Associate Director for Science Strategy
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Department

S&I Science Coordination Unit

About the Department

The Science Strategy Team is an integrative operating unit within the Office of the Vice President for National Laboratories, Science Strategy, Innovation and Global Initiatives. The office collaborates with University leaders, deans, and faculty to shape the strategic scientific and technological direction of the University, and supports its implementation through and across the Polsky Center, the UChicago Global Initiatives and its centers, and Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The unifying thread of programming focuses on enabling partnerships, collaboration, and working across divisions and institutions to translate scholarly pursuits, scientific discoveries, and technological developments into impact.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Science and Strategy, the Associate Director for Science Strategy will facilitate program development and implementation of University objectives to advance the university's strategic goals, particularly across science, technology, and innovation.

The Associate Director for Science Strategy will work closely with faculty and university partners to execute strategic programs and engagement related to science, technology, and innovation. The candidate will play a key role in planning and implementing strategic initiatives of key importance to the University of Chicago and affiliated laboratories - Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and the Marine Biological Laboratory. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of increasing collaboration, will have strong analytical and communications skills, and will be able to work across strategy and implementation to further strategic scientific initiatives of the University.

The job is responsible for all aspects of non-technical (not information technology or construction related) projects from conception to completion. Assembles teams and develops detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports while being the point of contact for those projects.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and executes across a range of projects related to strategic initiatives in science, engineering, and innovation.
• Drafts concept papers, business plans, and other materials for various audiences, including technical concepts.
• Participates in high-level projects from scoping to problem restructuring, analysis, and execution.
• Functions as the communications liaison for the team, working in close coordination with the communications leaders in other relevant offices.
• Formulates preliminary strategic recommendations based on key findings and themes uncovered as a result of research and analysis.
• Develops deep understanding of University priorities, strategy, and relationships.
• Develops and maintains relations with a range of stakeholders.
• Tracks progress, conducts analysis, as well as prepares for and facilitates project meetings. Ensures adherence to quality standards and reviews project deliverables.
• Acts as a resource and subject matter expert for project team and provides analytical guidance. Interprets complex project issues and provides analytical guidance to a project team.
• 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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate degree in scientific or other relevant field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in the management of complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Prior work experience in a company, university, or relevant complex organization.
• Understanding of research funding mechanisms.
• Familiarity with applied science and innovation.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent project management skills.
• Accomplished oral and written communication skills.
• Examine data to grasp concepts, draw conclusions, and solve problems.
• Familiarity with science terminology.
• Build rapport and maintain relationships across the University.
• Enthusiasm for and curiosity about science and innovation.
• Attention to detail.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Strong ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Must possess strong reading and analytical abilities and be detail oriented and organized.
• Comfort with ambiguity.
• Demonstrated ability to handle exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Operate in a fast-paced environment and deal with ambiguity.
• Familiarity with central administration within a complex research university environment.
• Knowledge of higher education and the University of Chicago.

Working Conditions

• Minimal physical effort; typical tasks include keyboarding; bending; stooping to reach files; light lifting; sitting; standing.
• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
• Some evening or weekend work may be required on occasion.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe 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

Applicant Inquiry Form 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.

This job has expired.