Operations Manager

University of Chicago • Hyde Park, IL

7d • $60,000 - $75,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Ben May Department for Cancer Research (BMD) is a community of faculty, other academic appointees, students, postdoctoral fellows and scholars with a common goal. We believe the first step toward preventing or curing cancer is basic research on the intricacies of the human body and the molecular, cellular, and genetic events that lead to cancer. Advances in our fundamental understanding of cancer can then be translated into better methods of prevention and diagnosis. The Operations Manager will manage the day-to-day operations of the Ben May Department for Cancer Research, collaborating closely with the Faculty Chair and the Basic Science Executive Administrator to provide operational support.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects, competing deadlines, and budgets.
• Experience in handling coordination of large initiatives, including logistics and adhering to timelines.
• Supervisory experience.
• Commitment to providing a high level of service and working in a team environment.
• High degree of professionalism.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information with utmost discretion.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with basic data organization and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive operational support to the Faculty Chair and Executive Administrator.
• Serve as a primary liaison between the Department, BSD, and University partners to proactively identify issues and implement process improvements.
• Coordinate operational components of fiscal and budgetary activities in collaboration with the Executive Administrator and Financial Administrator.
• Ensure departmental compliance with BSD and University policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Supervise and develop departmental support staff.
• Partner with the Department and People Service Delivery team to coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and transitions for faculty and staff.
• Support execution of staff-related processes and maintain documentation in accordance with institutional standards.
• Lead training initiatives to ensure staff adherence to policies and procedures.
• Coordinate administrative and operational components of the Ludwig Center for Cancer Research.
• Serve as the primary departmental point of contact for facilities and space-related matters, including repairs, temperature regulation, power outages, flooding emergencies, and key access.
• Oversee equipment inventory audits and related compliance requirements.
• Oversee departmental website content and coordinate updates to ensure accuracy and visibility.
• Manage departmental social media presence to highlight research, faculty achievements, and key initiatives.
• Coordinate with Executive Assistant on internal communications and department distribution lists.
• Analyze operational processes to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and improved service delivery.
• 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.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• 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 .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees