Director, Academic Affairs and Instructional Services

Department

PSD Applied Data Science: Administration

About the Department

The MS in Applied Data Science program (MS-ADS) is a professional graduate program within the Data Science Institute (DSI) and Physical Sciences Division (PSD) at the University of Chicago. The DSI executes the University of Chicago’s bold, innovative vision of Data Science as an evolving discipline; the PSD explores new frontiers in the physical and mathematical sciences to lead the world in inquiry and impact. The purpose of MS-ADS is to advance the careers of diverse students for technical- and/or management-focused careers in data science and AI. Students may apply for full- or part-time admissions for the In-Person Programs, Online Program, or Joint Degree programs. Admitted students benefit from a dedicated, full-service team in support of robust student and alumni outcomes. Learn more about our program at https://datascience.uchicago.edu/education/masters-programs/ms-in-applied-data-science/

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of the MS-ADS, the Director of Academic Affairs and Instructional Services works closely with the leadership and faculty to manage the faculty affairs and instructional services of the In-Person Programs, Online Program, and Joint Degree programs. The Director of Academic Affairs and Instructional Services is responsible for the oversight and execution of faculty and instructor recruiting, course scheduling, instructor feedback, among other duties related to operating the MS-ADS programs. The Director collaborates with other functional areas on the team such as enrollment management, student affairs, career services/external partnerships, and facilities/IT to support the student experience for both the online and in-person modalities. The Director serves as a senior member of the MS-ADS programs leadership team and liaisons with staff and faculty at UChicago’s Data Science Institute (DSI), the PSD Dean’s Office, University of Chicago Professional (UCP) and other University of Chicago units.

A percentage of the Director’s time may be dedicated to strategic planning of new, related master’s programs on an as-needed basis. This position is primarily based in the NBC Tower location in downtown Chicago, IL and eligible for a partially remote work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for academic affairs and instructional services, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work culture.

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate four professional staff, offering guidance and oversight to ensure operational excellence across faculty and instructional support.

• Collaborate with Program Directors and Clinical Advisory Team to plan course scheduling, instructor assignments, curriculum, and the Capstone experience, aligning with current and future program needs.

• Partner with Sr. Manager of Facilities & IT to optimize class scheduling and space utilization.

• Direct long-term planning and compliance for faculty and academic employee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, evaluation, promotion, and reappointment.

• Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, discretion, and integrity in handling sensitive information, academic records, personnel data, and institutional documents.

• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, accreditation standards, and maintain up-to-date faculty credentials and contract records.

• Guide development and refinement of academic policies in support of institutional and program objectives.

• Work closely with enrollment management, student affairs, career services, clinical advisory, and external partnership teams to ensure alignment of academic policies, course offerings, and teaching assignments with program strategy and student success initiatives.

• Coordinate with the PSD’s Director of Academic Affairs for effective processing of instructor appointments and pay requests.

• Oversee teaching assistant recruiting and training, supporting ongoing TA professional development.

• Provide strategic oversight for professional development and instructional design initiatives, led by the Instructional Designer, to advance pedagogical innovation and teaching quality.

• Lead change management efforts, driving continuous improvement of courses and workflows based on data analysis and collaborative assessment.

• Manage budgetary planning and execution for instructional services in partnership with Faculty Director and Executive Director.

• Analyze data fro