Genetic Counselor Manager, Hereditary Cancer Program / Associate Program Director, Master's in Genetic Counseling

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago seeks a senior Genetic Counselor Manager to provide direct patient care for inherited cancer syndromes and to supervise a counseling team. The role also supports a new master’s program, including student instruction, fieldwork oversight, and program administration.

This dual-role combines clinical leadership with education responsibilities, contributing to accreditation standards and ongoing program development within the department.

Qualifications

• Must be a certified genetic counselor (ABGC or ABMGG).
• Experience leading a team of counselors or students.
• Experience with genetic counseling education programs and rotations.
• Strong clinical genetics experience with inherited cancer syndromes.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide genetic counseling for inherited and genetic cancer syndromes and oversee a counseling team.
• Synthesize patient/family histories from records and labs; coordinate care as needed.
• Lead clinical liaison work and participate in multidisciplinary meetings.
• Supervise a team of three genetic counselors and one assistant; manage evaluations and scheduling.
• Advance clinical workflows, program direction, and accreditation-aligned protocols.
• Assist Program Director with master’s program education, fieldwork, and administration.
• Instruct at least one course per quarter and participate in recruitment/admissions.

Skills

Genetic counseling

Leadership

Team supervision

Clinical genetics

Educational program coordination

Communication

Education

Advanced degree in genetic counseling

Bachelor's degree

Job description

About The Department

BSD MED - Genetic Medicine - Programs

The Center for Clinical Genetics and Genomics is a multi-disciplinary team practicing personalized medicine with the goal to reduce the burden of genetic conditions through individualized early detection, prevention, treatment, education and research. The CCGG was founded in the Section of Genetic Medicine in the Department of Medicine and serves as an umbrella program for clinical genetics at the institution.

Job Summary

This is a unique dual-role position designed to grow with the right candidate. In the clinical role, the candidate will provide direct patient care and oversee a team of genetic counselors serving patients with inherited and familial cancer syndromes. In the educational role, the candidate will work closely with the Program Director to support the day-to-day operations of a newly established master's program, contributing to student instruction, fieldwork oversight, and program administration.

Responsibilities

• Providing comprehensive genetic counseling services, including patient assessment and testing for inherited and genetic cancer syndromes, follow-up of test results, and referrals to appropriate clinical care teams for ongoing medical management.
• Synthesizing patient and family history through review of internal and external records, consultation with relevant professionals and laboratories, and literature review.
• Serving as a clinical liaison and participating in multidisciplinary team meetings to coordinate patient care across relevant specialties.
• Supervising existing team of three genetic counselors and one genetic counseling assistant, including participating in evaluations, workflow management, and scheduling.
• Evaluating and continuously improving clinical workflows and patient care systems.
• Contributing to the strategic direction and goal setting for the genetics program.
• Assisting the Program Director in the day-to-day implementation of educational activities and administrative responsibilities of the master’s program.
• Supporting the Program Director in maintaining accreditation standards and aligning program protocols with University of Chicago policies.
• Monitoring and evaluating student progress, implementing remediation plans as needed, and serving as an academic advisor.
• Managing fieldwork rotations, including maintaining the rotation schedule, coordinating logistics, and training fieldwork supervisors.
• Serving as primary course instructor for at least one course per quarter.
• Participating in the program's recruitment and admissions processes.
• Acts as a lead for the health care team, providing genetics counseling, screening services, community outreach programs, consultative services, and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions.
• Engages in research activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Education

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

Advanced degree in the discipline of genetic counseling.

Work Experience

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

Experience

• Experience as a certified genetic counselor.
• Experience working with genetic counseling students in teaching, fieldwork supervision, and/or research.
• Experience with a genetic counseling training program (e.g., leadership, course instruction, clinical rotation oversight).
• Genetic counselor management or supervisory experience.

Certifications

• Certification in genetic counseling from the ABGC or ABMGG.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to maintain files.
• Maintain calm and courteous demeanor and to work productively despite heavy workload, competing priorities, complex problems, and tight deadlines.
• Exercise sound judgment and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Take initiative.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

Job Family

Healthcare & Medical Services

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

Yes

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$90,000.00 - $130,000.00

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 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‑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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