Program Administrator

About The Department The Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago was established to support the development of emerging efforts in data science and AI across the university. The staff supports the university’s community of scholars, providing opportunities, infrastructure, and resources that encourage faculty and other scholars to pursue their finest work. The institute is part of the Physical Sciences Division, which includes departments and several interdisciplinary research institutes and centers. Department PSD Data Science: AI Research Staff Job Summary The Data Science Institute is hiring a Program Administrator for the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship program funded by Schmidt Sciences. The Program Administrator will support the program in key functions, including strategic program management; faculty and committee coordination; postdoctoral fellow support; event planning and execution; stakeholder engagement; partnership development; grant-related reporting; and day‑to‑day administrative operations. The role reports to the Director of the AI + Science Research Initiative and collaborates with faculty and campus partners. Familiarity with postdoctoral scholar programs, university research structures, and academic research experience is preferred. This at‑will position is funded by contractual grant funding, renewed under set provisions. Responsibilities Collaborate with the Director of AI + Science and faculty leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate programmatic activities, timelines, deliverables, operational frameworks, and performance metrics to achieve grant objectives. Coordinate and support faculty engagement and committee activities, including the Executive Committee and the Mentoring & Advising Committee, by preparing agendas, facilitating communications, tracking fellow progress, compiling reports, and implementing committee decisions. Plan, coordinate, and oversee program events and activities, including weekly postdoctoral meetings, seminar series, summer schools, retreats, hackathons, and community engagement initiatives. Serve as the primary liaison for Postdoctoral Fellows, coordinating support and resources across university offices (Dean’s Offices, Office of International Affairs, Human Resources) and assisting fellows with programmatic planning and professional development activities. Collaborate with the Data Science Institute and other campus partners to develop and implement synergistic research and training initiatives. Serve as the primary point of contact with Schmidt Sciences regarding program approvals, reporting, and programming activities. Communicate program updates, outcomes, and key information to internal and external stakeholders. Perform administrative and operational functions, including procurement, reimbursements, invoice processing, meeting logistics, catering, and other related duties. Administer delivery of services to program participants and beneficiaries with moderate to solid understanding and experience. Maintain moderate to high levels of interaction with faculty, researchers, and staff for committee work or information. Perform other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications College or university degree in a related field. Work Experience 2 to 5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Technical Skills or Knowledge Knowledge of higher education and/or nonprofit organizations. Preferred Competencies Work independently while collaborating with various stakeholders. Attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Demonstrated success working with diverse communities. Excellent written and oral communication, including emails, written reports, and slide presentations. Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining high work quality. Excellent organizational and leadership skills. Experience managing large, complex projects. Ability to solve complex problems, troubleshoot independently, and deliver results in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments. Demonstrated success in research, scientific and/or academic program support. Remuneration & Work Schedule Weekly hours: 37.5. Pay range: $68,000 – $78,000. Pay type: Salary. FLSA status: Exempt. Drug test required: No. Health screen required: No. Motor vehicle record inquiry required: No. Benefits eligible: Yes. Benefits The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement 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. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. Contact for Reasonable Accommodation Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call View phone number on click.appcast.io or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Chicago