Operations Manager​

About the Department

The Institute for Population and Precision Health (IPPH), located in the Biological Sciences Division, integrates a wide spectrum of factors such as human health behaviors, environmental factors, social and economic factors, policies, and genetic determinants of health into studies focused on the treatment and prevention of disease, as well as the maintenance of wellness. Leveraging the University of Chicago’s institutional strength in population science, the Institute conducts research spanning diverse fields such as genetic medicine, cancer epidemiology, microbiome, and epigenomics with the common goal of improving human health outcomes.

Another major goal of the Institute is to develop a new multidisciplinary training program to equip researchers with emerging tools and methods to conduct precision health research within a population health framework. Faculty lead research projects in biostatistics, epidemiology, and health services research and participate in interdisciplinary teams to address complex problems in health and healthcare globally.

About the Role

The Operations Manager provides strategic oversight of daily operations within the Institute for Population and Precision Health, supporting a rapidly growing and complex research institute. The role ensures effective and compliant operational support across research, clinical, and educational initiatives, as well as associated programs and external collaborations. The Operations Manager proactively implements, refines, and innovates processes to optimize organizational performance.

The role encompasses four primary areas: executive support for the Director, comprehensive operations management, academic affairs coordination, and HR onboarding/compliance. This position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding, renewed under provisions set by the grantor, with employment contingent upon continued receipt of these funds and satisfactory job performance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal liaison for the Director, faculty, students, administrators, and external partners, ensuring effective communication and coordination within a complex and expanding research program.
• Oversee research operations and compliance: ensure adherence to institutional and external regulatory protocols, manage reporting, data collection, and documentation for research activities and collaborations.
• Manage procurement and reconciliation, support departmental and research needs, resolve operational issues, and coordinate logistical requirements.
• Support academic affairs: coordinate activities for MsPH students, facilitate graduate program payments, and help develop and implement recruitment and marketing strategies.
• Lead onboarding and compliance for students, postdocs, and faculty; coordinate hiring processes in collaboration with Faculty Search and Office of Faculty Affairs.
• Monitor financial and budgetary activities, including vendor contracts, grants, and collaborations; prepare operational and research reports for grants, contracts, compliance, and leadership.
• Lead and coordinate special projects and initiatives to advance research and program objectives.
• Supervise operations staff, delegate tasks, provide training on office and compliance procedures, and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Provide advanced support: manage complex calendars, schedule meetings and events, track deadlines, and organize both internal and external engagements.
• Develop and implement relevant policies and procedures, ensuring compliance and using best practices to execute the organization's operational and strategic plan.
• Work with minimal guidance in space, facilities, and equipment, including renovations, moves, maintenance, and ongoing facilities operations.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
• 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (preferred).
• Experience working in a college/university environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in research compliance, oversight, and complex program administration.

Skills

• Skilled in budget monitoring, procurement, compliance, and supporting academic affairs and program initiatives.
• High level of attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong commitment to customer service.
• Exceptional time management skills, including the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize workflow.
• Flexibility and adaptability to new tasks in an emerging and changing environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with key stakeholders and individuals from varied sectors, both on and off campus.
• Self-starter with the ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Leverage appropriate resources to address and resolve issues, ensuring they are tracked, managed, and resolved completely.

Working Conditions

Office setting. Weekend and evening hours are expected to support faculty and for attendance at conferences.

Pay

$70,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year.

Benefits

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.