Academic Affairs Specialist

Department BSD OAA - Administrative Support About the Department The BSD's Office of Academic Affairs is a service-oriented and compliance unit in the Dean's Office devoted to overseeing faculty searches, managing institutional data, and reviewing proposals from appointive units for postdoctoral researchers, visitors, academic affiliates, other academic appointees, and faculty. The BSD OAA plays a critical role in the BSD in training, supporting, and advising academic administrators and departmental leadership. Job Summary The University of Chicago’s Biological Sciences Division (BSD), Office of Academic Affairs, seeks an Academic Affairs Specialist. This position would provide support to the Associate Director related to the business of onboarding of new appointees, appointment, reappointment and promotion of faculty and other academic appointees, as well as leaves, retirements, and other departures. As the quality of our faculty is key to our stature as a University and Medical Center, the position is critical and challenging -- but rewarding. We seek applicants who can master the intricacies of academic affairs, handle multiple tasks and daily learning, interact cordially with diverse stakeholders while encouraging compliance with pertinent policies, respect confidentiality, and communicate helpfulness and understanding. Responsibilities Assumes comprehensive responsibility for the drafting, review, assembly, and submission of materials in support of divisional appointive actions. Serves as a resource to faculty and faculty administrative leaders on University policy and process matters and on BSD's academic guidelines. Utilizes oral and written communication skills to promote and ensure efficient processing compliance. Contributes to process improvement as an advocate for client departments. Drafts correspondence on faculty and other academic appointee matters on behalf of the Dean of the designates. Processes visa materials, working with the University's Office of International Affairs. Organizes and manages the divisional electronic files, databases, and website for efficiency and improved user experience. Assists with managing the day-to-day operations of academic affairs programs with a moderate level of guidance. Serves as a resource for program information. Resolves problems or questions referred by program staff, University administrators, or other contingencies. Gathers and analyzes data for possible solutions for academic appointment-related issues. Writes reports and expands knowledge and experience in areas. May process job postings for faculty and other academic appointments. Assists with managing the day-to-day operations of faculty affair programs with a moderate level of guidance. Serves as a resource for program information. Resolves problems or questions referred by program staff, University administrators, or other contingencies. Gathers and analyzes data for possible solutions for faculty-related issues. Writes reports and expands knowledge and experience in areas. May process job postings for faculty and other academic appointments. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. --- Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. --- Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Experience: Experience in Academic Affairs, Human Resources, or other relevant experience in an academic environment. Demonstrated experience delivering quality customer service. Experience using and applying data analytics to diagnose problems and implement appropriate solutions. Strong written and oral communication skills. Website management. Technical Skills or Knowledge: Experience with Adobe and MS Office including Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with Workday human resources data system or similar HR platform. Preferred Competencies Ability to foster a culture of inclusion by appreciating and respecting diversity. Exceptional organizational and analytical skills. Ability to contribute to an environment where teams are committed to achieve institutional goals. Ability to partner with different levels of the organization to achieve results. Exceptional attention to detail and strong level of professionalism in the quality of work completed. Working Conditions Office Environment. 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 Academic Affairs Role Impact Individual Contributor FLSA Status Exempt Pay Frequency Monthly Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Benefits Eligible 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. The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. 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