Director of Operations

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Department UL Crime Ed Lab Administration About the Department Who We Are In cities across the country, people face high rates of gun violence, under-resourced schools, and social harms associated with the criminal justice system all of which disproportionately impact people of color. These inequalities have profound consequences on public safety and opportunity. As a society we have failed to address these challenges, in part, because of our lack of understanding of the most effective and cost-effective solutions that can have a real impact on people’s lives. We believe that rigorous research can help. Our team works in close partnership with cities and communities to create impact at scale for residents of America’s cities, especially for those facing the most severe implications of inequality and racism. We conduct research to meet the highest standards of quality and rigor, and we share our results broadly to generate measurable social good in communities. Our mission is to combine world-class data science and research, in partnership with government agencies, to substantially improve the effectiveness of the public sector and achieve impact at scale. The Role The University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab is seeking a Director of Operations to provide management and responsibility for the labs’ daily operational needs. This person will oversee operational teams including finance, human resources, office management, and information technology. The Director of Operations will report to the Leadership Team and work collaboratively with the leadership team to execute on the mission, goals, and objectives of the Crime Lab and Education Lab. Job Summary The job manages multiple related teams of managers and professional staff responsible for the administration of academic, research, clinical or administrative programs of the University. Responsibilities Oversees and is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Crime Lab and Education Lab, through the management of the functional support teams. Provides strategic direction to these teams and serves as the final decision-maker when necessary. Provides direct oversight to the Finance team. This includes direct supervision; stewardship of the annual budget process; oversight of consultant contracting and external vendor relationships; and providing strategic direction for collaboration with other labs and related University offices. Provides direct oversight to the HR team. This includes direct supervision; providing strategic direction for recruiting and hiring, staff development and coordination with related University offices; serving as the decision-maker in personnel and staffing decisions. Provides direct oversight to the IT team. This includes direct supervision; ensuring all data privacy and security protocols are maintained; providing strategic direction for coordination between labs and with related University offices. Establishes collaborative working relationships across campus and with other partner organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization; Serves as a liaison to administrative units of the University. Works closely with the Faculty Director, Executive Director, Managing Director, and other leadership-level roles on budget planning to ensure resources are aligned with strategic priorities, and retains authority of the central operations budget. Promotes an organizational culture that fosters passion for the mission, service to the communities where the organization seeks to have impact, cooperation, open and frequent communication, and teamwork. Identifies and evaluates risks to the organization, staff, partners, finances, goodwill, and image; implement measures to control risks. Supports staff planning and organizational design efforts, including the development, implementation, and refinement of organization charts to ensure clear roles, effective reporting structures, and alignment with strategic priorities. Manages the implementation of organization-wide goals and strategic priorities by coordinating across research and operations teams, prioritizing effective resource allocation and high-quality execution. As necessary, represents the Crime and Ed Labs in areas that require coordination with UChicago Health Lab, UChicago Inclusive Economy Lab, and/or UChicago Energy and Environment Lab. Manages program operations and administrative functions to include planning and scheduling, program evaluation, policy implementation, personnel administration, budget, marketing, fundraising proposal and development. Recommends program content, policies and strategic planning efforts. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: Preferred Qualifications Education: Master's degree in business or related field. Experience: Progressively responsible administrative or management experience. Supervisory experience. Technical Skills or Knowledge: Familiarity with financial software and tools; experience with Oracle modules is a plus. Ability to work with staff to enhance budgeting and reporting systems. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, financial computing, and database software applications, with an emphasis on their integration with financial platforms. Preferred Competencies Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data, produce detailed reports, and conduct financial modeling and quantitative analysis. Advanced financial acumen preferred, including demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting, and financial forecasting. Excellence in organizational management with the ability to manage and mentor staff, set and achieve strategic objectives, and manage a budget. Unwavering commitment to rigorous research-based evaluation. Track record of execution of multiple tasks while responding to multiple priorities. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships, and work effectively in collaboration with a wide array of people from diverse backgrounds. Proven ability to do work requiring flexibility and innovation in identifying creative, real-world solutions that balance policy goals with practical execution. Strong written and verbal communication skills; adept at bridging the gap between technical operations and executive decision-making. Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization; knowledge of substantive issues and local, state, and federal policies related to five focus areas of Urban Labs. Application Documents Resume (required) Cover Letter (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 Administration & Management Role Impact People Manager Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ? FLSA Status Exempt ? Pay Range $128,000.00 - $176,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes 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 . 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. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. 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. 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.

Keywords: University of Chicago, Palatine , Director of Operations, Administration, Clerical , Chicago, Illinois