Program Manager, LSI

Department
 

Graham Leadership & Society Initiatives

About the Department
 

The Graham School provides continuing liberal arts education programming for adult learners.

Job Summary
 

The University of Chicago Leadership and Society Initiative (LSI) is a yearlong, cohort-based fellowship that supports distinguished individuals at or nearing retirement to transition from their longstanding careers toward purposeful next chapters of leadership for society. The initiative has a two-part mission, to help individuals live more meaningful, connected, and fulfilling lives; and to help society by equipping these individuals with the frameworks, pathways, and community to drive significant, positive societal impact.  
LSI is seeking a Program Manager to support operations and administrative projects across the LSI team. Reporting to the Director of the Leadership & Society Initiative, the Program Manager will be responsible for supporting the efficient and smooth operation of administrative functions within the program. This position requires a highly organized and detail-oriented individual who can oversee various operational processes, manage event logistics, and collaborate with different team members to maintain administrative tasks and records. This is a great opportunity for someone with strong operational and events management capabilities who is passionate about social impact, leadership development, and lifelong learning.  

Responsibilities

• Supports operations across the LSI team by maintaining project plans, timelines, expenses, and scheduling partner meetings.  
• Assists with administrative processing including contracts, payments, and documentation with central University units such as the registrar, bursar, and human resources.  
• Organizes program supplies and order materials as needed, such as workshop materials, printing for classes and events, and swag orders.  
• Plans and executes events for LSI, its Fellows and future program alumni, including symposiums, workshops, info sessions, and cultural outings. This includes managing invitations to speakers and guests, creating a run of show for all participants, and coordinating with any event space providers on room setup, menus, and A/V as needed. Events will be held both in person and virtually. Some evening and weekend support is required, with comp time provided to offset irregular hours.  
• Conducts research on University policies, offerings, and course catalog as needed, to help Fellows navigate the many University-wide resources available to them. This may include assisting with the development of resource guides, instructions, and editing course materials for LSI Fellows. 
• As needed, supports with creation of written collateral for external facing audiences, such as event promotion, website updates, and partner presentations.  
• Partners in program innovation and continuous improvement, incorporating feedback from stakeholders to strengthen future program offerings. 
• Supports the Director in designing and implementing new projects on an as-needed basis.
• Uses general understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
• Interacts with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Significant events management.
• Interfacing with and coordinating a wide array of stakeholder groups, including executives and frontline administrative staff, a plus. 

   

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Strong project management skills.
• Proficient in digital project management platforms, ticketing systems, and/or CRMs a plus.
• Understanding of operational process design, implementation, and continuous improvement a plus.    

Preferred Competencies

• Work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and prioritize among competing tasks. 
• Exceptional oral and written communication. 
• Significant attention to detail and time management.  
• An entrepreneurial mindset. 
• A deep passion for the Graham School’s mission of lifelong learning and to the University of Chicago’s commitment to deep inquiry and the rigorous pursuit of knowledge. 
• A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Work well with others in a highly collaborative environment and across multiple stakeholder groups, including team members, LSI Fellows, faculty, collaborators, advisors, and candidates.  
• Enthusiasm for leadership development and social impact – twin driving forces of LSI. 

Working Conditions

• Events will be held both in person and virtually.
• Some evening and weekend support, with comp time provided to offset irregular hours.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Administration & Management

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.