Head of Academic Programs Operations

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

Job summary

University of Chicago seeks an Associate Director of Academic Program Operations to lead administrative operations for graduate and undergraduate programs within the Department of Chemistry. You will ensure seamless coordination with the DGS, DUS, and Dean of Students, delivering comprehensive operational support for all programs.

This role requires strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage budgets, staff, and complex processes across departments.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Experience managing administrative processes in a higher education setting.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for curricular and process improvements in collaboration with DGS, DUS, and faculty leadership.
• Oversee and track yearly academic performance reviews and student progress within the master’s and PhD programs.
• Prepare monthly reports of graduate program metrics related to the yearly progress tasks for the DGS.
• Coordinate, organize, and lead critical workstreams and events in graduate student recruitment, admissions and orientation in collaboration with faculty leadership.
• Collect student concerns and develop resolution and response plans in coordination with the DGS, DUS and appropriate University offices.
• Manage undergraduate academic processes including chemistry placement testing, assignments, Minor forms, and course substitutions.
• Coordinate with the Student Affairs Administrator to complete classroom assignments and course catalog updates.
• Coordinate with associated College and Divisional offices including the Registrar, Advising, and Dean of Students 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, including but not limited to, The Beckman Scholar Program, open houses, awards selection and distribution, information sessions, and summer exchange programs.
• Manage Teaching Assistant assignments in coordination with the DUS.
• Develop positive and active working relationships with internal and external constituents to create synergies across departments related to programming, resolution of student issues, and other matters of common interest.
• Uses in-depth knowledge and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries such as communicating with programs sponsors and academic advising for undergraduate students.
• Develops and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Manages program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.
• Has a deep understanding when interacting with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Coordination

Faculty liaison

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

University of Chicago seeks an Associate Director of Academic Program Operations to lead administrative operations for graduate and undergraduate programs within the Department of Chemistry. You will ensure seamless coordination with the DGS, DUS, and Dean of Students, delivering comprehensive operational support for all programs.

This role requires strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage budgets, staff, and complex processes across departments.