Department

PME Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering

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 Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering 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 STAGE Center, with ambitious and dynamic endeavors, is seeking an Assistant Director of STAGE Initiatives and Operations to help drive its next growth phase. Reporting to the Faculty Director of STAGE, the Assistant Director will serve as the key administrative leader, continuously developing, enhancing, and effectively steering and executing STAGE’s operations. This position offers the opportunity to work with a talented team of motivated professionals to drive a uniquely creative interdisciplinary endeavor that fuses science and art, and to interface with diverse scientists, technology experts, and multidisciplinary artists across academia, industry, and the professional arts world.

The ideal candidate will lead, develop processes, actively participate in executing operational tasks, and take a great deal of initiative. The successful candidate will have a boots on the ground approach, and their goal will be to help move STAGE’s ever-expanding portfolio of cutting-edge, widely varying projects and initiatives, large and small, forward while ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly. They will facilitate new strategic initiatives, grants, and fundraising, build strong relationships with stakeholders, program and project management, and day-to-day operations. They will work closely with campus partners and manage STAGE staff.

Responsibilities

Independently, and in conjunction with campuswide resources, when appropriate, researches and identifies various funding opportunities, including federal grants, foundations, and corporate funding, as well as prepares, writes, puts together and manages proposals, grants, follow-up reports, reviews, etc.Understands and implements STAGE’s vision, goals, and process as a Center as outlined by each endeavor’s creative director, and leads STAGE’s administrative and operational functions accordingly.Identifies and fills existing and new gaps as they arise along the course of projects. Researches and sources people, places, things, etc. and generates solutions needed to fulfill the varying requirements of STAGE’s unique projects and endeavors, according to the vision of each. Helps review and revise project timelines for projects and events.Researches, identifies, builds, and maintains new and existing partnerships with internal and external people, including faculty, science and art researchers, practitioners, institutions, funding agencies, foundations, and industry to support existing projects and foster new collaborations and initiatives.Line produces the Center’s events, on campus and off, nationally and internationally, in conjunction with the Center’s Program Manager, to bring them to successful fruition.Develops and implements metrics to measure programming and funding outcomes, particularly in terms of impact.Identifies and implements new ways to engage PME, UChicago students of all levels and disciplines, and faculty from all disciplines in STAGE’s projects.With input from project creative directors, and in line with STAGE’s vision, mission, and work processes, conducts research and landscape analyses for the purposes of providing input on strategic directions, and finding avenues to cultivate interest in and disseminate the Center’s work. Translates findings into actionable items that can serve these objectives.Programs and implements a yearly calendar of one-off activities with more focused scopes, such as symposia, readings, workshops, etc., to take place 4-6 times per year and curate appropriate marketing strategies to increase awareness of the Center’s work.Creates slides, reports, presentations, and similar communications to disseminate information about the Center’s mission and identity. Drafts slides, reports, and emails for key audiences, including funding agencies, sponsors, government officials, University administration, etc. Cultivates opportunities for presenting such communications.Develops and administers program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations. Serves as a key resource for program information. Resolves problems or questions raised by program staff, University administrators, or other contingencies.Promotes the organizational culture, one that fosters a commitment to STAGE’s mission, high standards, excellent work, and builds and maintains a collaborative, inclusive, interdisciplinary, and multi-cultural work environment.Develops and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.Has a deep understanding when interacting with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.Performs other 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualification

Education: 

Bachelor’s degree in the sciences, engineering, or technology.Master’s degree or PhD a plus.

Experience:

Background at a complex research university, national laboratory, medical center, or similar environment.Demonstrated administrative leadership experience, including a minimum of three years experience involving multidisciplinary efforts.Successful track record in grantsmanship and manuscript preparation.Demonstrated track record of developing strong relationships with academic researchers, government entities, and/or external partners.Demonstrated record of working collaboratively and communicating effectively with a variety of constituencies. 

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Proficiency utilizing a variety of office resources, such as Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Zoom, and Box.Learn new software systems as needed, supporting project management, finance, database, website, graphic design initiatives.

Preferred Competencies

Demonstrate a high degree of initiative, and motivation as a self-starter and learner; work independently, take direction, and achieve consensus.Exceptional attention to detail, clarity, and refinement in communications and work products.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing, report writing and presentations.Outstanding interpersonal skills; collaborative, enthusiastic, diplomatic, and flexible; high level of collegiality working with faculty, staff, and others at all levels of the organization.Strong ability to manage uncertainty and develop effective solutions. Expertise in project planning and management, including crafting and adapting multiparty work plans. Skilled in tracking tasks and ensuring their completion.Effectively manage and prioritize multiple competing high-impact tasks to optimal benefit during high demand periods. Demonstrate agility and resilience when faced with unexpected changes in priorities.Anticipate and solve a range of complex problems. Work assignments are broad and can be challenging in nature, requiring creativity, originality, and ingenuity.Proven record of accomplishment as a strong, strategic thinker who approaches challenges with thoughtfulness and drive, and urgency, when appropriate.Remain calm, courteous, and good-humored, and work productively and efficiently despite challenges and competing and/or changing priorities. Possess a positive, can-do attitude.Manage people and work collaboratively and effectively within a team; lead administratively and organizationally, while also enjoying being the boots on the ground and executing.Respond promptly, directly, and effectively to internal and external inquiries and requests for service, while managing competing demands. Manage and forecast budgets responsibly.

Work Conditions

The position may involve an irregular work schedule, evening and weekend work. Flexibility of availability and work hours.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter (required) References Contact Information (3)(preferred)Writing Sample (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$95,000.00 - $105,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

 

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.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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