of STAGE staff through delegatory structures, with an equal willingness to personally take on tasks to make certain all are completed smoothly and to the highest standard. They will possess outstanding interpersonal skills and help foster a truly collaborative work environment.

Responsibilities

• In alignment with STAGE's Faculty Director, and grounded in a strong understanding of STAGE's core methodologies, mission, and vision, designs, implements, and manages the STAGE Center's overall growth strategy, advancing its goals, promoting innovation and research, and strengthening its global profile.
• In collaboration with STAGE's Faculty Director, strengthens and expands STAGE's existing core partnerships, including key relationships with the National Science Foundation, the Chicago Quantum Exchange, Argonne National Laboratory, and international partners in Japan, France, and Belgium.
• Builds and maintains new partnerships with internal and external, national and international, people and entities, such as faculty, researchers, practitioners, institutions, federal agencies, foundations, philanthropic and other sponsors, and industry, to amplify and support STAGE's work and cultivate new collaborations and initiatives.
• Directly supervises the Multimedia Specialist and Program Administrator and the STAGE Center Program Manager, setting clear goals, defining responsibilities, and ensuring strong alignment with the Center's strategic priorities, programmatic needs, and operational objectives.
• Provides ongoing coaching, mentorship, and professional development for supervised staff, fostering growth in leadership, project execution, communications, and administrative effectiveness within a highly collaborative interdisciplinary environment.
• Oversees staff workflow, performance, and capacity across programmatic, operational, and communications functions; delegates responsibilities effectively, monitors progress on deliverables, and supports high‑quality execution of multiple concurrent initiatives and events.
• Builds and sustains a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive team culture by conducting regular check‑ins, facilitating cross‑functional coordination, managing performance issues as needed, and creating opportunities for staff to contribute ideas and expand their roles in support of STAGE's growth.
• Conducts research and landscape analyses to 1) inform strategic direction, and 2) identify opportunities to cultivate interest in and disseminate the Center's work; then translates findings into actionable recommendations.
• Explores and identifies applicable grant and funding opportunities for growth and distribution of the Center's work.
• Writes grant proposals, supporting materials, and other documentation as needed.
• Develops and administers project budgets, and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.
• Manages and executes the Center's high‑profile events, on campus and off, nationally and internationally, in conjunction with the Center's Program Manager and other staff, to bring them to successful fruition.
• Identifies and sources people, resources, venues, and materials needed to support STAGE's unique projects and initiatives, and develops tailored solutions aligned with the vision and requirements of each.
• Develops and implements metrics to measure programming and funding outcomes, particularly in terms of impact.
• Identifies and implements new pathways to engage and recruit students of all levels and disciplines, and faculty from all disciplines, in STAGE's projects.
• Designs and implements a yearly calendar of one‑off activities with more focused scopes, such as symposia, readings, workshops, etc., to take place 4–6 times per year and curates appropriate marketing strategies to increase awareness of the Center's work.
• Creates slides, reports, presentations, and similar communications to disseminate information about the Center's mission and identity to key audiences, including funding agencies, sponsors, government officials, University administration, etc.; cultivates opportunities for presenting such communications.
• Works closely with campus partners and manages STAGE staff.
• Manages program operations and administrative functions which may include planning and scheduling, program evaluation, policy implementation, personnel administration, budget, marketing, fundraising and proposal development.
• Contributes to design of program content, policies and strategic planning efforts.
• Performs other work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications: ---

Preferred Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in the sciences, engineering, or technology. Master's degree or PhD a plus.

Experience

Work experience in a multi‑faceted research university environment, national laboratory, medical center, or similar environment. Demonstrated administrative leadership, including a minimum of three years experience involving multidisciplinary efforts.

Proven track record in grantsmanship, including identifying funding opportunities, drafting proposals, and managing grants from foundations, federal agencies, or other funders.

Prior experience producing large- and small-scale events, nationally and/or internationally, including coordinating with distributed teams across time zones.

Demonstrated track record of developing strong relationships with academic researchers, government entities, and/or external partners.

Managing staff and fostering high‑performing, collaborative teams.

Familiarity with art‑science‑technology intersections or interdisciplinary research is a strong plus.

Technical Skills or Knowledge

Proficiency utilizing a variety of collaborative software platforms, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Zoom, and Box. Prior experience in developing processes and filing systems that leverage the dynamic elements of these tools in project planning, budget creation, etc.

Skilled at learning new software systems, such as project management, finance, databases, website, and graphic design.

Preferred Competencies

• Self‑motivated and proactive, to work independently, take direction, build consensus, and maintain high standards of quality and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience with grant writing, reports, presentations, and polished work products.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, to collaborate effectively, manage people, and work collegially with faculty, staff, and partners at all levels.
• Strategic, creative, and resourceful thinker who can navigate ambiguity, anticipate challenges, and develop effective solutions to complex problems.
• Adaptable, resilient, and professional under pressure, with a positive attitude and the ability to manage competing or changing priorities effectively.
• High cultural awareness and experience working across disciplines, sectors, and international contexts, with responsiveness to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Working Conditions

The position involves a dynamic work schedule requiring flexibility and may include occasional evening and weekend responsibilities, depending on program and organizational needs.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3) (preferred)
• Writing Sample (required)

Job Family

Administration & ManagementRole ImpactPeople ManagerScheduled Weekly Hours37.5Drug Test RequiredNoHealth Screen RequiredNoMotor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNoPayRateTypeSalaryFLSAStatusExemptPayRange$130,000.00-$145,000.00TheincludedpayrateorrangerepresentstheUniversity'sgoodfaithestimateofthepossiblecompensationofferforthisroleatthetimeofposting.

Benefits

EligibleYesTheUniversityofChicagooffersawiderangeofbenefitsprogramsandresourcesforeligibleemployees,includinghealth,retirement,andpaidtimeoff.InformationaboutthebenefitofferingscanbefoundintheBenefitsGuidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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. 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. 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.

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