Director, Board Governance Strategy

Department

SING National Laboratories

About the Department

The Office of Science, Innovation, National Laboratories, and Global Initiatives collaborates with deans, faculty and other University leaders to shape the strategic scientific and technological direction of the University and supports its implementation through and across the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the UChicago Global Centers, and Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The Office also works in close collaboration with UChicago Research.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for National Laboratories, this position will serve in the Office of Research and National Laboratories. The Director of Board Governance Strategy will be responsible for contributing to the management and oversight of strategic initiatives related to the National Laboratories. In this capacity, this position will work with the Associate Vice President for National Laboratories and the members of the UChicago Board Relations team to execute the strategy for the respective boards and will contribute to the broader organizational objectives by providing inter-institutional development support and contributing to a large and diverse portfolio of projects.

The Director, Board Relations Strategy must have the demonstrated ability to build and sustain strong and cohesive partnerships with colleagues and peers, and with leadership at all levels at the Laboratories, University of Chicago, Department of Energy, and all related critical stakeholders. The successful candidate will exhibit outstanding written and verbal communication skills and will regularly interact with National Laboratory board members, University faculty, senior-level individuals from federal, state, and local government and agencies, laboratory leadership, as well as executives from business, foundations, and other external organizations. The individual must also be able to work collaboratively with a team and build and sustain strong and cohesive partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Leads and optimizes key operational functions for UChicago Office of National Laboratories, drives strong governance and Board Relations practices, and oversees strategic initiatives while driving financial oversight, budgeting, and resource allocation with respect to the University’s oversight and management of Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
• Leads National Laboratory efforts related to operational efficiency, governance, and innovation, ensuring projects are executed seamlessly, stakeholders are aligned, and long-term organizational goals are met.
• Oversees multiple strategic initiatives related to the National Laboratories, including driving cross-functional collaboration and fostering strong partnerships with senior leadership, stakeholders, and external organizations. Manages operational processes, governance frameworks, and large-scale projects to ensure that the University is managing the Laboratories in a manner that allows them to achieve their mission and drives leadership in innovation and excellence while managing budgets and optimizing financial performance.
• Oversees the execution of high-impact projects, meetings, and events, ensuring seamless execution from inception to completion. Inspires and guides teams toward achieving excellence, fostering a collaborative and results-driven culture.
• Directs the development and execution of strategies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance productivity. Introduces cutting-edge processes and solutions to continuously improve project outcomes and operational efficiencies.
• Establishes and oversees governance frameworks, policies, and procedures for FermiForward Board of Directors and Argonne Board of Governors to ensure compliance, risk management, and alignment with best practices. Manages board relations, including the execution of strategic initiatives, meetings, and events related to board engagement. Maintains financial integrity through accurate reporting and governance oversight, ensuring proper financial controls are in place.
• Defines and refines project scope, objectives, and timelines, ensuring alignment with the Office of National Laboratory’s and UChicago’s long-term vision. Leads the implementation of strategic initiatives that foster governance, mission execution and cultural transformation across the laboratories.
• Oversees and manages the budget for multiple operational and strategic initiatives related to the management and oversight of, as well as the board relations for, both laboratories. Monitors financial performance, ensures the alignment of projects/activities with budgetary constraints, and works with stakeholders to allocate resources efficiently. Assists with the preparation and review of detailed financial reports, providing insights into project costs, forecasting, and financial outcomes.
• Collaborates with senior leadership and cross-functional teams across the laboratories to align projects with organizational goals. Provides insights and recommendations for strategic decision-making and drives clear communication across departments and stakeholders.
• Proactively addresses project risks, obstacles, and governance issues, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.
• Mentors the board relations staff, fostering high levels of performance, professional development, and accountability. Champions a culture of transparency, high performance, and operational excellence.
• Maintains strong relationships with stakeholders, including Laboratory leadership, University faculty, Department of Energy leaders, federal agencies, and external organizations, to ensure effective communication and engagement.
• Provides administrative and programmatic direction and coordination in the formulation, interpretation and administration of the University's strategic planning and related Unit objectives and subsequent short and long term policies, procedures and program plans.
• Provides regular reports to executive management on all projects and strategic initiatives. Ensures that appropriate project documentation is maintained in order to meet organizational needs and all applicable requirements.
• Acts as a lead researcher and planner for a wide array of efforts led by the department/division.
• Leads the creation and maintenance of an international outreach database. Prepares and implements campus-based itineraries for visiting international delegations.
• 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 Competencies

• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Superior interpersonal skills; influence and engage peers and colleagues.
• Demonstrated experience and confidence to gain the credibility and respect of a diverse and high-performing set of internal and external stakeholders, including present or prospective board members, University and Laboratory leaders, representatives from partner institutions, Department of Energy or related agency leadership, etc.
• Manage extensive workload, meet deadlines, and function both as an effective team member and independently in a multi-priority, demanding environment.
• Deliver high quality results in a dynamic environment and anticipate and respond to future needs.
• Apply business knowledge and communications expertise to develop and lead executive-level communications strategies that advance the objectives of Argonne and Fermilab, the University and the broader National Laboratory stakeholder community.   
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical initiatives.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, oral and presentation skills to effectively interface with senior management, staff, and individuals at all levels and in both formal and informal settings.
• Deliver the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality.
• Operate as a highly effective tactical and strategic thinker.

Application Documents

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

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

$165,000.00 - $175,000.00

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.

 

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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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