Director of Academic Programs and EDI

Department

PME Administration & Operations

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 PME 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 growth phase 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

The Director reports to the Vice Dean of Education with a dotted line to the Vice Dean of EDI. This role supervises the Assistant Academic Program Directors and guides their respective academic program support.

The Director promotes communication and consensus building and develops documentation, as necessary, such that all academic program policy is clear and transparent, and consensus building, and develops documentation, as necessary, such that all academic program policy, is clear and transparent ensuring decisions that impact students reflect the will of the faculty and academic leadership.

This role also includes staying abreast of current academic practices, standards, and software, implementing progressive solutions for the PME academic entities, collaborating with the Academic Program Directors on academic program development, and implementing courses and initiatives.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Vice Dean of EDI, develops and implements new processes, systems, and policies to further efforts towards fostering equity.

Develops strategies to recruit and retain diverse faculty, students, and postdocs.

Facilitates joint initiatives, skill building, and training opportunities with PME leadership, other Divisions, and central resources such as the Center for Identity and Inclusion, resource groups, and the Provost's office.

Plans and supports the work of the EDI committee.

Liaises with the Dean of Students to understand and implement University policies and processes related to academic programs.

Serves as a case manager for academic crises, escalating to the Vice-Dean for Education and / or the Dean of Students as appropriate.

Manages, guides, and develops the Academic Assistant Program Directors in executing all academic programs and data management.

Refines and further develops the Assistant Program Director role and duties to sustain support.

Plans, executes, and evaluates academic events and activities (e.g., orientation, match workshops, candidacy workshops, info sessions, prospective student activities, etc.

including summer academic programming.

• Recommends process improvements in areas that impact academic administrative policy, course enrollment, academic advising, schedule of classes, course catalog, and budget / allocation of resources.
• Manages the instructional professor and visiting lecturer appointment processes with the Vice Dean of Education and Academic Program Directors, including managing the teaching evaluations process.
• Oversees the TA appointment process with the Vice Dean of Education, the Academic Program Directors, and the faculty thematic leads.

Produces and shares accurate reporting to the Dean of Students to facilitate timely student funding and compliance with the University of Chicago -GSU / UE collective bargaining agreement.

• Collaborates with the Vice Dean for Education, Academic Program Directors, and the Dean of Students regarding academic initiatives.
• Manages processes for supporting and tracking academic milestones (advisor matching, academic progress, course completion, candidacy, and dissertation defense Manages student data and information to create accessible and actionable reports for the Vice-Dean of Education and the Dean of Students while maintaining proper protection of student privacy.

Serves on the Graduate Admissions Committee and tracks applications, sorts, and distributes to the Admissions Committee and communicates admission decisions to Masters and PhD Admissions Chairs, and Dean of Students.

Assists education leadership with developing the 1-, 3-, and 5-year strategic growth plan. Analyzes enrollment data in conjunction with Dean of Students to understand cost-benefit analysis and assists leadership with developing the enrollment strategy.

Assists with developing revenue and financial goals around tuition and PME’s overall financial strategy.

• Fosters collaboration with peer units and institutions to learn and share best practices around academic programming. Stays abreast of current academic practices, standards, and software and helps implement progressive solutions for the PME academic entities.
• May engage in activities that promote programs, including speaking at professional and alumni gatherings, writing articles, and presenting papers.
• Supports the development, scheduling, and implementation of programs and marketing communications. Will also help elevate the effectiveness of programs and revise the curriculum as needed.
• Initiates and maintains contact with client organizations. Also engages in all activities that promote programs, including speaking at professional and alumni gatherings, writing articles, and presenting papers.
• Develops and monitors program budgets, analyzes financial performance, and implements corrective action when appropriate.
• Perform 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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications :

Preferred Qualifications

Technical Skills or Knowledge :

• Knowledge of Office 365 environment.
• Knowledge of Remote management toolsets.
• Knowledge of SLATE.
• Knowledge of Academic Information Systems (AIS).

Preferred Competencies

• Accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels.
• Work in diverse laboratory environments and adhere to strict protocols.
• Demonstrate creativity, problem-solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrate solid planning and organizational skills with an emphasis on detail and thorough follow-up.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Effectively manage projects in a cross-functional environment.

Working Conditions

Occasional extended work hours and some weekend days.

Application Documents

• Resume / CV (required)
• Cover Letter (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

Drug Test Required

Health Screen Required

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

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.

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