Student Affairs Administrator

Department
 

BSD IBD - Institute for Biophysical Dynamics

About the Department
 

The University of Chicago has established the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics to meet the challenges of achieving a molecular-level understanding of the structure, diversity and function of biological entities. The Institute represents new approach to scientific research at the interface between biology and the physical sciences, bringing together experimentalists, theoreticians, and computational scientists to forge a scientific culture of fluid exchange of ideas and collaboration across disciplines and among laboratories. In addition, the Institute has established training programs to involve undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students in this new cross-disciplinary approach to science. This culture of interdisciplinary research provides paths for insights developed at the laboratory bench to profoundly influence endeavors as diverse as molecular-based computing and the treatment of illness at the bedside.

Job Summary
 

The job administers programs in student affairs activities, including orientation and onboarding programs for incoming students. Acts as the primary point of contact for student inquiries. Uses a moderate/high level of understanding in student affairs to develop future enrollment strategies using admissions and financial aid data. Plans and administers a variety of student services by performing two or more of the following: manages admissions processes and facilitates activities related to admissions; creates and/or analyzes reports of admissions and financial aid data to inform future enrollment strategies; plans and schedules orientation activities for matriculating students; reviews and confirms that students who have enrolled to graduate school have successfully completed all the departmental as well as Divisional requirements; facilitates the quarterly convocation process for the Division; collaborates with career counselors to provide current students and alumni with career services such as annual meetings and individual student counseling sessions which are specifically designed to meet their needs. Develops and implements programs to build community within the student population. Provides oversight and manages day-to-day operations of programs. Responds independently to inquiries from prospective and new students. Addresses student concerns as they develop, utilizing accepted student development methods and approaches. Resolves issues related to, but not limited to: course selection, degree requirements, waivers, pass/fail requests, substitutions, tuition billing, and leaves and reinstatements. Develops positive and active working relationships with internal and external constituents including but not limited to the Registrar, the Bursar, University Counseling Services, University and Divisional Deans' Offices, and others to create synergies across departments related to programming, resolution of student issues, and other matters of common interest. Develops and monitors the budgets and accounts associated with all student services activities. Monitors Training Grant spending and tracks expenses for Training Grant accounts, creates closing memos, writes annual progress reports with minimal oversight. Maintains Training Grant data required for competitive renewals including faculty biosketches, data tables and written components of the application.

Responsibilities

• Following general guidelines from the Institute Executive administrator, manage, direct, and/or coordinate Institute programs including: interdisciplinary research involving investigators from different academic units; research and travel resource programs for investigators, students, and visitors; and seminars, lectures, and symposia. Assist Institute members in developing programmatic guidelines and processes and in disseminating the Institute’s initiatives and resources to the University community.

• Helps organize and develop documentation needed for NSF or NIH grant proposals such as facilities descriptions, biosketches, mentorship plans etc. Maintains student employment in Workday. Monitors relationships with outside vendors, ensuring high-quality service standards and overall student satisfaction. Assists with IBD events such as the seminar series, lectures, Science@theInterface Symposia as needed. Generates content for social media and IBD websites. This position requires in-person presence.

• Solves problems in areas such as academic and administrative policy, student admissions, curriculum research and development, and budget development.

• Recommends process improvements for programs that relate to critical student-life improvement, including emergency management, accommodations for students with disabilities, and/or the administration of health care services and programs for students.

• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree; advanced degrees.

Experience:

• Must have higher education administrative experience.

• Research experience.

• Familiarity with electronic research administration and reporting tools.

• Experience with academic research, physical and biological science research.

​Preferred Competencies

• Self-direction and initiative. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; resourcefulness. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 

• Strong interpersonal skills. 

• Professional public impression.    

• Ability to execute frequently changing system procedures, technologies, and regulatory requirements. 

• Demonstrated adherence to high standards of business and research ethics. 

• Experience with Microsoft Office applications.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily sedentary involving considerable desktop computing and normal office activities. Occasional major grant and project deadlines might require considerable additional hours beyond the standard work week.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

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

Job Family
 

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
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.

 

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.