Senior Research Program Manager

The University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago’s Social Sciences Research Center (SSRC) seeks a Sr. Program Administrator to oversee the SSRC and its portfolio of interdisciplinary research centers within the Division of the Social Sciences.

You will partner with faculty and center leadership to plan, develop, and sustain research programs, training workshops, and external funding initiatives. You will coordinate strategic planning, manage budgets and facilities, and guide proposal development while ensuring

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a related field.
• 5 or more years of experience in higher education, research administration, or related area.
• Master’s or PhD preferred for deeper leadership in research development.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates operations and supports planning for the SSRC and centers; sets strategic direction and program priorities.
• Develops knowledge of faculty research interests and shapes cross-center opportunities.
• Establishes processes, workflows, and performance standards to strengthen administrative effectiveness.
• Manages the SSRC Faculty Advisory Board and supports growth with faculty leadership.
• Leads research development activities, including workshops, proposal development, and data support.
• Oversees budgeting, facilities, procurement, contracts, events, records, and related operations for centers.

Skills

Project management

Grant writing

Budget management

Research administration

Stakeholder management

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master’s or PhD, preferably in the social sciences or a related field

Job description

The University of Chicago’s Social Sciences Research Center (SSRC) seeks a Sr. Program Administrator to oversee the SSRC and its portfolio of interdisciplinary research centers within the Division of the Social Sciences.

You will partner with faculty and center leadership to plan, develop, and sustain research programs, training workshops, and external funding initiatives. You will coordinate strategic planning, manage budgets and facilities, and guide proposal development while ensuring