Department

HUM Staff: Div Admin PA - Computing – Desktop Admin

About the Department

The Division of the Humanities comprises 19 degree programs across 16 departments and committees, with approximately 800 students from around the world enrolled in PhD, MFA, and MA programs. Dynamic and dedicated staff in the Division provide the essential infrastructure needed to support faculty, students, and one another, fostering collaboration, enhancing innovation, and ensuring the Division’s success. Humanities Computing provides innovative technology services, user support, and computing resources to meet the academic and administrative needs of the Division.

Job Summary

The Desktop Support Specialist provides hands-on technical and maintenance support for faculty, staff, and students within the division. This role is responsible for diagnosing and resolving hardware and software issues, optimizing computing resources for efficiency and compliance with divisional and University policies, and providing user support for a range of technology-related challenges. Additionally, the Specialist collaborates with faculty and staff to evaluate and procure computers and equipment, ensuring that purchases align with research, teaching, and administrative needs and oversees the procurement and negotiation of computer hardware and software purchases to ensure cost-effective, high-quality solutions.

Candidates, please upload all required documents (resume and cover letter) to be considered. This postion requires an on-campus presence.

Responsibilities

Provides prompt and effective technical assistance to division faculty, staff, and students for desktop, laptop, and peripheral devices. Diagnoses and troubleshoots hardware and software issues, including operating systems, applications, and network connectivity. Assists in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of computers, printers, and other technological equipment. Collaborates with faculty and staff to evaluate and procure computers and equipment, ensuring that purchases align with research, teaching, and administrative needs while adhering to budget constraints, IT standards, and procurement policies. Leads the procurement process for computers and other equipment for faculty and staff, including researching options, negotiating pricing and terms with vendors, and ensuring cost-effective purchases that align with the budget. Manages the full lifecycle of technology resources by tracking purchases, maintaining inventory records, monitoring replacement schedules, and ensuring timely upgrades to support operational efficiency. Conducts one-on-one or group training sessions to users on effective use of technology and software applications. Addresses user inquiries and provide solutions in a timely manner through various communication channels. Works closely with other IT staff to resolve complex technical issues and implement new technologies. Participates in departmental meetings and provide feedback on ways to improve IT services and support. Works alongside a team of 5–10 student Technical Support Assistants, serving as a senior colleague by providing guidance, training, and support. Assist students with more complex troubleshooting and service requests. Creates and maintains technical documentation including user guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting procedures. Logs and documents all support activities, incidents, and resolutions in the help desk ticketing system. Performs regular software updates, security patches, and system backups to ensure data integrity and security. Monitors and maintains inventory of computing equipment and related resources. Assists in technology-related projects and initiatives, ensuring the successful deployment and integration of new systems. Provides input on the development of IT policies and procedures. With some direction, performs a variety of IT support activities for end-user hardware/software resolution, and guides end-users through troubleshooting procedures. Uses fundamental knowledge of University software systems to recommend system modifications to reduce user problems. Performs set-up, installation, and configuration of desktop hardware and software in compliance with internal controls, policies, and standards.  Coordinates and implements updates to network hardware, software systems, and applications. Performs 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Proficiency in troubleshooting Windows and macOS operating systems.Familiarity with common academic software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite).Understanding of basic networking principles and protocols.

Preferred Competencies

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.Manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload effectively.

Working Conditions

Lift and move computing equipment, such as desktop computers and monitors, weighing up to 50 pounds.Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods during support activities.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter including your interest in this position (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

Information Technology

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

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$62,000.00 - $75,000.00

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.

 

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: http://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.