Director of Academic Affairs

Biological Sciences Division - Office of Academic Affairs

About the Department

The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University. The BSD is comprised of faculty from ten basic science departments, 13 clinical departments, and several Centers and Institutes. The approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members working in the BSD collaborate across the organization to achieve our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV).

The BSD Office of Academic Affairs is part of the BSD Office of the Dean. OAA supports the lifecycle of academic appointees including searches, academic appointments, reappointments, promotions, tenure recommendations, leaves, departures and retirement. OAA also provides interpretation of academic criteria and supports academic policy development, among other roles. OAA works closely with divisional and departmental leaders and administrative staff, including the Office of Faculty Affairs, as well as with other administrative units on campus such as the Office of the Provost, Office of Legal Counsel, Staff Benefits, Payroll Office, and the Medical Staff Office to provide timely and complete guidance and support for BSD academic human resource management.

Job Summary

The University of Chicago's Biological Sciences Division (BSD), Office of Academic Affairs, seeks a Director of Academic Affairs. This position will focus on managing compliant search, recruitment, and outreach efforts as well as offer case preparation for faculty and other academic appointees. They will also have responsibilities for the preparation, review, and submission of academic appointment cases, focused on other academic appointees (e.g. research appointees, pathways instructors, and visitors). The Director will partner with chairs, executive administrators, and academic affairs administrators not only to assist in anticipating issues and preemptively solving problems that may arise during academic review, but also to develop tools, standards, and practices that will streamline the recruitment and the human resources management of faculty and other academic appointees. The Director will facilitate communication between the Office of Academic Affairs and appointive units within the Division of the Biological Sciences on federal/state/University/Divisional statutes, policies, guidelines, and practices, including monitoring departmental compliance with the Division's Affirmative Action Plan. Other duties may also be assigned. This position reports to the BSD Assistant Dean/Senior Director of Academic Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the Office of Academic Affairs functions to support compliant search, recruitment, and outreach efforts as well as offer case preparation for faculty and other academic appointees.
• Assumes comprehensive responsibility for the drafting, review, assembly, and submission of materials in support of divisional appointive actions, focused on other academic appointees, which includes research appointees, pathways instructors, and visitors.
• Serves as a resource to faculty, faculty administrative leaders, and administrators and staff on university policy and process matters and on BSD's academic guidelines. Resolves problems or questions referred by program staff, University administrators, or other contingencies.
• Utilizes oral and written communication skills to promote and ensure efficient processing compliance.
• Contributes to process improvement as an advocate for clinical and basic science departments.
• Drafts correspondence on faculty and other academic appointee matters on behalf of the Dean or the designates.
• Facilitate submission of visa materials to the University's Office of International Affairs.
• Organizes and manages the divisional electronic files, databases, and website for efficiency and improved user experience.
• Gathers and analyzes data for possible solutions for issues related to appointees. Writes reports and expands knowledge and experience in areas.
• Conducts complex research and data gathering, such as internet research and survey;, project planning; and implementation for a wide range of projects.
• Creates training and programming for faculty and chair development and recommends training and/or program improvements.
• Prepares and presents analyses, reports, and marketing materials to a wide variety of both internal and external audiences. May lead a variety of committees/teams and with a diverse array of colleagues and partners.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree strongly preferred.

Experience:

• At least 5-8 years of University administration, academic affairs, and/or HR experience.
• Prior experience with academic recruitment processes for faculty and other academic appointees.
• Prior experience with HR management systems, such as Workday, Interfolio, or similar, including data collection and process improvement.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; Adobe document management; Interfolio document management portal; and learn new technology.

Preferred Competencies

• Operational leadership skills and provide direct and indirect supervision of work.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Strong attention to detail, and manage multiple priorities and responsibilities effectively with limited guidance.
• Communicate University and divisional procedures and policy clearly and tactfully.
• Partner with different levels of the organization and across different functional areas to achieve desired results
• High degree of organization, follow-through, and project managements kills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.

Pay Range

$110,000.00 - $160,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

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