Managing Director

Department

PSD Chemistry: Staff Leadership

About the Department

One of the first departments founded at the University of Chicago was the Department of Chemistry. Since its inception, the Department of Chemistry has embodied the University's central mission of excellence in both research and teaching. The University of Chicago has been the recipient of more than 73 Nobel Prize recipients, 15 of which came from the Department of Chemistry. Our current faculty has considerable strength in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as in interdisciplinary research that delves into biology, physics, and materials science.

The Department is a community of over 500, including faculty, students, postdoctoral scholars and staff. Our academic support group operates the graduate and undergraduate educational programs for the department, including 60 undergraduate Chemistry majors and nearly 300 graduate students. Close student-faculty interactions have been a hallmark of our department for over a century. These have fostered a unique intellectual environment that both ensures superb graduate education and continues to produce important and exciting scientific discoveries.

Job Summary

The Managing Director oversees all aspects of the administration of the Department of Chemistry, managing a team of professional staff responsible for the development and implementation of the Department of Chemistry’s research and education mission. Communicates and collaborates with internal and external partners and divisional/University leadership to achieve strategic priorities. Identifies new external partners to advance strategic priorities. Sets standards and guidelines for staff/faculty interactions. Ensures the department meets financial targets.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the most senior staff leader within the Department of Chemistry, working closely with Department Chair to set administrative and operational goals for the department and implement strategic plans.
• Acts as primary department liaison with Division on matters of budget, space, facilities, human resources, and development.
• Manages the daily operations of the department.
• Oversees and manages the work of at least 5 administrative staff.
• Oversees departmental facilities, and the operations, allocation, and moving of research and office space.
• Direct management of department operating account. Advises Chair and liaises with the Local Business Center on business and financial functions.
• Supervises departmental staff who ensure that that department’s HR needs are met including oversight of training, reviews, performance management, and termination of staff.
• Directs the work of departmental staff to ensure that the appointment of postdocs and visiting scholars works smoothly and efficiently.
• Allocates faculty and department support staff from the administrative pool.
• Works closely with faculty, staff, and other campus leaders to assure the effective function of the departmental mission.
• Oversees the work of the Building Manager to ensure that proper functioning of classrooms, teaching labs, and academic mission.
• Works with Chair and Faculty Affairs Administrator on matters of faculty recruitment and retention, such as laboratory and office set-ups.
• Works with Chair and Department Instrumentation Committee to assure proper functioning of departmental core facilities (instrumentation, staff, and recharge rates).
• Oversees department’s internal and external communication, department events, and alumni relations.
• Works with Chair and EDI committee on department diversity initiatives and training.
• Works with Environment Health & Safety, PSD Laboratory Safety Specialist, Safety Committee, and research group safety representatives to ensure safety compliance and the safe operation of research and educational labs.
• Troubleshoots a range of complex problems for the department in collaboration with central offices.
• Manages the daily operations of an organizational unit or assists with managing the daily operations of a larger organizational unit, primarily in the areas of financial, purchasing, grant, facilities, human resources, and support services management. Ensures compliance of staff with organizational, University, and other relevant policies and guidelines.
• Manages all financial activities, including financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, accounting, accounts receivable/payable, and procurement. Oversees facilities management, including renovations, moves, maintenance, and ongoing facilities operations. Manages the development of all contracts, including those with vendors and other institutions.
• 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:      

• Advanced degree.

Experience:    

• Experience in an academic environment.
• Experience in a research laboratory environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach.
• Excellent strategic planning, critical thinking, analytical, and persuasion/negotiation skills.
• Management skills.
• Strong writing skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrates the skill and willingness to take initiative and to proactively anticipate organizational needs including the ability to meet deadlines.
• Event planning experience.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to influence people to meet goals and deadlines, and work collaboratively with senior leadership, colleagues, and other constituents.
• Results-oriented leader who is self-motivated.
• Analytical and detailed manager with a focus on excellence.
• Commitment to providing a high level of service and working in a team environment.
• High degree of professionalism.
• Ability to handle confidential information with the utmost discretion.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Thoughtful decision-making skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References (required)

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

People Manager

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

$120,000.00 - $140,000.00

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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