Department
Chicago Forum Senior Staff
About the Department
Job Summary
Free expression and open discourse have been fundamental values at the University of Chicago since its inception. Our newly launched center, the Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression (the Chicago Forum) builds on that historic commitment to promote the understanding, practice, and advancement of free and open discourse at the University of Chicago and beyond. Its initiatives include hosting multi-viewpoint events on a diverse range of topics, programming to exercise and develop skills for open discourse, support for academic research, and active contribution to media and public discussions.
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Associate Director of Operations (ADO) directs and manages the Chicago Forum’s budget, financial, procurement, facilities, human resources, and daily operational functions, as well as programmatic logistics. The ADO ensures that all functions are aligned with strategic priorities; consults and collaborates with the appropriate administrative offices for their respective functional responsibilities; serves as the key operations and financial contact with other university constituents and external partners.
This is a newly created position and the person selected for this role will be part of the growing Chicago Forum team who are committed to excellence. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic professional who is able to independently own and drive operational and financial management, and has proven experience working in a collaborative, fast- paced, and deadline-driven environment. This role does not have the option to work remotely.
Responsibilities
Prepares budget projections and reconciles forecasts against actuals.
Oversees all financial activities, including: financial analysis and reporting, accounts receivable/payable, account reconciliations, processing invoices and payments.
Assists with the financial aspects of the stewardship processes connected with gifts/grants; manages grants, ensuring compliance with divisional, university, federal, and private foundation guidelines and regulations, and in accordance with relevant University partners.
Oversees procurement activities and coordinates, manages, and executes the development of all contracts.
Oversees review, approval, and reporting of all expenditures.
Oversees building access and use of the building’s space.
Oversees information technology, ensuring necessary operating and information systems and resources are in place to accomplish strategic goals.
Develops and implements applicable HR procedures and policies consistent with divisional and University practices and requirements, ensuring staff compliance.
Implements human resources activities for all staff and student hires, including processes related to recruitment, hiring, orientation, performance planning and compensation, training and employee relations.
Oversees student employees.
Manages conference and classroom reservations.
Assists with program logistics as needed
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:
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
Experience leading operations, financials or HR responsibilities of an office, department, or function.
Familiarity with Oracle and Workday.
Experience with higher education, civil discourse, bridging difference, or related fields a plus.
A commitment to UChicago’s first principle of free inquiry and expression; familiarity with the University of Chicago a plus.
Preferred Competencies
Financial Acumen: Strong ability to manage budgets, conduct financial analysis, reconcile accounts, and oversee procurement activities with accuracy and compliance.
Operational Expertise: Proven experience in managing daily operations, including facilities management, technology oversight, and space allocations, to ensure smooth functionality of office environments.
HR Management Skills: Expertise in implementing HR processes, including recruitment, performance management, compliance, and employee relations, with the ability to navigate complex administrative systems.
Project and Process Management: Ability to independently own and drive operational and financial processes in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
Collaboration and Communication: Effective in building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, consulting administrative offices, and acting as the key contact for operations and finance.
Attention to Detail: Highly detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities, maintain accuracy in financial reporting, and ensure compliance with university and external guidelines.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Skilled at identifying challenges, troubleshooting issues, and implementing solutions while managing operational complexities.
Leadership and Supervision: Experience overseeing staff, including student employees, and guiding them in daily tasks while fostering a collaborative work environment.
Working Conditions
This role is located in Chicago, on site at the University.
Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Application Documents
Resume (required)
Cover letter (optional)
References (3)(required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Pay Range
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
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 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.