Program Director Jobs

About The Position

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

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum two years experience supporting programs in an academic setting, university administration, or a university environment.
• Background in program development and management, advising, or a related area.
• Valid driver's license.
• Strong and broad computer skills (word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail, and web), including a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to master database programs and learn new technologies.
• Learn new programs and applications as needed.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to customer service and engage with diverse populations.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Capacity to manage multiple tasks efficiently while meeting deadlines.
• Work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
• Navigate stressful situations effectively.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the planning and execution of pre-college academic credit, non-credit, and residential programs in collaboration with summer staff.
• Manages special non-credit undergraduate and pre-college initiatives, overseeing all aspects of project management such as communications, room reservations, event logistics, and co-curricular program development.
• Facilitates program development, evaluation, and assessment of community impact to ensure continuous improvement and excellence.
• Serves as a liaison to campus offices that deliver essential services and support for summer programs.
• Assists with large-scale events, including orientation and weekend field trips for pre-college students.
• Works with the Residential Program Director to assist in supervising residential staff, supporting operational needs, programming, and events.
• Offers support to student staff programming, including occasional evenings and weekends during peak program periods (June–September).
• Assists with the coordination of student arrival and departure days, providing support to students, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Manages the acquisition and distribution of program supplies for events and activities.
• Contributes to the development and execution of promotional strategies for summer undergraduate programs.
• Organizes and facilitates meetings with key partners, faculty, and instructional staff.
• Collects and analyzes program data to inform evaluation, reporting, and development of best practices.
• Coordinates academic field trips and course-related events as needed.
• Provides front office support during peak periods, serving as a primary point of contact for staff, students, and parents.
• Manages special projects and administrative assignments as required.
• Analyzes program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.
• Has moderate/high levels of interactions with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
• 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.