Director, Operations and Strategic Initiatives

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Description:

• Develops systems and processes for more efficient execution of the Centerâ™s mission, including onboarding new staff, managing budgets and expenses, tracking team and individual goals.
• Liaise with Accounting and Rustandy Center staff to oversee budgeting, financial management, as well as contracts, procurement, reimbursements. 
• Works closely with the Booth departments that oversee various administrative functions such as facilities, IT, and human resources on related aspects of the Centerâ™s needs, including, respectively, space and space planning, technology needs.
• Oversees the execution of the annual planning process, in which the entire Center participates.
• Conducts meaningful team meetings and retreats to build team cohesion and reinforce values, and the mission of the Center.
• Manages key stewardship activities in partnership with Advancement, including Rustandy Center Advisory Council meetings, communications, and annual celebration events.
• Leads and provides vision for special projects, including pilot programs, one-time initiatives, and cross-Center, enterprise programming.
• Spearheads community building activities among staff.
• Leads Rustandy Center measurement and evaluation process.
• Leads operational support for research data hub.
• Manages the daily operations of an organizational unit or assists with managing the daily operations of a larger organizational unit, primarily in the areas of financial, purchasing, grant, facilities, human resources and support services management. Ensures compliance of staff with organizational, University and other relevant policies and guidelines.
• Manages all financial activities, including financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, accounting, accounts receivable/payable, and procurement. Oversees facilities management, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations. Manages development of all contracts, including those with vendors and other institutions.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Masterâ™s degree.

Experience:

• A minimum eight years of professional experience with operations, office management, or other relevant experience.
• Budgeting, accounting, and annual planning experience.
• Developing and planning special projects, strategy, growth initiatives, etc. necessary; ideally would have experience working with diverse audiences, moving groups to consensus, and driving forward projects.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated passion and interest in the mission of the Rustandy Center.
• Excellent and professional verbal, written, and presentation skills, as well as organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects concurrently.
• Work with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to work effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, as well as with students, faculty and corporate contacts.
• Proven ability to seek out, coordinate and appropriately disseminate information.
• Work successfully with frequent interruptions.
• Familiarity and knowledge of the University of Chicago, its systems, and its constituents.

Working Conditions

• This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.
• Travel occasionally between Hyde Park campus, downtown Gleacher Center, and other local destinations (technology incubators, area hotels, etc.).
• Flexibility to occasionally work late or start early for events.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (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 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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About University of Chicago (UC)

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