Research Program Administrator at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Department



PSD Data Science Staff



About the Department



The University of Chicago Data Science Initiative (DSI) is a collaboration of scholars, researchers, educators, and practitioners pursuing the methodological, societal, and domain-oriented challenges of our increasingly data-centric world. The DSI is a research center setting the intellectual agenda for the field and an innovator and provider of data education at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Integral to DSI's success includes the rewarding engagement outside the walls of the University through meaningful partnerships with industry, government, and the community.



Job Summary



The Research Program Administrator performs a range of professional activities in support of DSI research initiatives, research programs, postdoctoral scholar's programs, and faculty research grant support. The incumbent provides managerial and administrative oversight of the high school and undergraduate summer research programs, including the planning, directing, coordinating and daily operations. The incumbent will provide opportunities for students to engage in DSI research programs and initiatives throughout the academic year. Reporting to the DSI Senior Director of Research Programs and Strategy, the Research Program Administrator works to meet the needs of the DSI to ensure effective and efficient operations and advance DSI research programs. This position provides professional support for grant administration, purchasing, procurement, program operations and planning, and academic events and activities.



Responsibilities

• Assists in the pursuit of grants and foundation proposals. Supports proposals by working closely with DSI leadership and faculty when appropriate.
  
  


• Has moderate/high levels of interactions with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
  
  


• Maintains awareness, reporting timelines, spending and budget management and annual communications needs for DSI-administered internal research grants.
  
  


• Provides Senior Director of Research Programs & Strategy and faculty leadership with budget updates as needed.
  
  


• Implements protocols for evaluating the effectiveness of research programs.
  
  


• Manages the daily operations of the summer high school and undergraduate research program.
  
  


• Leads student admissions, recruiting, and enrollment of summer research programs.
  
  


• Serves as primary point of contact for students, alumni, and faculty mentors.
  
  


• Creates and maintains comprehensive program documentation including detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports.
  
  


• Drafts and publishes communications content through authorized channels, such as website and email, to ensure content is up-to-date and accessible to key stakeholders.
  
  


• Develops programs to build student community within the department throughout the academic year and summer.
  
  


• Addresses student concerns as they develop in coordination with faculty leadership and appropriate University offices.
  
  


• Working closely with faculty leadership, organizes the summer program around the areas of AI+Science: AI+Materials, AI+Earth, AI+Biology, and AI+Astrophysics.
  
  


• Develops and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
  
  


• Assists in purchasing, reimbursement and monitoring expenses for programs and initiatives.
  
  


• Assists DSI leadership team with operational and administrative needs as requested.
  
  


• Assists in event planning and execution, including creation of workflows and other necessary tracking documents to ensure details are appropriately managed and timelines are attended to.
  
  


• Helps plan and execute events in service to the DSI's research and educational mission.
  
  


• Sets and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
  
  


• Has moderate/high levels of interactions with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
  
  


• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:




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Preferred Qualifications




Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
  
  

Experience:

• 2-3+ years of progressively responsible research or academic program administrative experience.
  
  


• Administrative experience in student affairs, academic support, or closely related environment.
  
  


• Previous experience with quality improvement practices.
  
  

Preferred Competencies

• Previous experience in higher education setting.
  
  


• Self-starter who can operate in a complex administrative environment with limited oversight.
  
  


• Attention to detail.
  
  


• Familiarity with general business practices, in particular budget and deliverable tracking.
  
  


• Commitment to providing a high level of service and working in a team environment.
  
  


• High degree of professionalism and emotional intelligence.
  
  


• Ability to handle confidential information with utmost discretion.
  
  


• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
  
  


• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines.
  
  


• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
  
  


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  
  

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.
  
  


• Infrequent evening or weekend work.
  
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
  
  


• Cover Letter (required)
  
  


• References (required)
  
  

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



Job Family



Administration & Management



Role Impact



Individual Contributor



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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