University of Chicago · 4 days ago
Managing Director
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$120K/yr - $140K/yr
7+ years expThe University of Chicago is a prestigious institution known for its excellence in research and teaching. The Managing Director oversees all aspects of the administration of the Department of Chemistry, managing a professional staff and collaborating with internal and external partners to achieve strategic priorities.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Serves as the most senior staff leader within the Department of Chemistry, working closely with Department Chair to set administrative and operational goals for the department and implement strategic plans
Acts as primary department liaison with Division on matters of budget, space, facilities, human resources, and development
Manages the daily operations of the department
Oversees and manages the work of at least 5 administrative staff
Oversees departmental facilities, and the operations, allocation, and moving of research and office space
Direct management of department operating account. Advises Chair and liaises with the Local Business Center on business and financial functions
Supervises departmental staff who ensure that that department’s HR needs are met including oversight of training, reviews, performance management, and termination of staff
Directs the work of departmental staff to ensure that the appointment of postdocs and visiting scholars works smoothly and efficiently
Allocates faculty and department support staff from the administrative pool
Works closely with faculty, staff, and other campus leaders to assure the effective function of the departmental mission
Oversees the work of the Building Manager to ensure that proper functioning of classrooms, teaching labs, and academic mission
Works with Chair and Faculty Affairs Administrator on matters of faculty recruitment and retention, such as laboratory and office set-ups
Works with Chair and Department Instrumentation Committee to assure proper functioning of departmental core facilities (instrumentation, staff, and recharge rates)
Oversees department’s internal and external communication, department events, and alumni relations
Works with Chair and EDI committee on department diversity initiatives and training
Works with Environment Health & Safety, PSD Laboratory Safety Specialist, Safety Committee, and research group safety representatives to ensure safety compliance and the safe operation of research and educational labs
Troubleshoots a range of complex problems for the department in collaboration with central offices
Manages the daily operations of an organizational unit or assists with managing the daily operations of a larger organizational unit, primarily in the areas of financial, purchasing, grant, facilities, human resources, and support services management. Ensures compliance of staff with organizational, University, and other relevant policies and guidelines
Manages all financial activities, including financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, accounting, accounts receivable/payable, and procurement. Oversees facilities management, including renovations, moves, maintenance, and ongoing facilities operations. Manages the development of all contracts, including those with vendors and other institutions
Performs other related work as needed
Qualification
Required
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline
Resume (required)
Cover Letter (required)
References (required)
Preferred
Advanced degree
Experience in an academic environment
Experience in a research laboratory environment
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach
Excellent strategic planning, critical thinking, analytical, and persuasion/negotiation skills
Management skills
Strong writing skills
Strong leadership skills
Strong problem-solving skills
Demonstrates the skill and willingness to take initiative and to proactively anticipate organizational needs including the ability to meet deadlines
Event planning experience
Demonstrated ability to influence people to meet goals and deadlines, and work collaboratively with senior leadership, colleagues, and other constituents
Results-oriented leader who is self-motivated
Analytical and detailed manager with a focus on excellence
Commitment to providing a high level of service and working in a team environment
High degree of professionalism
Ability to handle confidential information with the utmost discretion
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines
Strong analytical and organizational skills
Thoughtful decision-making skills
Problem-solving skills
Attention to detail
Benefits
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
Company
University of Chicago
One of the world’s great intellectual destinations, the University of Chicago empowers scholars and students to ask tough questions, cross disciplinary boundaries, and challenge conventional thinking to enrich human life around the globe.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Chicago has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (341)
2024 (318)
2023 (285)
2022 (233)
2021 (179)
2020 (172)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Benedicte Nolens
Distinguished Executive in Residence
Recent News
2025-11-08
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
2025-10-23
Company data provided by crunchbase