Operations Manager

Department

BSD BMD - Administration

About the Department

The Ben May Department for Cancer Research (BMD) is a community of faculty, other academic appointees, students, postdoctoral fellows and scholars with a common goal. We believe the first step toward preventing or curing cancer is basic research on the intricacies of the human body and the molecular, cellular, and genetic events that lead to cancer. Advances in our fundamental understanding of cancer can then be translated into better methods of prevention and diagnosis.

Job Summary

The Operations Manager will manage the day-to-day operations of the Ben May Department for Cancer Research, collaborating closely with the Faculty Chair and the Basic Science Executive Administrator to provide comprehensive operational support. The role will also provide targeted operational support to the Department of Neurobiology (NRB), particularly in areas of equipment inventory management and coordination of faculty recruitment.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive operational support to the Faculty Chair and Executive Administrator.

• Serve as a primary liaison between the Department, BSD, and University partners to proactively identify issues and implement process improvements.

• Coordinate operational components of fiscal and budgetary activities in collaboration with the Executive Administrator and Financial Administrator.

• Ensure departmental compliance with BSD and University policies, procedures, and guidelines.

• Supervise and develop departmental support staff.

• Partner with the BMD, NRB, and People Service Delivery team to coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and transitions for faculty and staff.

• Support execution of staff-related processes and maintain documentation in accordance with institutional standards.

• Lead training initiatives to ensure staff adherence to policies and procedures.

• Coordinate administrative and operational components of the Ludwig Center for Cancer Research.

• May provide input for the preparation of grant proposals, ensuring compliance with all University, federal and private foundation guidelines and regulations.

• Serve as the primary departmental point of contact for facilities and space-related matters, including repairs, temperature regulation, power outages, flooding emergencies, and key access.

• Oversee equipment inventory audits and related compliance requirements in BMD and NRB.

• Oversee departmental website content and coordinate updates to ensure accuracy and visibility.

• Manage departmental social media presence to highlight research, faculty achievements, and key initiatives.

• Coordinate with Executive Assistant on internal communications and department distribution lists.

• Analyze operational processes to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and improved service delivery.

• Responsible for training office staff on office procedures and compliance protocols. Coordinates special projects.

• Uses best practices to develop and execute organization's operational and overall strategic plan. Develops and implements relevant policies and procedures and ensures compliance. 

• Works with minimal guidance in space, facilities, and equipment, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations.

• 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects, competing deadlines, and budgets.

• Experience in handling coordination of large initiatives, including logistics and adhering to timelines.

• Supervisory experience.

Preferred Competencies

• Commitment to providing a high level of service and working in a team environment.

• High degree of professionalism.

• Attention to detail.

• Ability to handle confidential information with utmost discretion.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines.

• Strong analytical and organizational skills.

• Familiarity with basic data organization and analysis.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (Required)

• Cover Letter (Required)

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

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

$70,000.00 - $95,000.00

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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