Executive Director

Job Summary The Executive Director (ED) manages a broad range of business operations and academic activities for the Chicago Center for Computational Social Science (C3S2). The role involves developing and implementing office procedures, ensuring compliance, preparing and monitoring the budget, and translating the Center’s vision into institutional reality. Responsibilities Lead and implement fundraising strategy with donors, philanthropic foundations, and public funders (e.g., NSF, NIH, DoD/DoE). Partner with faculty and CC co‑directors on developing annual priorities and a three‑year implementation roadmap. Develop industry and civic partnerships through sponsored research agreements, data‑sharing MOUs, and fellows‑in‑residence programs. Advise Social Science Division leadership on computational needs of affiliates. Manage C3S2’s signature events – colloquia and workshop series, a summer institute, an open house, and annual capstone activities related to AI. Manage cross‑disciplinary research initiatives and co‑mentored student projects. Support MACSS professors in launching the new undergraduate CSS major, expanded tracks, doctoral CSS certificate, GIScience Minor, and possible overseas versions of degrees. Oversee financial management across all revenue streams. Build a unified C3S2 identity through a coordinated web portal, online engagement, events calendar, and new newsletter and working‑paper series. Manage communications for C3S2 and elevate news of affiliates. Manage C3S2’s daily operations. Facilitate leadership review by the Advisory Committee. Coordinate the External Advisory Board. Use best practices to develop and execute the organization’s operational and strategic plan; develop and implement relevant policies and procedures and ensure compliance. Work independently in space, facilities, and equipment management, including renovations, moves, maintenance, and ongoing facilities operations. Perform other related work as needed. Education and Qualifications Minimum: a college or university degree in a related field. Minimum: 5‑7 years of work experience in a related discipline. Preferred: Master’s or Ph.D. in a social science, computational field, or related area. Preferred: Familiarity with the intellectual landscape of computational social science — including AI, large‑scale data methods, and their intersection with social theory. Preferred: Five years in research administration, center management, or academic program leadership of comparable scope and complexity, with demonstrated experience in sponsored program administration (federal and private foundation grants). Preferred: Track record in fundraising and partnership development with industry, government agencies, or foundations. Preferred: Three years of supervisory experience. Preferred: Background working in or alongside interdisciplinary research environments spanning social and computational sciences. Preferred: Facility with research administration systems and computational environments. Preferred Competencies Strategic thinker who can translate bold intellectual vision into concrete plans and measurable outcomes. Exceptional communicator — fluently engaging faculty, foundation officers, government partners, and students. Strong independent judgment and comfort with ambiguity. Genuine curiosity about computation, social science, and the questions at their intersection. Compensation and Benefits Salary range: $85,251.00 – $110,325.00 per year. Benefits include health, retirement, paid time off, and other programs as outlined in the Benefits Guidebook. Posting 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. Accommodations 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. Background Check 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; assessment is case‑by‑case. #J-18808-Ljbffr Nashville Public Radio