Assistant Director, Operations

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

21d•$55,000 - $63,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director, Operations supports the Fama-Miller Center for Research in Finance’s mission to advance academic research through leadership, coordination, and administration of key operational functions. The role oversees the execution of weekly workshops and academic conferences and manages website administration, travel and expense operations, research professional hiring support, data resource administration, office operations, and reporting. Working with Center leadership, the Assistant Director manages competing priorities, improves operational processes, and uses independent judgment to support effective Center operations in a dynamic academic environment. The position is currently expected to work a minimum of three days per week in the office. It is not eligible for employer-sponsored employment authorization. The role is an individual contributor scheduled for 37.5 hours per week and is paid on a salary basis. The posted pay range is $55,000 to $63,000. Benefits eligible; the University offers eligible employees health, retirement, and paid time off programs.

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, organization, 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, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend effective changes while achieving objectives.
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 Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Familiarity with payment processing and financial systems.

Responsibilities

Lead the Center’s three weekly faculty workshops, including timelines, faculty and speaker engagement, logistics, resource allocation, and execution.
Oversee travel and expense reimbursements for workshop speakers, conference participants, and visiting scholars; ensure policy compliance, advise stakeholders, and improve processes.
Oversee administrative operations for research professional hiring in partnership with the Director of Research Systems and Development, including application review, documentation, applicant tracking, and preparation of hiring materials.
Plan and administer academic conferences and special events from inception through completion, managing registration, vendors, budgets, communications, logistics, and on-site operations.
Support administration of Center data resources, including systems for usage monitoring, subscription tracking, renewal schedules, and long-term data management.
Manage and improve the Center website and related digital communications, 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, vendors, and supplies; assess needs and implement efficient processes.
Use independent judgment to manage operations, set priorities, resolve complex administrative issues, and recommend process improvements.
Lead or participate in special projects and operational initiatives as assigned.
Perform routine and complex unit assignments, usually in finance, event planning, or support services; initiate student and staff hiring processes, including payroll processing.
Monitor financial and budgetary activities, including vendor contracts, and prepare and monitor a unit budget.
Perform other related work as needed.