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) MUST be 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.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.