Assistant Director, Operations

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

20d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director, Operations supports the Fama-Miller Center for Research in Finance by leading, coordinating, and administering key operational functions that advance academic research in finance. The role oversees the Center’s three weekly faculty workshops and academic conferences, and manages responsibilities spanning website administration, travel and expense operations, research professional hiring support, and data resource administration. Working with Center leadership, the Assistant Director manages competing priorities, develops and improves processes, and exercises independent judgment to support effective Center operations. The position also supports financial and administrative operations, including budget preparation and monitoring, vendor contracts, procurement, inventory, supplies, and payroll-related hiring processes. It collaborates with Center leadership on operational, programmatic, and financial reporting, including the FMC Annual Report, and participates in special projects and other operational initiatives as needed. The position is currently expected to work in the office at least three days per week. It is not eligible for employer-sponsored employment authorization.

Requirements

College or university degree in a related field.
Two to five years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Exceptional time and resource management, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple detailed tasks and projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines amid frequent interruptions.
Ability to work independently with little supervision and identify opportunities for improvement.
Professional demeanor, tact, discretion, and a customer-service-oriented approach.
Ability to work effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, students, faculty, and corporate contacts through in-person, email, and phone communication.
Strong verbal, written, presentation, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Administrative and operations experience.
Event and program management experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Familiarity with payment processing and financial systems.

Responsibilities

Lead the Center’s three weekly faculty workshops, including establishing timelines, coordinating faculty and speakers, overseeing logistics and resource allocation, and ensuring successful execution.
Oversee travel and expense reimbursement operations for workshop speakers, conference participants, and visiting scholars; ensure compliance with University policies, provide guidance, and identify process improvements.
Manage administrative operations for research professional hiring in partnership with the Director of Research Systems and Development, including reviewing application materials, maintaining documentation, monitoring applicant progress, and preparing decision-support materials.
Plan and administer academic conferences and special events from inception through completion, including project planning, registration, vendor relationships, budgets, communications, logistics, and on-site operations.
Support administration of Center data resources by developing and maintaining systems to monitor usage, track subscriptions, manage renewals, and support long-term data management.
Manage and enhance the FMC website and related digital communication platforms, including content processes, accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with Center priorities.
Collect, analyze, and synthesize operational, programmatic, and financial information for the FMC Annual Report and other strategic reporting.
Oversee office operations and resources, including procurement, inventory, vendor coordination, and supply management; evaluate needs and implement effective administrative processes.
Exercise independent judgment in managing operational activities, setting priorities, resolving complex administrative issues, and recommending process improvements.
Lead or participate in special projects and operational initiatives, and serve as an operational partner in advancing the Center’s mission and strategic priorities.
Perform routine and complex assignments, usually in finance, event planning, or support services.
Initiate hiring processes for students and staff, including payroll processing.
Monitor financial and budgetary activities, including vendor contracts, and prepare and monitor the unit budget.
Perform other related work as needed.