Senior Manager, Operations & Programs

Department

SSD Development Economics Center: Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department

The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.

Job Summary

The job manages a broad range of business operations and academic activities. Develops and implements office procedures and policies and ensures compliance. Prepares and monitors the budget for a unit.

The Senior Manager, Operations & Programs/Assistant Director plans, directs, and manages daily operations across DIL's diverse initiatives. Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations and Administration, this role combines strategic operational acumen with program management, overseeing operations related to international HR, academic appointments, space management, events, and departmental initiatives.

The Senior Manager, Operations & Programs/Assistant Director supervises a team of up to three Operations Associates and provides analytical guidance to senior leadership on complex operational matters. This position requires proven ability to independently manage multiple concurrent projects, coordinate diverse and cross-functional teams, and maintain strategic communication with diverse stakeholders.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate proven operations management experience, in-depth knowledge of HR processes and international operations, and leadership capabilities in academic or research environments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead DIL’s international operations, visa coordination, and contracting; solve complex compliance issues and provide analytical guidance on regulations and salary benchmarking; lead and coordinate integration of third-party vendor tasks.
• Independently lead comprehensive HR operations including recruitment, performance management processes, employee onboarding/offboarding, and records maintenance across DIL third party hiring entities; interpret hiring compliance requirements and University policies, ensuring adherence and recommending best practices in coordination with University and external partners.
• Oversee coordination of all UChicago HR functions between DIL and HR implementing partners in SSD.
• For activities related to operations, HR, space management, and events, serve as liaison to academic departments, professional organizations, and administrative units of the University; work closely with key partners, including Social Sciences Division HR and the office of International Affairs, to navigate a variety of routine and complex issues.
• Supervise and develop junior operations staff and student workers, acting as a resource and providing analytical guidance.
• Independently develop detailed work plans, schedules, and project estimates, for the logistics and administration of special projects and departmental initiatives and events, including Development Economics Research Fund, Weiss Fund for Development Economics, and Chicago Area Development Community meet-ups; assemble and lead project teams, assign responsibilities, track progress, conduct analysis, and ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Work independently to manage administrative processes related to academic appointments and visiting researcher, including postdoctoral scholar reappointments and visiting scholar coordination; identify innovative solutions for complex procedural challenges.
• Serve as primary liaison between University departments for MOU, NDA, and DUA requests; interpret complex agreement issues and coordinate cross-functional teams across University departments to ensure timely completion; track progress and facilitate stakeholder communications, share expertise based on experience related to these types of agreements.
• Oversee space needs for DIL team members across the world and manage DIL office spaces in Chicago (maintenance needs and seating allocations).
• Uses best practices to develop and execute organization's operational and overall strategic plan. Develops and implements relevant policies and procedures and ensures compliance.
• Works with minimal guidance in space, facilities, and equipment, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations.
• 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate degree in related field.

Experience:

• 7+ years progressively responsible experience, including supervisory and project management experience.
• Experience working in higher education or research environments.
• Proven track record of working independently with minimal guidance.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of University of Chicago systems and administrative structure.
• Advanced knowledge of human resources processes and best practices.
• Expert proficiency with computer applications including Word, Excel, Acrobat, and ability to quickly master new systems.
• Experience with vendor management and coordination.

Preferred Competencies

• Advanced time management skills, including ability to independently prioritize multiple complex projects and work within deadlines.
• Proven ability to operate independently with minimal guidance and take initiative in problem-solving.
• In-depth experience working with multi-cultural teams and international employment issues.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, including presentations, complex problem analysis, and careful editing.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with absolute discretion.
• Strong judgment and analytical expertise in independently managing complex situations and providing guidance to colleagues.
• Experience serving as a resource and mentor to colleagues with less experience.

Working Conditions

• Candidates must be willing to travel as needed for their respective responsibilities.

Application Documents

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

$80,000.00 - $90,000.00

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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