Director of CASE and RDS Operations
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Department
Provost Office of Research

About the Department
The University of Chicago Office of Research works with faculty and deans to support and enhance research and to support and oversee institutional research infrastructure including University Research Administration (URA), Office of Research Development (ORD), the Office of Research Safety (ORS), the Office of Radiation Safety (ORA), Research Computing Center (RCC), Globus, the University of Chicago Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering (UChicago CASE), and Schmidt Future Fellows.

Job Summary
The Director of Operations, Research Development & CASE plays a pivotal role in optimizing operational efficiencies and overseeing project management within the Office of Research. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Research and supporting the Executive Director of the Office of Research Development (ORD), this position is responsible for managing key processes related to research development, joint appointments, and internal competitions. The Director ensures the effective coordination of limited submission opportunities, curates funding sources, oversees CASE operations, and provides strategic support to the Office of Research Development. This role also supervises the CASE Operations team and collaborates closely with internal departments and external partners, including national lab contacts, to streamline operations and promote best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized support for the research enterprise, serving as liaison between CASE PIs and University administrative offices, pre- and/or post-award administration for all sponsored activity, and external agencies.
  
• Ensure service and communication to CASE PIs, including standardized information, best practices development, and communicating any new grant or joint appointment policies and changes.
  
• Handle inquiries, troubleshoot access issues, and advise on membership types. Coordinate and manage all CASE intake functions, including application processing and approvals.
  
• Develop and maintain metrics for membership and funding, create dashboards, and manage appointment and renewal schedules.
  
• Serve as the primary liaison for internal departments and external partners, including National Lab joint appointment contacts.
  
• Directly supervise and manage CASE Operations team. Analyze industry trends and remain current with agency and regulatory changes. Monitor department/unit compliance with University, Divisional and Department policies and procedures and implement corrective actions for issues identified.
  
• Create, revise, and implement all CASE-related best practices, keeping all Standard Operating Procedures up to date.
  
• Complete HR-related functions in Workday and manage CASE relationships.
  
• Utilize funding databases (e.g., Pivot-RP) to identify and evaluate limited opportunities.
  
• Edit and launch weekly limited opportunities on InfoReady Review.
  
• Maintain and distribute a weekly funding newsletter, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
  
• Support the use of the InfoReady platform for institutionally limited federal submissions and requests for proposals.
  
• Develop and maintain best practice documents and Standard Operating Procedures.
  
• Conduct user audits, manage user roles, and onboard new users.
  
• Generate quarterly metrics and reports for competition trends and internal slot awarding.
  
• Oversee the coordination of the limited submission process, reviewing and tracking outcomes for internal slot awards.
  
• Assist in developing and maintaining the ORD strategic plan for research development and faculty engagement.
  
• Mentor interns and delegate projects.
  
• Develop metrics, presentations, and project summaries for internal grants and projects.
  
• Conduct process reviews and provide improvement recommendations.
  
• Manage departmental resources, email accounts, and support procurement and expense approvals.
  
• Participate in professional development related to Broader Impacts/Research Impacts and Education/Training.
  
• Coordinate updating ORD Broader Impacts resources in collaboration with Office of Civic Engagement (OCE) and Center for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI).
  
• Coordinate updating of ORD web content and create communications materials.
  
• Support ORD proposal development through research, editing, and proofreading as needed.
  
• Assist with the administration of internal grant programs, such as the ORD seed funding program.
  
• Plans, develops, analyzes and manages budget, including developing multi-year budget forecasts. May oversee the preparation and management of grant and contract proposals, ensuring compliance with all University, federal and private foundation guidelines and regulations. Develops financial reports and assists with seeking funding for grants.
  
• Uses best practices to develop and execute organization's operational and overall strategic plan. Develops and implements relevant policies and procedures and ensures compliance.
  
• 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

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• High level of fluency in word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software (e.g., MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook).
  

Preferred Competencies

• Technical Proficiency: Ability to quickly learn and effectively use technical platforms and campus-specific systems.
  
• Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to work diplomatically with staff, students, faculty, and partners.
  
• Communication: Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills; proficiency in drafting professional communications.
  
• Organization: Strong organizational skills with attention to detail; ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
  
• Initiative: Independence and proactive approach to tasks and problem-solving.
  
• Process Improvement: Experience in designing Standard Operating Procedures, tracking tasks, and improving efficiency.
  
• Multitasking: Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines.
  
• Analytical Thinking: Strategic and analytical thinking for problem-solving and decision-making.
  
• Professionalism: High level of discretion, tact, and confidentiality.
  
• Negotiation: Ability to negotiate and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
  
• Relationship Management: Ability to cultivate trust and manage collaborative relationships.
  
• Management: Ability to supervise, evaluate performance, and coach direct report(s) to success.
  

Application Documents

• Resume (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

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
$80,750.00 - $104,500.00
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 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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