Job Description:

• In close coordination with the Faculty Director and Implementation Coordinator, develops strategic plans to expand the reach and impact of public thinking both within the University and in the broader community.
• Implements strategic plans and initiatives, coordinates with program stakeholders, and assesses program impact, as appropriate.
• Prepares annual budget submission in collaboration with Public Thinking leadership and College stakeholders. Initiates procurement and accounts payable transactions, as necessary. Track expenses monthly and monitors for budget variances.
• Oversees annual update of Public Thinking courses in the College catalog, collaborates with academic colleagues to submit quarterly course offerings, and confirms accuracy of catalog and course database information.
• Serves as subject matter expert on administrative, curricular, and academic requirements of the program. Responds to inquiries by students and their College advisors about program requirements.
• Participates in academic and other searches and renewal processes, as necessary.
• Plans and executes academic year and summer workshops, events, and lectures of the Program for Public Thinking.
• In concert with the Implementation Coordinator and other College staff, recruits participants for summer workshops focused on public thinking. This includes annual communication with the relevant administrators and professors from dozens of colleges and university systems that are responsible for making sure the workshop retains its high application rate and diversity.
• Assists in all aspects of organizing and executing summer workshops, especially during their two weeks of operation in late July / early August.
• Organizes and promotes the program's lecture series and other events, including coordinating logistics, managing RSVPs, and liaising with speakers and attendees. Logistics support may include event planning, marketing, vendor selection and coordination, travel arrangements, and on-site staffing.
• Publicizes program events via multiple channels, which includes printing and posting physical media (posters, fliers) around the College. Oversees and maintains the program website, featuring regular updates for new students, alums, core faculty, and announcements. Facilitates communications between and among students, faculty members, College advisors, and other College stakeholders.
• Sets and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Analyzes program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in the humanities or social sciences; higher degree is desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum two years experience working in an academic setting, university administration, or a university environment.
• Knowledge of and interest in topics related to philosophy, literature, public engagement, and higher education. Some experience in art, journalism, or other fields of public communication.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the University of Chicago institutional structure.
• Strong and broad computer skills, covering word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail, and web, with a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficient in web page editing.
• Learn new programs and applications as needed.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Write in the voice of another.
• Attention to detail and maintain accuracy at all times.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Handle public contacts with courtesy, clarity, and diplomacy.
• Develop collegial relationships.
• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Work productively despite heavy workload, competing priorities, complex problems, and tight deadlines.
• Strategize effectively, and possess excellent analytic skills.
• Sound judgment and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Follow an issue through to its resolution.
• Use appropriate resources to resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Considerable skill in working both independently and as a team member.
• Take initiative and organize and complete projects with minimal supervision.
• Adjust smoothly to administrative changes.
• Follow-up on long-range tasks.
• Manage stressful situations.
• Handle multiple assignments at any given time, often under time constraints.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced office environment.
• Some evening and weekend work.
• Sit/Work at a computer for long periods of time.
• Travel to various on-campus locations.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, which is to include your interest in this position (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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 the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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: 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.

About University of Chicago (UC)

One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

Connections working at University of Chicago (UC)