Assistant Director of Instructional Services

Department
 

PSD Data Analytics Staff

About the Department
 

The Masters of Science in Analytics (MScA) program is a professional graduate program within the Data Science Institute at The University of Chicago. The purpose of the MScA program is to train and educate students in aspects of Data Science and Analytics that are critical for positions in industry. Designed for professionals with backgrounds in technical fields who want to become data scientists with rigorous classes, expert instructors, leading-edge technology, and an unparalleled network of industry professionals. As such, it aims to be innovative in its methods and to respond both to changes in technology and to changes in the needs of the world of industry. Learn more about our program at https://professional.uchicago.edu/find-your-fit/masters/master-science-analytics.

Job Summary
 

Reporting to the Director of Instructional Services, the Assistant Director of Instructional Services works closely with the faculty of the program to manage many key administrative tasks critical to running the MScA program. Key areas of focus for the Assistant Director are supporting course scheduling, recruiting and assigning Teaching Assistants, and working with the Canvas LMS environment to set up course sites for instructors among other duties related to operating the online and in-person programs. Collaborates with the MScA admissions and student affairs teams to ensure course offerings are aligned with student demand. At times this role will be required to liaison between staff at the Data Science Institute (DSI) and the PSD Dean’s Office on matters related to human resources and compliance with faculty appointments and documentation. This position is eligible for a partially remote work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Member of the instructional services team of the MScA online and in-person programs including instructor recruiting, operational course scheduling, and faculty support as required.
• Solves moderate problems such as troubleshooting issues to ensure that course scheduling, room assignments, course prerequisites, technical classroom set-up for both virtual and physical classrooms, utilization of Canvas platform and zoom for virtual connection, course evaluations, academic issues with students, payment and other support is organized and provided in a timely manner.
• Oversees the recruitment and assignment of TAs/graders based on course needs, collaborating with human resources to ensure that these positions are hired, onboarded and paid in a timely manner each quarter.
• Oversees and sets schedule for foundational courses to prepare students for the MScA program.
• Supports the instructor hiring process by participating in the application review and appropriate academic search documentation is maintained and meets the Provost’s office guidelines.
• Drafts memos, search narratives, and other documentation required by the University’s academic appointment process.
• Manages the administration process for the appointment and reappointment of instructors and other academic appointees, tracking deadlines and ensuring that cases are aligned with the University’s guidelines.
• Coordinates and project manages obtaining the appropriate approvals for all instructor academic appointment transactions, working closely with staff in the Data Science Institute when needed.
• Helps the Director of Instructional Services in establishing timelines and standard operating procedures for managing the instructional services workload each quarter, collaborating closely with the team and other members of the MScA staff.
• Collaborates as necessary with student affairs, MScA support staff and MScA Clinical Advisory Team regarding internal communication to students, operational scheduling, instructor hiring process, capstone project execution, curriculum, online program and other matters as designated by the Director of Instructional Services.
• Serves as a lead point person to troubleshoot Instructor and TA/Grader concerns, using resources and collaborating with other staff to solve problem.
• Identifies operational goals and oversees allocation of resources to meet priorities. Ensures compliance of staff with organizational, University and other relevant policies and guidelines.
• Oversees the management of human resources activities for staff and academic employees, including the academic appointment processes, hiring, orientation, performance planning and compensation, staff development, and employee relations.
• Assists with managing the day to day operations of faculty affair programs with a moderate level of guidance.
• Gathers and analyzes data for possible solutions for faculty-related issues. Writes reports and expands knowledge and experience in areas.
• May process job postings for faculty and other academic appointments.
• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:       

• Experience working in academic affairs, including direct student-facing responsibilities.
• Experience with international students.
• Experience with professionally oriented graduate programs.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Experience with learning platforms and technologies (Canvas, Zoom, Whiteboard)
• Advanced data and reporting skills (Slate, Excel, PPT, Database) for prospective and enrolled student data management.
• Proficiency in office software such as Microsoft Office, Google Docs, etc.

Preferred Competencies

• Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to resolve problems with a high degree of discretion, diplomacy, and tact.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate to a diverse audience including students, faculty, donors, and staff.
• Ability to coordinate with many partner offices simultaneously to innovatively problem solve on behalf of students and staff.
• Superior organizational skills and constant attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations.
• Commitment to excellent customer service, including tact, discretion, and proper judgement as necessary.
• Expertise to collect and maintain a vast array of records to improve organizational knowledge and datapoints.

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for a partially remote work schedule.
• This position requires occasional work on evenings and weekends.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Academic Affairs

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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.