Assistant Director, Science Programs

Assistant Director

The Assistant Director is primarily responsible for managing a portfolio of student-facing programs and events, including but not limited to, the Polsky I-Corps program, Collaboratorium, Innovation Fund Associates Program, Commercialization Fellowship, Courses for Scientists, and Innovation Fellows program. In addition to their program portfolio, the Assistant Director will also act as a liaison to Polsky Center leadership and staff who serve the scientific community through other mechanisms including the technology commercialization and licensing team, faculty venture development, the Alchemist Chicago accelerator, the UChicago Science Incubator, and any new initiatives focused on science and technology.

Responsibilities include managing a portfolio of new and existing programs and events from program inception through completion, overseeing the promotion and application processes for initiatives in the science program portfolio, implementing events throughout the year, utilizing data to inform decision-making related to program execution and development, working in close coordination with Polsky Center directors, program managers, and leadership to ensure coordination of programming with other Polsky Center initiatives and audiences, mentoring and counseling students, managing teambuilding processes to connect scientific and business talent across campus, together with the Director, Science Programs and Student Engagement, working with Chicago Booth and scientific divisions, centers, and student groups to identify and plan events and initiatives catered to the student community to build Polsky Center awareness and engagement with the graduate and undergraduate student communities, serving as a liaison to Polsky Center leadership and staff who support the scientific community through other mechanisms including technology commercialization and licensing, faculty venture development, the Alchemist Chicago accelerator, and the UChicago Science Incubator, assisting with other initiatives and duties at the Polsky Center, advising, supporting, and recommending concepts for programming to leaders of various organizations and programs, marketing student activities programming throughout the year, developing and implementing protocols for evaluating the effectiveness of programs, and performing other related work as needed.

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field and knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Preferred qualifications include a bachelor's degree, background advising or mentoring students and managing student-facing programs, demonstrated proficiency with MS Office, exceptional event planning and project management skills, strong relationship management abilities, strong analytical skills with experience collecting and using data to evaluate program effectiveness, outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, the ability to work independently with little supervision, strong problem-solving and attention to detail, high level of organization and the ability to handle multiple detailed tasks / projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach, and background in science or engineering or experience working with scientific / technical audiences.

This position is currently expected to work a hybrid schedule, with travel between Hyde Park campus and downtown Gleacher Center, flexibility to occasionally work late or start early for Polsky Center events, as well as attend events on weekends. Application documents required include a resume / CV and cover letter.