Director, Research, Strategic Initiatives, and Operations

Location: Chicago, IL Job Description: Architects and oversees the Center's research strategy, including the data hub, research partnerships, and emerging initiatives. Fosters collaboration among research and programming teams to maximize impact and knowledge transfer. Collaborates extensively with Programs team leadership. Cultivates relationships with Chicago Booth faculty to understand their interests and research objectives, and in turn identify and develop research opportunities. Oversees the Center's participation in joint research opportunities across campus, including with the Inclusive Economy Lab, The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics, and many more. Leads activities to define and execute the Center's strategic vision, including oversight of the annual planning process. Directs high-level stewardship activities, including Advisory Council engagement. Manages key stewardship activities in partnership with Advancement, including Rustandy Center Advisory Council meetings, communications, and enterprise level celebration events. Guides measurement and evaluation (M & E) strategy. Leads and provides vision for special projects, including pilot programs and one-time initiatives, including but not limited to, newly unveiled arts program. Conducts and leads meaningful team engagement to build team cohesion, and reinforce values and mission of the Center, while leveraging staff on the team and University partners in HR, central HR, and externally. Directs all operational aspects of the Center in collaboration with Booth's partners in IT, Accounting, Facilities, and HR, including financial management, technology infrastructure, and facilities. Leads development of systems and processes for more efficient execution of the Center's mission, including program operations, managing budgets and expenses, onboarding new staff, tracking team and individual goals. Serves as Rustandy Center Organization Financial Manager (OFM). 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. May oversee the management of informational technology planning, ensuring necessary operating and information systems and resources are in place to accomplish strategic goals. Conceives and directs special projects related to the business of the organizational unit. Performs other related work as needed. Preferred Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree. Master's degree. Experience: A minimum of ten years of professional experience with academic research support, operations, strategy. Background with budgeting, accounting, and annual planning. Developing and planning special projects, strategy, growth initiatives, etc. necessary; ideally have experience working with diverse audiences, moving groups to consensus, and driving forward projects. Preferred Competencies Demonstrated people management and strong leadership skills. Demonstrated passion and interest in the mission of the Rustandy Center. Excellent and professional verbal, written, and presentation skills, as well as organizational skills and attention to detail. Proven ability to handle multiple projects concurrently. Work with minimal supervision. Proven ability to work effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, as well as with students, faculty and corporate contacts. Proven ability to seek out, coordinate and appropriately disseminate information. Work successfully with frequent interruptions. Familiarity and knowledge of the University of Chicago, its systems, and its constituents strongly preferred. Working Conditions This position is currently expected to work a minimum of three days per week in the office. Travel occasionally between Hyde Park campus, downtown Gleacher Center, and other local destinations (technology incubators, area hotels, etc.). Flexibility to occasionally work late or start early for events. Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter (required) The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

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