Chief of Staff and Associate Dean for Academic Planning at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Department



University of Chicago Social Sciences Division



About the Department



Consistently ranked among the top ten social science research universities in the world, the Division of Social Sciences is at the vanguard of inquiry and impact. Whether through the field-defining scholarship of the Chicago Schools in Sociology, Political Science, and Economics, the path-breaking impact of the first graduate international affairs program in the U.S., the creation of interdisciplinary programs in the Department of Comparative Human Development and the John U. Nef Committee on Social Thought, or many other pivotal milestones, the Division has repeatedly transformed the social sciences since its founding in 1930.



Job Summary



The job provides leadership and direction through senior managers who are responsible for providing complex and diverse functions critical for faculty course delivery and academic advising and services.


The Chief of Staff and Associate Dean for Academic Planning (COS-AD) plays a key leadership role developing and implementing effective planning processes for academic programs and ensuring the Division's strategic plans are effectively operationalized. Reporting to the Dean, the COS-AD partners closely with Deputy Deans, Department Chairs, Associate Deans, Center Directors and other key stakeholders to lead a portfolio of strategic projects and advance the Division's academic mission. The COS-AD directly supervises senior director-level staff, including academic affairs, information technology and computing services, and facilities management. The ideal candidate will thrive in an intellectually engaging role, build partnerships based on integrity and trust, and navigate demanding and complex dynamics with exemplary leadership. The COS-AD must maintain superior professionalism with confidential and privileged information and perform a wide range of duties that require sensitivity, independent judgment, diplomacy, discretion, and adaptability.



Responsibilities

• Lead high impact, mission driven strategies for the long-term future growth and vitality of the Division
  
  


• Work closely with the Dean, deputy deans, associate deans, department chairs, and other academic leadership to ensure successful planning and activities under each leader's purview and strong operational coordination across the Division
  
  


• Manage multiple projects simultaneously with impeccable follow-up and execution, effectively engaging, managing and updating project stakeholders, contributors, and others impacted
  
  


• Develop and maintain networks with peers and leaders across the University to stay abreast of best-practices and collaborate with key partnerships to advance Divisional goals
  
  


• Contribute to research, analysis, and reporting on a diverse range of matters related to the academic mission; manage recurring and ad hoc data-analysis to support strategic decision-making among senior Divisional leadership
  
  


• Represent the Dean and the Division on various working groups and committees, acting as a key leader to advance the Division's interests
  
  


• Develop and implement thoughtful change management and communication plans for Divisional initiatives
  
  


• Develop and implement processes to support effective short-term and long-term planning across a wide range of academic programs, including curricular programs, academic hiring, and academic policies
  
  


• Provide informed recommendations to the Dean on a wide array of issues associated with the academic planning;
  
  


• Ensure academic strategies inform, and are informed by, planning in other key domains, including space planning, IT planning, and budget and capital planning; lead the Division's planning efforts related to space/facilities, IT, and capital projects
  
  


• Ensure new academic initiatives are well-positioned for success; serve as an expert resource on a wide range of academic policy and emerging issues across higher education
  
  


• Provides leadership for teams that provide course curriculum design and delivery, academic advising and faculty administrative support
  
  


• Oversees the preparation of and presents analyses and reports. Establishes direction and goals for a variety of committees/teams with a diverse array of colleagues and partners
  
  


• Performs other related work as needed
  
  

Minimum Qualifications




Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:




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Preferred Qualifications




Education:

• Bachelor's degree
  
  


• Graduate degree
  
  

Experience

• Ten years of strategy or project management experience
  
  

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrates a record of outstanding accomplishment in a complex, higher education environment, and a commitment to and ability to connect with and advocate for faculty, staff, and students
  
  


• Held positions of increasing responsibility and leadership in planning, communication, and implementing major initiatives
  
  


• Communicate with and understand the needs of University of Chicago faculty, staff, and students
  
  


• Demonstrated superior project management and time management skills; ability to meet internal and external deadlines
  
  


• Ability to anticipate and think creatively to address complex needs and situations across the Division
  
  


• Exceptional interpersonal skills
  
  


• Excellent communication skills, with the professionalism to represent Divisional leadership
  
  


• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to keep track of many details accurately
  
  


• Demonstrate a collegial management style, the capacity to motivate others
  
  


• Proven ability to respond to and collaborate with diverse constituencies.
  
  


• Illustrates a high standard of excellence; exceptional planning, execution, analytical and judgment skills; ability to work appropriately with highly sensitive matters; strong analytical skills; and an outstanding commitment to and proven ability to advance an organization's priorities.
  
  


• Supervisory skills.
  
  


• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines required
  
  


• Advanced computational skills
  
  


• Analytical and problem solving skills
  
  


• Organizational skills
  
  


• Verbal and written communication skills
  
  


• Customer service skills
  
  


• Work independently with a high degree of initiative
  
  


• Team player
  
  


• Familiarity with the University of Chicago and its organizational structures, processes, and procedures
  
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
  
  


• Cover letter (required)
  
  


• References (3) (required)
  
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.



Job Family



Academic Affairs



Role Impact



People Manager



FLSA Status



Exempt



Pay Frequency



Monthly



Scheduled
Weekly Hours



37.5



Benefits Eligible



Yes



Drug Test Required



No



Health Screen Required



No



Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required



No



Posting Statement



The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.


Staff 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.


We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.


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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