Department Administrator

Department
 

HUM Staff: English

About the Department
 

Since its founding, the English Department at the University of Chicago has committed to questioning and reformulating the basic principles of literary study. Once famous for the Aristotelian Chicago School of criticism of the 1950s, today the Department, ranked first among English departments in the US, stands out for its interdisciplinary approach to literature and its commitment to close reading combined with historical and conceptual analysis.

Job Summary
 

Under the direction of the Department Chair, the Department Administrator manages the academic and administrative affairs of the Department of English Language and Literature (ELL) in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), and faculty committees, within the guidelines of divisional administration. Responsibilities include collaboration with leadership on department initiatives, department administration, student and faculty support, budget and financial management, people management, event planning and academic affairs oversight, establishment of best practices, management of operational workflow, collaborating with internal and external partners, and relationship building. Remote work schedule may be available.

Applicants must upload all required applicant materials (resume, cover letter, and references) to be considered for the position.

Responsibilities

• Develops a deep understanding of the Department of ELL and communicates priorities and performance standards while routinely assessing operations. Recommends and implements enhancements and improvements.
• Serves as point person for the Department and liaises between the department, division, University partners, and external stakeholders to service the program and perform day to day functions.
• Maintains website providing input into design improvements and developing content. Oversees production of social media content and develops graphic design materials.
• Partners with Faculty Chair to supervise Chair's Administrator. Checks in on progression of faculty hiring tenure cases, event bookings, proofreads meeting agendas and emails to external reviewers to ensure alignment with University policy.
• Oversees execution of programmatic events for students, faculty, and alumni. Helps with logistics as needed.
• Manages day-to-day office functions, physical space needs, and hiring of students during academic year.
• Strategizes and implements long-range plans to improve operational functions and enhance the student experience; collaborates in developing and maintaining policies and guidelines, informs faculty and staff of deadlines and project needs.
• Produces communications for graduate students including orientation materials, resource guides, and revision Graduate Student Handbook in consultation with DGS.
• Manages admissions cycle, including scheduling, processing applications, and collaborating with faculty to develop orientation program.
• Oversees day-to-day graduate student activities, including course registration, stipends, teaching assignments, and fellowships.
• Manages long-term graduate student milestones from initial advisor assignments to dissertation.
• Assists Chair’s Administrator with recruitment of new faculty, tenure, promotion, and renewal cases.
• Conducts data tracking and analysis related to students, alumni, program history, funding, and other programs.
• Assists with internal and external program reviews.
• Extrapolates data to draft memos and reports for Chair and faculty committees.
• Directs supervision of Student Affairs Administrator and indirect supervision of Chair's Administrator.
• Trains staff and faculty on policies and procedures, compliance, and office protocols. Recommends and executes process improvements. Assesses workloads for coverage and efficiencies.
• Develops and maintains best practices and process documentation (e.g., procedure manuals and Standard Operating Procedures) for Department operations to ensure continuity and workflow.
• Discusses performance goals and promotes professional development opportunities. Engages in annual performance management process. Provides feedback and guidance to staff on day-to-day, short-term, and long-term activities.
• Oversees external visitor and student payments including annual lecture series honoraria, travel reimbursements, and student research and travel awards.
• Interacts with faculty, researchers, and staff on committee work and/or gathering of information for meetings/projects.
• Collaborates with Chair on short- to long-term planning and strategic goals. Collaborates with Chair and team members to brainstorm events programming for internal and external audiences.