External Operations Manager Jobs in Plainfield, IL

Department
BSD IPP - Institute for Population & Precision Health
About the Department
The Institute for Population and Precision Health (IPPH), located in the Biological Sciences Division, will integrate 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 and integrating the University of Chicago's considerable institutional strength in population science with research spanning diverse fields such as genetic medicine, cancer epidemiology, microbiome, and epigenomics, the Institute will have the common goal of improving human health outcomes. Another major goal of the Institute will be 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. Our Faculty lead research projects in biostatistics, epidemiology and health services research and participate in interdisciplinary teams with faculty in other departments and universities to address complex problems in health and healthcare, in our communities and around the globe.
Job Summary
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. Leveraging advanced knowledge and experience, the incumbent ensures effective and compliant operational support across research, clinical, and educational initiatives, as well as associated programs and external collaborations.
Guided by exceptional diplomacy and teamwork, 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.
We seek an Operations Manager with a keen attention to detail, proven ability to work independently and solve multifaceted challenges, prompt and reliable responsiveness, and demonstrated expertise in research oversight and compliance.
This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant 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.
• Uses best practices to develop and execute organization's operational and overall strategic plan. Develops and implements relevant policies and procedures and ensures compliance.
• Works with minimal guidance in space, facilities, and equipment, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations.
• 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:

• Masters degree.

Experience:

• Experience working in a college/university environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in research compliance, oversight, and complex program administration.

Preferred Competencies

• Skilled in budget monitoring, procurement, compliance, and supporting academic affairs and program initiatives.
• A high level of attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills, characterized by the ability to listen and speak, with a strong commitment to customer service.
• Exceptional time management skills including the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize workflow, paired with flexibility and adaptability to new tasks in an emerging and changing environment.
• Working collaboratively with key stakeholder 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.
• Ensures issues are tracked, managed, and resolved completely.

Working Conditions

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

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
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
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$70,000.00 - $95,000.00
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.
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