Sr. Assistant Director of Academic Programs

Department

PME Education & Academic Programs

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME; https://pme.uchicago.edu/) 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 phase of growth 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 Information

Job Summary:

Sr. Assistant Director of Academic Programs for Chicago, IL location. Leads strategic initiatives at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering to improve academic program delivery, including the development of new initiatives, structures, policy frameworks, and long- term planning tools to support academic excellence and institutional growth. Provides data analysis, updates, and regular reports on admission, enrollment, student academic progress, outcomes, ROI and career trajectory of alumni. Serves as a project lead on assigned cross-functional efforts involving course innovation, academic technology integration, hybrid/online program implementation, and assessment planning. Leads planning and implementation of key events and meetings, such as recruitment events, open houses, new student orientation, and admitted student weekends. Leads the design and execution of yield and retention strategies for graduate students, including admitted student engagement plans, communications strategy, and event programming. Primary program administrator for the graduate and undergraduate programs, focused on developing positive and active working relationships with internal and external constituents at varying levels of leadership. Mentors junior staff within the Academic Programs unit, supporting onboarding, professional development, performance management. Coordinates basic academic advising to undergraduate and graduate students.

Additional Responsibilities

Education:  

Bachelor's degree in Higher Education Administration, Physical Sciences, Engineering, or other related field plus 2 years of experience with academic programs required. Required Skills: 2 years with: higher education student affairs administration; Experience must include: international graduate admissions and recruitment; academic advising; international student services; managing and analyzing large data sets; academic information systems; identifying administrative needs and proposing solutions; developing metrics to assess ROI; liaising with campus stakeholders and partners; team supervision. Background check including review of criminal convictions required. Some telecommuting permitted. $75,000/yr- $83,000/yr + Benefits: https://mybenefits.nfp.com/UChicago/benefits-guide/

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Yes

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Range

$0.00

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.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Union

Non-Union

Job is Exempt

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Date

2026-11-05

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.

 

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