Program Manager for Undergraduate Studies
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Department

PSD Mathematics: Administration and Staff

About the Department

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Chicago is one of the most exciting places in the world to do mathematics. We have over 30 tenured and tenure-track faculty working in areas as various as combinatorics, algebraic geometry, number theory, pure and applied analysis, representation theory, probability, geometry, topology, dynamical systems, logic, and financial mathematics, along with a similar number of Dickson Instructors. The research environment in the department is very lively, with seminars meeting virtually every day of the week and a constant stream of visitors. In addition, the department hosts regular colloquia and several annual lecture series.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Faculty Advisor to the Chair, the Program Manager collaborates with the Sr. Instructional Professors and Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies, Faculty Director, and Chair to lead and oversee the department's undergraduate program including the placement exams and curricular needs of both majors and non-majors, overseeing a large and complex course schedule, and providing expertise to advise students in a variety of contexts.

Responsibilities

• Utilizing a specialized skillset, directs the undergraduate students program as part of the department's management team including providing complex program support for the entire curriculum including the BA and BS major, foundational courses that support other majors, and the University's Core curriculum.
  
• Working with a high degree of independence and discretion, organizes and manages a complex schedule of course assignments and teaching across the undergraduate course offerings, troubleshooting to identify appropriate instructors when unexpected gaps occur and ensuring that each course has appropriate TA support.
  
• Organizes and leads the College Fellows program for second-year PhD students in collaboration with the Sr. Instructional Professors and Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies.
  
• Supervises and oversees the activity of several hundred course assistants, ensuring that feedback is provided and issues are resolved.
  
• Organizes and manages the department's undergraduate committee, collaborating with the Sr. Instructional Professors and Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies to ensure all issues and matters for the committee's consideration are triaged and resolved.
  
• Utilizes deep knowledge of the undergraduate math curriculum to advise over 200 undergraduate majors on options for appropriate coursework and assist them in understanding the requirements for completing the major.
  
• Supervises and assesses the effectiveness of graduate student lecturers and works with the academic leadership team in the department to help find ways to improve their teaching if necessary.
  
• Oversees the Math Placement Exams for the entire first year class of more than 1800 incoming students, ensuring that the exams are scored and students are directed to the appropriate level of coursework.
  
• Uses in-depth knowledge of the curricular requirements to advise hundreds of undergraduate students on their placement exam results, transfer credit questions, and questions related to the appropriate coursework.
  
• Uses expertise in the field of mathematics and understanding of the needs of the department to serve on the hiring and promotions committees for instructional faculty including completing observations, assignments of departmental duties, and promotion letters.
  
• Serves on the hiring committee for Senior Instructional Faculty, including reviewing CVs, assessing candidate talks, and providing recommendations.
  
• Troubleshoots complex problems and interfaces with key University offices including the College of Advising, Registrar's office for placements, evaluations and scheduling.
  
• Uses expertise in higher education and the field of mathematics to evaluate and provide advice related to the curriculum and instruction.
  
• Manages the undergraduate advising of non-majors, outside of the 180's, including training incoming instructional faculty on the curriculum and needs of this student population.
  
• Troubleshoots student-related issues, providing recommendations and advice to the department's leadership.
  
• Develops and implements evaluations for Course Assistants.
  
• Provides specialized professional expertise in program management. Implements plans for educational programs and initiatives and acts as a liaison between the program and program participants.
  
• Plans and develops program objectives and/or content. Researches and identifies trends and needs and establishes program directions accordingly.
  
• Serves as a key resource for program information. Resolves problems or questions referred by program staff, University administrators, or other contingencies.
  
• 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:

• PhD in Mathematics or a related field.
  

Experience:

• Experience teaching and advising in the field of mathematics at the university level.
  
• Experience overseeing a large academic program.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Strong practical knowledge of how to manage a curriculum with requirements and prerequisites .
  
• Strong interpersonal skills.
  
• Strong communication skills.
  
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, independently develop and evaluate options, and develop solutions.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.
  
• Ability to work closely and effectively with faculty and other leaders across an institution.
  
• Intellectual versatility and creativity.
  
• Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to interact with a diverse range of individuals at all levels.
  
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.
  
• Flexibility and ability to work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure on high visibility, high stakes projects.
  
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.
  

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for a fully remote work schedule with the occasional requirement to travel to campus.
  

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
  
• Cover Letter (preferred)
  
• References (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

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or 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.

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