Program Manager, STAGE Center

Stage Center Program Manager

Reporting to the STAGE Assistant Director of Operations and Initiatives, the STAGE Center Program Manager is responsible for a wide variety of critical duties in support of the Center's operations. The Program Manager coordinates existing and new projects from conception to completion (theatre, games, film, etc.) through advanced project management, scheduling and hands-on execution. They will work closely with the leadership team to create optimal operational and planning conditions for STAGE to thrive and deliver on its goals. This position coordinates with a broad range of stakeholders within the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and in the University at large. The Program Manager also assists with the assembly of teams and the development of detailed work plans, and partners with others to develop project needs and timelines, resource plans, and status reports. Proactiveness, strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and a collaborative approach are valued in this role.

Responsibilities include :

• Serves as operational lead across all STAGE projects (Theatre, Film, Games, etc.) from planning to execution. Works independently to develop detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports. Assembles and leads a project team, assigns individual responsibilities, identifies appropriate resources needed, and develops schedules to ensure timely completion of projects.
• Leverages planning tools to generate, communicate, and track complex timelines, milestones, and metrics for project execution and the achievement of STAGE's strategic goals.
• Conducts detailed and varied research on all STAGE needs; identifies products, vendors, people, organizations, and content to support STAGE'S unique projects and endeavors. Proposes best options based on STAGE leadership priorities and guidelines.
• Tracks and provides reports on STAGE activities and deliverables in alignment with internal and external funding agency requirements. Builds project management systems with end-goals and deliverables in mind.
• Develops and maintains tracking systems, documentation, and playbooks for STAGE's work, projects, processes, and initiatives, including, but not limited to, maintaining and updating STAGE's annual report of activities.
• Functions as core administrator for the Center; uses PME and UChicago resources and support entities (HR, IT, Marketing, Facilities) to plan for the cyclical and bespoke needs of each quarter, academic year, and project. Where appropriate, coordinates with STAGE partners, education or workforce program stakeholders, UChicago entities like the Global Center or the Office of Career Advancement, and others, to complete tasks or troubleshoot issues.
• Prepares and executes local, national, and international events and workshops; coordinates with students, faculty, professionals, and volunteers; assists as needed with promotional activities.
• Leads student recruitment, including writing, posting, and disseminating ads for student positions; assists with onboarding and offboarding.
• Manages and drives results from student staff; provides infrastructure to assign and receive student work; reinforces the Center's project needs while providing channels of communication and support for student staff.
• Conducts regular website maintenance, quality assurance checks, and generates content. Works with external partners and on-campus entities to ensure the website meets all mandated criteria. Keeps information updated and accurate; posts new articles, photos, etc. highlighting recent events, partnerships, and project milestones. Makes STAGE's work visible to our broader community through our digital platform.
• Supervises the Center Coordinator, oversees task completion, provides guidance, and acts as a liaison between Center Coordinator and the larger leadership team.
• Exhibits strong critical thinking skills; makes decisions and proposes solutions based on data, analyzes information from various sources, questions assumptions, and thinks creatively about how the work gets done. Contributes to design of program content, policies and strategic planning efforts.
• Works somewhat independently to develop detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports. Assembles and leads a project team, assigns individual responsibilities, identifies appropriate resources needed, and develops schedules to ensure timely completion of projects.
• Acts as a resource for a project team and provides analytical guidance. Interprets complex project issues and provides analytical guidance to a project team.
• Performs other work as needed.

Minimum qualifications include a college or university degree in a related field and 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Preferred qualifications include advanced skill level in Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and other relevant software and database systems. Preferred competencies include excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, strong attention to detail and organizational skills, the ability to maintain confidentiality, and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet required deadlines. Application documents required include a resume / CV, cover letter, and references contact information (3 preferred).