Sr. Assistant Director of Academic Programs

University of Chicago; United States; Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

The University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) seeks a Sr. Assistant Director of Academic Programs for Chicago, IL.

The role leads strategic initiatives to improve academic program delivery, develop new initiatives, and create policy frameworks to support institutional growth. You will provide data analyses, updates, and regular reports on admissions, enrollment, student progress, outcomes, ROI, and alumni career trajectories; lead cross-functional efforts on course

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Higher Education Administration, Physical Sciences, Engineering, or related field plus 2 years of experience with academic programs.
• Experience with international graduate admissions and recruitment.
• Experience in academic advising and international student services.
• Experience managing large data sets and using academic information systems.
• Ability to develop metrics to assess ROI and liaise with campus stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic initiatives to improve academic program delivery and long-term planning.
• Develop new initiatives, structures, policy frameworks, and planning tools.
• Provide data analysis, updates, and regular reports on admissions, enrollment, progress, outcomes, ROI and alumni careers.
• Serve as project lead on cross-functional efforts for course innovation and hybrid/online programs.
• Plan events and meetings (recruitment events, open houses, orientations, admitted weekends).
• Lead yield and retention strategies for graduate students and engaged communication plans.
• Act as primary administrator for graduate and undergraduate programs and mentor junior staff.
• Coordinate basic academic advising for undergrad and graduate students.

Skills

Higher education admin

International admissions

Academic advising

International student services

Data analysis

Academic information systems

Problem solving

ROI metrics

Stakeholder liaison

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Higher Education Administration or related field + 2 years exp.

Job description

Department PME Education & Academic Programs

About the Department The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME; https://pme.uchicago.edu/) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the 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. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Job Information

Job Summary: Sr. Assistant Director of Academic Programs for Chicago, IL location. Leads strategic initiatives at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering to improve academic program delivery, including the development of new initiatives, structures, policy frameworks, and long‑term planning tools to support academic excellence and institutional growth. Provides data analysis, updates, and regular reports on admission, enrollment, student academic progress, outcomes, ROI and career trajectory of alumni. Serves as a project lead on assigned cross‑functional efforts involving course innovation, academic technology integration, hybrid/online program implementation, and assessment planning. Leads planning and implementation of key events and meetings, such as recruitment events, open houses, new student orientation, and admitted student weekends. Leads the design and execution of yield and retention strategies for graduate students, including admitted student engagement plans, communications strategy, and event programming. Primary program administrator for the graduate and undergraduate programs, focused on developing positive and active working relationships with internal and external constituents at varying levels of leadership. Mentors junior staff within the Academic Programs unit, supporting onboarding, professional development, performance management. Coordinates basic academic advising to undergraduate and graduate students.

Education and Experience Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree in Higher Education Administration, Physical Sciences, Engineering, or other related field plus 2 years of experience with academic programs required.

Required Skills

• 2 years with: higher education student affairs administration;
• Experience must include: international graduate admissions and recruitment;
• Academic advising;
• International student services;
• Managing and analyzing large data sets;
• Academic information systems;
• Identifying administrative needs and proposing solutions;
• Developing metrics to assess ROI;
• Liaising with campus stakeholders and partners;
• Team supervision.

Background check including review of criminal convictions required.

Some telecommuting permitted.

$75,000/yr- $83,000/yr + Benefits: https://mybenefits.nfp.com/UChicago/benefits-guide/

Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Union Non-Union Job is Exempt Yes Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Posting Date 2026-11-05

Posting Statement

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For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

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