Operations Manager

About The Department

The Department of Ecology & Evolution (E&E) hosts diverse faculty and student interests in the ecological and evolutionary processes that underlie patterns of life on earth. Research interests include population genetics, molecular evolution, quantitative genetics, animal behavior, plant and animal ecology, evolutionary theory, systematic paleontology, and related subjects.

The Operations Manager will manage the day-to-day operations of the Department of Ecology & Evolution, collaborate closely with the Faculty Chair and the Basic Science Executive Administrator, and provide operational support. The role includes professional support, problem solving, development of office procedures, compliance, and budget monitoring.

• Provide administrative and operational support for research, educational missions, and related projects.
• Liaise with BSD and Departmental staff to coordinate fiscal and budgetary affairs and triage personnel issues.
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Support programmatic and support staff.
• Assist in recruitment, onboarding, and hiring practices for new faculty and staff.
• Monitor and assist in the academic appointment process and onboarding.
• Assist Faculty Chair and Executive Administrator with operational and administrative needs.
• Facilitate department meetings and workshops: schedule, collect reports, create agendas, send reminders, and provide logistical support.
• Support data collection for budget processes, effort reporting, and research operations.
• Apply information thoughtfully to solve problems and improve processes.
• Manage overall administrative team functions and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Respond to facility problems such as furniture ordering, repairs, telecommunications, plant department requests, environmental issues, and emergencies.
• Coordinate construction projects, implement space assignments, assist with space planning, key management, and respond to space needs.
• Manage department’s Physical Equipment inventory with the Executive Administrator.
• Monitor overall environment and manage day-to-day facility issues.
• Train office staff on procedures and compliance protocols. Coordinate special projects.
• Research and analyze data to create reports for grants and contracts.
• Perform other related work as needed.

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

Minimum requirements include 2-5 years of work experience in a related discipline.

No specific certifications required.

• Graduate degree in a related field.
• 5 years of work experience in a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects, competing deadlines, and budgets.
• Experience handling coordination of large initiatives, including logistics and adherence to timelines.

• Commitment to high level of service and teamwork.
• High degree of professionalism.
• Attention to detail.
• Handle confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with basic data organization and analysis.

Office environment.

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, upload documents via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Benefits eligible:
Yes. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call  or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety 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.

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