Department

PME Dean of Students (DOS)

About the Department

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

Reporting to the Dean of Students, the Associate Dean of Students for Recruitment and Student Financials ensures that robust recruitment plans are designed and implemented in collaboration with the Associate Dean of Students for Recruitment and Admissions and ensures day-to-day student financial processes, guidance, and support are managed effectively and efficiently. The Associate Dean is a point of contact for student and stakeholder financial, recruitment, and onboarding questions and contributes to process improvement in these areas.

Responsibilities

Travels and recruits as needed, assisting with planning and delivering public presentations, special events, and other recruitment activities. Advises prospective students, applicants, and admitted students on the admissions processes, policies, and procedures. Establishes and executes programs for gathering leads for recruiting students.Under the direction of the Dean of Students and in collaboration with the Associate Dean of Students, creates an annual recruiting plan.Conducts recruiting outreach, including in-person and virtual opportunities. Hosts webinars, information sessions, college visits, regional and national event programming, special recruiting events, and other recruitment activities.Works closely with other DOS staff and academic program coordinators to participate in and execute special events, such as recruitment fairs, annual admissions weekends, new student orientation, and the School’s Convocation and Diploma and Hooding ceremonies.Understands and communicates policies and best practices related to student recruitment, onboarding, pay, and general student support.Manages and tracks all graduate student funding, PhD stipend payments, financial aid, tuition- and fee-related matters, TA appointments, fellowships, and internship participation and approval. Troubleshoots student funding-related questions and issues with the PME DOS office, PME Human Resources, PME Finance, UChicagoGRAD, Bursar, University Payroll, Student Employment, and PME academic program administrators.Under the supervision of the Dean of Students, ensures that the funding for PhD, Master’s, Professional students, and Non-degree Visiting students in the PME is processed in a timely manner with the correct payment amount, and appointment type. Collaborates with PME HR on stipend payments for non-degree visiting students. Monitors student tuition and fee accounts to correct issues or advise students appropriately.Manages new graduate student onboarding including editing or creating relevant communications and answering questions.Prepares annual financial reports and projections in collaboration with the Associate Dean of Students, Recruitment and Admissions.Works with the DOS staff, PME Finance, UChicagoGRAD, Bursar, and University Payroll office to produce regular reports of the U-SHIP mandatory insurance payments process.Provides student affairs backup coverage including, but not limited to, emergency services and critical case management, accommodations, admissions processes, orientation, and admitted students' activities.  May serve as primary lead in absence of Dean of Students.Actively works to build rapport and understanding with PME student populations through 1:1 appointments, group events, and intentional programming.  Serves as a primary point of contact for student engagement.Develops positive and active working relationships with internal and external constituents including, but not limited to, the other graduate Deans of Students Offices, Bursar, Registrar, UChicagoGRAD, UChicago Student Wellness, and Office of International Affairs.Works independently to expand outreach to undergraduate campuses expanding engagement with undergraduate students around to foster early promotion of PME’s graduate school program opportunities.Solves problems in areas such as academic and administrative policy, student admissions, curriculum research and development, and budget development. Advises various campus-wide and program committees in various aspects of student life.Recommends process improvements for programs that relate to critical student-life improvement, including emergency management, accommodations for students with disabilities, and/or the administration of health care services and programs for students.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

Experience:

Administrative experience in student affairs and academic support is a plus.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).Learn new systems as needed to support the duties of the job.Skilled with Slate or another admissions processing system.Knowledge of database management software.

Preferred Competencies

Work independently, recognize problems, and take the initiative to solve them.Build and critically review policies, processes, and procedures and achieve successful outcomes without complete information available.Successfully build and maintain collaborative relationships through shared responsibilities and respect to achieve a common goal.Excellent written and oral communication skills to communicate effectively and cultivate positive working relationships with students, staff, faculty, and the general public.Excellent interpersonal skills including outstanding judgment and discretion. Strong ethical approach to decision-making and demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts fairly and diplomatically. Maintain confidentiality.Excellent organizational skills, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail.Familiarity with the academic research enterprise and the University of Chicago environment.Cross-train in various areas to support the Dean of Students office.

Working Conditions

Work some evenings and weekends.Hybrid work schedule.

Application Documents

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

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

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

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

$68,304.00 - $93,000.00

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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