Senior Institute Administrator, Chicago Quantum Institute

Department

PME Quantum Institute Operations

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, 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 Summary

The Chicago Quantum Institute seeks a highly skilled Senior Institute Administrator to manage the Institute’s operational and academic administrative activities in support of its faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, and Ph.D. students. Reporting to the Institute Manager, the Sr Institute Administrator ensures the smooth execution of both day-to-day administrative and financial operations, and the Institute’s strategic academic and research initiatives, demonstrating professionalism, strong customer service skills, and a commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.

This position requires sound independent judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage high-level confidential administrative support for faculty and leadership. The Sr Institute Administrator can navigate complex workflows and prioritize time-sensitive tasks, work independently and proactively to ensure tasks are completed thoroughly and efficiently. As part of a growing Institute in a rapidly evolving field, this role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth of the Institute, PME, and UChicago more broadly. This position requires regular onsite presence for a minimum of 3 days a week. Business hours are considered from 7:00am – 7:00pm. Evening and weekend work may be required on occasion for events or other work-related activities.

Responsibilities

• Performs and executes routine and complex assignments to ensure the success of the Institute’s financial, operational, and events management processes.
• Leads and executes high-profile and strategic initiatives/events, including academic partnerships, international exchanges, and visiting research programs, with domestic and international academic, corporate, and government partners.
• Develops and manages relationships and partnerships crucial to the success of the Institute, PME, and UChicago; liaise with internal and external constituencies and stakeholders.
• In collaboration with the Institute Manager, plans, develops, analyzes, and manages the Institute’s financial and budgetary activities, including preparation of budgets updates and projections.
• Oversees the budget vs. actuals tracking process, ensuring tracking is up-to-date and implementing solutions to improve processes.
• Designs, oversees and implements administrative processes (financial, advertising, application management, candidate visits, and onboarding) for the Chicago Quantum Postdoctoral fellows, Open Quantum Initiative Fellows, and summer undergraduate student programs.
• Creates and proposes budgets as outlined by the Institute’s project needs and objectives. Stays informed of activities relating to University programs and initiatives, apprising the Institute Manager of issues when deemed necessary.
• Leads supporting faculty grants and awards by liaising on their behalf with University Research Administration pre-award and post-award specialists.
• Collaborates across Institutes and PME functional areas (HR/Academic Affairs, IT, Academic Programs, Dean of Students, Facilities) to meet administrative and operational needs.
• Prepares special reports and summaries, assists in managing the daily operation of the administrative support team, and develops administrative policies and procedures.
• Plans and executes deliverables for standing meetings and projects within the department.
• Plans systems of sustained continuous improvement. Reviews and updates established business processes and metrics.
• Collaborates with other PME units to onboard new faculty, postdoctoral researchers, research staff, and students, including elements of onboarding, space assignments, purchasing requests, reimbursements, and accounts payable.
• Responsible for training office staff on office procedures and compliance protocols. Coordinates special projects.
• Assists in the monitoring of the various financial and budgetary activities, including vendors contracts. Preparing and monitoring the budget for a unit.
• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

• Background with project and document management systems.
• Content management systems experience
• Progressively responsible business and administrative experience.  
• Background in an academic or complex administrative environment.
• Familiarity with the higher education environment is a plus.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong computer skills, including calendaring, document management, such as Dropbox, Box, etc., database management, and spreadsheet skills.

Preferred Competencies

• Initiate and perform tasks on behalf of the Institute Manager.
• Commitment to providing a high level of service and working in a team environment.
• Demonstrated administrative, problem-solving, organization, and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and can handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Prioritize urgent tasks while ensuring established deadlines are met.
• Flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.
• Handle stressful, sensitive, and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Interact comfortably with senior executives, faculty, and staff.
• Work independently and follow up with tasks as needed.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional References Contact Information (3) (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

$75,000.00 - $85,000.00

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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