Senior Director of Programs

Department

FFIE Chicago Forum Senior Staff

About the Department

The University of Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression builds on UChicago’s historic commitment and practices to provide a focal point for understanding and applying free expression, in academia and in the broader culture, in the United States and abroad. The Chicago Forum's mission is to promote the understanding, practice, and advancement of free and open discourse, in collaboration with faculty and the broader university community.

Job Summary

Reporting to the incoming Executive Director and collaborating with the Faculty Director, the Senior Director of Programs will serve as a strategic leader at the University of Chicago’s Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression. Drawing on a deep understanding of the Forum’s mission, operations, and achievements, the Senior Director will build upon the Forum’s rapid growth and increasing international influence to further enhance and expand its impact. The Senior Director will oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of programs to ensure excellence. They will drive key initiatives, guide integrated marketing and communications, manage budgets, cultivate team growth through mentorship, and provide innovative approaches to student and fellow engagement. The successful candidate will possess sensitivity to the global dialogue on free expression and a commitment to the Forum’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Recommends and leads the strategic design, expansion, and evaluation of the Forum’s programming, building on its record of organizing internationally recognized events and initiatives that have catalyzed discourse on free speech in diverse global contexts.

• Serve as a partner for like institutions on campus working with peers to find areas for opportunity and collaboration.

• Serve as primary point person for Fellows/the Fellowship program and manage resources to foster an enriching, impactful fellowship experience. Collaborate with the Director of Curriculum and Forum Directors to strategize ways to incorporate and market the Fellows work within the campus community and disseminate their research.

• Assess security risks for high-profile speakers/controversial topics and secure proportional, coordinated security planning, protest management, and emergency contingencies.

• Oversee integrated marketing and communications strategies to promote the Forum's programs, leveraging digital, social, and traditional media to engage existing, new and diverse audiences.

• Develop and oversee a multi-year programming calendar that balances advance-planned initiatives with responsive, topical events.

• Oversee program budgets working with unit administrators, making recommendations to ensure resource effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

• Expand the Chicago Forum's student engagement initiatives to foster participation in events and programs that embody the Forum's mission of free inquiry and expression

• Mentor, develop, and lead a high-performing team, promoting a culture of innovation and operational excellence.

• Provide expert program and marketing support through direct reports for curriculum and research initiatives, collaborating with the Director of Curriculum on planning for Summer Institute and other initiatives. 

• Serve as a key resource for program information. Resolves problems or questions referred to by program staff, University administrators, or other contingencies.

• Continuously scan the global landscape for emerging trends and challenges in free inquiry and expression, shaping the Forum’s direction and priorities accordingly.

• Manages employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, assessing annual performance, and determining individual merit, incentive and/or promotional increases.

• Manages program operations and administrative functions which may include planning and scheduling, program evaluation, policy implementation, personnel administration, budget, marketing, fundraising and proposal development.

• Contributes to design of program content, policies and strategic planning efforts.

• 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

Experience:

• 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Comprehensive understanding of the University of Chicago’s culture, values, and institutional framework.

• Direct experience with the University of Chicago’s commitment to free expression.

Preferred Competencies

• Proven ability to develop and implement long-term strategies for program growth and impact, with expertise in designing, executing, and evaluating high-impact programs and initiatives.

• Commitment to collaboration with demonstrated skills in building, mentoring, and inspiring high-performing teams. Ability to lead managers and professional staff, fostering innovation and excellence.

• Capacity to oversee large program budgets and optimize resource allocation for sustainable outcomes.

• Advanced competency in creating and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies across multiple channels.

• Sensitivity to international issues, trends, and cultural differences related to free inquiry and expression.

• Exceptional relationship-building skills for working with University leaders, faculty, students, advisory boards, and external partners and demonstrated ability to design and implement innovative initiatives that drive student participation and involvement.

Application Documents

• Resume (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

$125,000.00 - $156,000.00

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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