Academic and Program Administrator

Department

College Academic & Program Admin II

About the Department

Rooted in the University of Chicago’s foundational principles of freedom of expression and academic inquiry, the Program for Public Thinking (Public Thinking) is an initiative designed to foster a more thoughtful, humane, and pluralistic public sphere. Jointly operated by UChicago’s Parrhesia Program for Public Discourse and The Point Magazine, Public Thinking seeks to bridge the gap between humanistic education and public dialogue, promoting deeper understanding and critical discussion of contemporary issues with an awareness of the challenges and purpose of speaking about ideas to diverse audiences both inside and outside of the university. In collaboration with units like Public Thinking, the Office of the Dean oversees the academic and operational administration of the College.

Job Summary

The Academic and Program Administrator will play a critical role in supporting Public Thinking, working under day-to-day direction of the Faculty Director and Implementation Coordinator to manage, coordinate, and oversee its programmatic, public-facing, administrative, operations, and financial activities. Through print, web-based, and social media platforms, the Program Administrator will help plan and manage logistics, publicity, and evaluation of events, programs, conferences, research efforts, and program dissemination. They will also help with corresponding with outside institutions and partners who can enrich, promote, and contribute to the program, including journalists and education reporters, public intellectuals who may be potential speakers or fellows, and professors and administrators at institutions that we hope will send students to our summer workshops. The Program Administrator assists in ensuring that program initiatives and activities deliver a unity of focus and purpose, attract interested students, support broader student initiatives and partnerships, and provide effective outreach and professional development. Successful candidates will be mission-driven with a passion for higher education and supporting the delivery of high-quality curriculum and programming.

Responsibilities

• Promotes the mission and activities of Public Thinking. Supports the development of collaborative programs across partner units and institutions. Identifies, maintains, and facilitates relationships and communication with internal and external partners. Supports engagement initiatives with campus partners on shared programming.
• Executes and coordinates on- and off-campus events and activities in collaboration with the Faculty Director, Implementation Coordinator, and program team, students, and program partners. Manages the logistics for the planning, marketing, venue reservation, transportation, food, lodging, speaker invitations, RSVPs, and on-site staffing; and performs other duties as needed.
• Devises and implements marketing plan and event timelines, and coordinates the promotion of events, projects, programs, working groups, etc. with internal and external partners. Primarily responsible for workflow and content creation for all publicity and marketing materials, including but not limited to website, newsletters, social media, annual report templates, print materials, etc. 
• Supports the Implementation Coordinator and other The Point Magazine staff in organizing and executing the Public Thinking Summer Workshops, especially during their two weeks of operation in late July/early August.
• Supports the teaching staff in Public Thinking in delivering innovative and transformative curricula.
• Works with the Faculty Director and Implementation Coordinator to develop, administer, and analyze evaluations of curriculum, student programming, and outreach; produces summaries, reports, and research for external and internal audiences; and develops and manages processes and platforms for curricula and research dissemination.
• Works with the Collegiate Division, Registrar, and other partners on course catalog listings, ensures accuracy, and facilitates and manages cross listings. Tracks student enrollment and keeps and manages records for relevant minor or certificate program, as appropriate.
• Tracks all program activities and regularly informs leadership of engagement and evaluations. Recommends structural or programmatic adjustments, changes or additions based on full knowledge of missions, goals, and objectives.
• Partners with College Finance and Administration teams to support the financial transaction, facilities, information technology, and human resources needs of Public Thinking.
• Time permitting, supports other Parrhesia Program activities, including communications, events, curriculum, and program development.
• Uses general understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
• Interacts with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
• 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 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications
 

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Experience:

• Exposure to and/or experience working in academic operations or program operations.
• Background working with students and academic appointees, including faculty, instructors, and postdocs.
• Background in art, journalism, or other fields of public communication.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Strong and broad computer skills (word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail, and web), including a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Project management experience.

Preferred Competencies

• Passion for higher education, free expression, and promoting discourse among students.
• Interest in public debates related to culture, society, philosophy, literature, and higher education.
• 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.
• Sound judgment and excellent analytic and 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

• Office environment.
• Sit for long periods of time .
• Work at a computer for long periods of time.
• Travel to various on-campus locations.
• Work at evening or weekend programs and events.

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 uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
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

$58,656.00 - $60,000.00

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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