Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies

Department

PSD Computer Science: CMSC Staff Leadership

About the Department

The Department of Computer Science is an academic department that has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical sciences and computer science, and this tradition continues today. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of theory to human-computer interaction to Data Science. We are part of the Physical Sciences Division which includes academic departments and several interdisciplinary research institutes and centers.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies (ADUS) serves as the lead staff member managing and overseeing the administration of the Computer Science undergraduate program which serves large numbers of majors, Bx/MS students, minors, and students from other academic programs across campus. Reporting to the Faculty Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) and working closely with the Senior Instructional Professors, the ADUS combines professional expertise in curriculum management, data analysis and strategic planning, student advising, and operational oversight, to develop and oversee structures to support students and faculty and ensure all aspects of the undergraduate program are successful.

Responsibilities

• Uses specialized knowledge in computer science to provide strategic guidance and oversee curricular and operational matters in the BA and BS major programs, the joint Bx/MS program, and the minor program.
• Leads and oversees a complex quarterly process to assign graduate and undergraduate student TAs and graders to dozens of course sections each term, using domain knowledge of curricular topics and the prior coursework and performance of student applicants, as well as needs of instructors to ensure that the courses are appropriately staffed. Navigates University policies and HR processes to ensure compliance and ensures that budgetary constraints for staffing are satisfied.
• With a large degree of autonomy, evaluates and decides student applications for the Joint Bx/MS Program, and leads corresponding course registration and student advising processes involving an intricate combination of undergraduate and master’s program requirements.
• Creates, maintains, and analyzes quarterly and annual data regarding registrations and enrollments, majors, minors, and other program indicators, and uses the data to recommend program improvements and inform other executive curricular decisions.
• Utilizes expertise in the field of computer science to provide personalized advising to undergraduate students on appropriate course selection, as well as placement exam results and transfer credit evaluations.
• Develops and manages a quarterly department-wide waitlist registration system to allocate seats in courses with high enrollment pressure, maximizing the utilization of our instructional resources and prioritizing the needs of students working towards degree requirements for various programs.
• Employs computational skills and tools, such as spreadsheet formulas, computer programming, and mail scripts, to administer the operations of educational programs at scale.
• Troubleshoots a wide variety of complex technical and logistical concerns on behalf of the DUS, faculty, and students, collaborating with partners across campus as needed.
• Provides specialized professional expertise in program management. Implements plans for educational programs and initiatives and acts as a liaison between program and program participants.
• Serves as a key resource for program information. Resolves problems or questions referred by program staff, University administrators, or other contingencies.
• 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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s Degree of Science in Computer Science or related field.

Experience:

• 5+ years of administrative experience in Recruitment/Admissions, Student Affairs, Academic Support, or closely-related environment.
• Familiarity with higher education environment and knowledge of the University of Chicago’s unique culture and administrative systems.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.
• Ability to work closely and effectively with faculty and other leaders across an institution.
• Strong practical knowledge of how to manage a curriculum with requirements and prerequisites.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Demonstrate ability to think strategically, independently develop and evaluate options, and develop solutions.
• Demonstrate problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to interact with a diverse range of individuals at all levels.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References (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

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$100,000.00 - $115,000.00

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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