Assistant Director, Operations
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Department

Booth Stigler Center: Stigler 2

About the Department

The Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State is dedicated to understanding the interaction between politics and the economy. It is an intellectual destination for research on regulatory capture, crony capitalism, and the various forms of subversion of competition by special interest groups. The Center investigates what works in capitalism - and what doesn't - by bringing together various viewpoints through research, conferences, speaker series, educational opportunities, the Journalists in Residence and Affiliate Fellows Programs, the ProMarket.org publication, and the Capitalisn't podcast, among others.

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and second to none when it comes to influencing business education and business practices. Since 1898, the school has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Their rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges.

Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world. Each of the four campuses (two in Chicago, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) reflects the architectural traditions of its environs while offering a state-of-the-art learning environment.

Chicago Booth is proud to claim:
-an unmatched faculty.
-degree and open enrollment programs offered on three continents.
-a global body of nearly 56,000 accomplished alumni.
-strong and growing corporate relationships that provide a wealth of lifelong career opportunities.

As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the University's core values that shape the distinctive intellectual culture. At Booth, they constantly question and test ideas, and seek proof. This extraordinarily effective approach to business leads to new ideas and innovative solutions. Seven of the Booth faculty members have won Nobel Prizes for these ideas - the first business school to achieve this accomplishment.

For more information about the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, please visit: http://www.chicagobooth.edu/.

Job Summary

As part of a dynamic and nimble team, the Assistant Director, Operations plays a key role at the Stigler Center by providing general operations and administrative support across Center activities and initiatives, including logistics for workshops, conferences, and other events; the Journalists in Residence Program; the Affiliate Fellows Program and other research activities; and all other daily operations. With a keen attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a proactive attitude, the Assistant Director, Operations excels at multitasking and problem-solving to ensure the Center operates seamlessly and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates Stigler Center in-person and hybrid/remote events, conferences, and workshops, including operations and logistics, AV and catering, speaker communications, and staffing.
• Assists with tracking expenses, maintaining budgets, and updating financial systems/processes. Processes travel reimbursements, supplier/vendor payments, contract requests, and related activities.
• Assists with logistics for hiring and managing research assistants and professionals, interns, and contractors; supports staff and visitor onboarding.
• Assists with integration, coordination, and streamlining of workflow and operational support for Center activities (including ProMarket publication and Capitalisn't podcast), such as updating standard operational procedures, communications/notes, CRM, and project management.
• Manages general office operations.
• Supports the Journalists in Residence (JIR) program throughout the annual cycle including coordinating activities, onboarding, and acting as point of contact for participants.
• Supports Stigler Center research initiatives, including the Affiliate Fellows Program, the Stigler Working Paper Series, the PhD Dissertation Award, and visiting researchers, among others.
• Performs some routine and complex assignments for the unit usually in the areas of finance, event planning or support services. Initiate the hiring process of students and staff for a unit, which includes the processing of payroll.
• Responsible for training office staff on office procedures and compliance protocols. Coordinates special projects.
• Assists in the monitoring of the various financial and budgetary activities, including vendors contracts. Preparing and monitoring the budget for a unit.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Master's degree.

Experience:

• A minimum two years of progressively responsible experience in an administrative role.
• Background working in higher education.
• Payment processing, budgeting, and financial systems.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Skilled with basic AV systems or a technical comfort level that would allow for easy learning of these systems.

Preferred Competencies

• Exceptional time, resource management, organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Handle multiple detailed tasks/projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines with frequent interruptions.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with high-level guests/speakers, faculty, colleagues, students and various other contacts via various communication methods (i.e., in-person, email, phone).
• Work responsibly and independently with little supervision; possess a self-motivated disposition and resourcefulness; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective changes.
• Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach.

Working Conditions

• This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.
• Available to work some limited evenings and weekends.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.

Staff 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.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

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.

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