Assistant Director of Programming and External Relations

Department

Provost UChicagoGRAD Experiential Learning

About the Department

UChicagoGRAD, a part of the Office of the Provost that supports graduate education across the University, is an innovative national model for preparing graduate students and postdocs to succeed while at UChicago and beyond. With teams focusing on admissions, fellowship advising, writing support and public speaking training, diversity initiatives, career exploration and planning, and administration, UChicagoGRAD works with campus partners to support students and postdocs at every stage of their academic careers and beyond. UChicagoGRAD functions as a one-stop shop for graduate students and postdocs to access resources that support timely degree completion and to enhance professional preparation that helps them translate their degrees into a variety of careers. UChicagoGRAD works with academic departments and divisions as well as campus-wide offices to develop and implement outreach, recruitment, and yield efforts; graduate and postdoc-focused programs, workshops, and events; training and support tailored to UChicago graduate students and postdocs; and administrative practices and policies in support of graduate education.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of External Relations, the Assistant Director of Programming and External Relations will play a key role in supporting the professional development of graduate students and postdocs from across the University of Chicago. The AD will administer programs that help graduate students and postdocs connect their research and academic training to external audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develops and facilitates skill-building and experiential learning programs that prepare graduate students for interactions with employers, alumni, and the wider public. 
• Uses knowledge of pedagogical tools and program facilitation best practices to help graduate students and postdocs achieve goals. 
• Provides one-on-one coaching that helps graduate students and postdocs improve their public speaking skills and career readiness. 
• Stays abreast of trends and best practices in academic and science communication training. 
• Contributes to the conceptualization and planning of large-scale external relations events, including career fairs, career exploration conferences, and research communication events. 
• Builds, maintains, and tracks relationships with employers and alumni. 
• Contributes to other team-wide initiatives in support of graduate students’ and postdocs’ professional development. 
• Advises and counsels students concerning employment opportunities and careers by acting as a liaison between students and prospective employers. 
• Develops original content for career-related publications and assists with the editing and distribution of Career Services communications materials. 
• 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

Education:

• Advanced degree in an academic field strongly preferred (Ph.D., M.S., M.A.).

Experience:

• Background in higher education or in a student-service setting. 
• Familiar with research or science communication programs.
• Background providing one-on-one coaching or mentoring.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of presentation tools, including Microsoft PowerPoint. 
• Knowledge of basic data analysis tools, including Microsoft Excel. 
• Knowledge of basic design platforms, including Canva. 
• Knowledge of CSM or CRM platforms, including Monday.com. 

Preferred Competencies

• Strong customer service orientation. 
• Effective oral and written communication skills. 
• Excellent event and project management skills.
• Outstanding collaborator working in a team environment. 
• Excellent cultural competency to interact successfully with a diverse student body. 

                                      

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (required)(3)

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

Student Affairs & Services

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

$59,000.00 - $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.