Program Manager, Professional Development Programs

University of Chicago; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking a Program Manager to oversee day-to-day operations of non-credit professional development certificates and standalone offerings. You will manage course scheduling, instructor contracting, student records, onboarding, and advising, focusing on a strong student experience and program quality.

You will coordinate with leadership, enrollment and faculty to ensure timely delivery of programs across time zones and platforms, including Canvas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• 2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Experience in student services, academic program administration, communications, or events is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the full student lifecycle from admission to program completion.
• Maintains accurate student records in registration and information systems.
• Provides academic advising and guidance on requirements and policies.
• Coordinates onboarding and communications for new students.
• Plans and manages course schedules for certificate programs.
• Supports recruitment and outreach activities to increase program visibility.
• Ensures a high-quality learner experience and timely program communications.

Skills

Student information systems

CRM tools

Canvas

Registration platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master’s degree in higher education or related field

Tools

Canvas

Mailchimp

LinkedIn

Slate

Zoom

ClickUp

Job description

Department UCPE Professional Development Programs About the Department

Innovative, career-driven learning experiences define University of Chicago Professional. In our commitment to spread the University's knowledge as broadly as possible, we offer impactful and flexible programs and courses that introduce individual and corporate audiences to up-to-the-minute research, the latest standards in their field, a new professional network, and the University of Chicago's rich intellectual community. Our instructors, all seasoned professionals, deliver unparalleled expertise drawn from years of industry experience. We give our students the tools to succeed in our fast-moving, interconnected world and achieve a competitive edge at any stage of their careers.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Professional Development Programs and Registration, the Program Manager oversees the day-to-day operation of non-credit professional development certificates and standalone offerings. Key responsibilities include course scheduling, instructor contracting, course and student records management, student communication from onboarding through completion, academic advising, instructional communication, and Canvas course support. The Program Manager supports the growth and quality of program management services by coordinating programs, students, and instructors with a focus on student advising, strategic course management, and a strong student experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the full student lifecycle from admission and onboarding through program completion, ensuring consistent academic and administrative support.
• Maintains accurate student records in registration and information systems in compliance with institutional policies.
• Provides academic advising and program guidance on requirements, course sequencing, and policies.
• Monitors student engagement and progress toward certificate completion and intervenes as needed to support success.
• Manages course enrollment and student participation and coordinates key program communications, including schedules, deadlines, and announcements.
• Evaluates student academic records, processes final grades, and authorizes the awarding of certificates upon completion.
• Develops and manages structured onboarding processes and communications for newly admitted students.
• Provides orientation materials and guidance on program expectations, platforms, and available resources.
• Establishes and refines processes that support student retention, monitors early participation, and addresses barriers to success.
• Collaborates with leadership and enrollment teams to support recruitment and strengthen program visibility.
• Organizes and moderates virtual information sessions and recruitment events.
• Advises prospective students on program options and requirements, and contributes to outreach materials.
• Establishes and maintains quarterly course schedules for certificate programs and standalone offerings in institutional systems.
• Communicates instructional assignments and schedules to faculty and instructors and maintains related records.
• Manages the lifecycle of Canvas course sites, including setup, enrollment, and quality review.
• Coordinates instructional communications related to course preparation, course management, and instructional support.
• Coordinates logistics and communications for program events, webinars, and information sessions.
• Supports planning and implementation of professional development programming and student engagement activities.
• Assists with program operational activities, including scheduling coordination and program communications.
• Conducts periodic quality assurance reviews of program processes and recommends improvements to enhance efficiency and the student experience.
• Uses moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
• Sets and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria.
• Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Performs other related 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: —

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, communication, international education, or related field.
• Experience: 2–4 years of experience in student affairs, academic program administration, communications, or event coordination, preferably in higher education or a globally focused organization.
• Background working with professional or adult learners, and familiarity with the needs of non-traditional students.
• Planning and delivering virtual events across time zones is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to manage complex workflows, competing priorities, and high-volume processes in a deadline-driven environment.
• Working with faculty and instructors to support instructional needs, address questions and concerns, and ensure timely resolution.

Technical Skills or Knowledge

• Proficient in student information systems, registration platforms, CRM tools, or learning management systems.
• Familiarity with platforms such as Canvas, Mailchimp, LinkedIn, Slate, Zoom, and ClickUp or similar systems.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with attention to detail and timelines.
• Demonstrated creativity and initiative in developing content and engaging communities, particularly on LinkedIn.
• Demonstrated commitment to student service, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and a high-quality learner experience.

Application Documents

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

Job Family

• Administration & Management
• Role Impact Individual Contributor
• Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5
• Drug Test Required
• No Health Screen Required
• No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
• No Pay Rate Type Salary
• FLSA Status Exempt
• Pay Range $60,000.00 - $75,000.00
• 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-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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About the University

The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/