Director, Community & Divisional Values

University of Chicago • Austin, TX

2d • $110,000 - $160,000

About The Position

The job leads and provides expertise to the professional research and recommendations in the development and implementation of faculty support programs. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Community and Divisional Values, the Director for Community and Divisional Values directs a portfolio of division-wide programs that advance operational excellence, inclusive academic culture, and the effectiveness of scientific training environments across the Biological Sciences Division. Drawing on expertise as a trained scientist with applied experience in inclusive academic practice, this role designs, implements, evaluates, and continuously improves programs that strengthen research climates, graduate education infrastructure, and workforce development. The Director holds primary responsibility for the planning, execution, assessment, and impact of signature programs supporting faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students. By translating insight into academic culture and scientific training systems into effective programmatic design, this role aligns community values with divisional priorities and scientific excellence.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• College or university degree in related field. Advanced degree in science strongly preferred.
• Knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Program Leadership in Academic or Research Settings.
• Scientific Training and Research Environment Expertise.
• Inclusive Practice and Organizational Development.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement.
• Program Design, Assessment, and Continuous Improvement.
• Facilitation, Training, and Dialogue Leadership.
• Strategic Collaboration and Influence Across Systems.

Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Oversight Direct and manage a portfolio of programs advancing mentorship, leadership development, recruitment, retention, and belonging across the BSD. Establish program goals, timelines, success metrics, and assessment strategies; use data and feedback to drive continuous improvement. Administer program budgets, resources, and grants in alignment with divisional priorities. Supervise student workers, interns, and assistants supporting program delivery.
• Faculty, Staff, and Trainee Programs Recruitment: Co- lead faculty and graduate student recruitment initiatives, including division-wide hiring efforts and recruitment across basic science PhD programs. Training & Professional Development: Design and lead research-based training in mentorship, leadership, communication, and academic professionalism. Oversee signature programs including the Warner Reynolds Leadership Academy, Becoming a Leader program, and the Development Assistantships. Support & Retention: Develop and implement programs that strengthen community, mentorship, and retention for faculty, professional research staff, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students. Serve as a mentor, coach, and resource for trainees and program participants. Learning & Belonging: Create workshops, curricula, and convenings that illuminate academic science, foster resilience and belonging, and support advancement in STEM research environments.
• Divisional & Institutional Engagement Serve on divisional committees and task forces related to academic culture, training, and workforce development. Liaison with campus partners, peer institutions, and national networks to align BSD programs with best practices and emerging standards. Provide programmatic consultation to leadership on challenges related to inclusive excellence in STEM research and training. Design and implement infrastructural programs like the Basic Science Faculty Liaison Program.
• Scholarship & Program Innovation Contribute to scholarship, assessment reports, and publications related to inclusive pedagogy, recruitment, and professional development in collaboration with faculty partners. Maintain and evolve office initiatives and educational offerings (e.g., History and Context Mini-Institute, Pride Group). Creates training and programming for faculty and chair development and recommends training and/or program improvements. Prepares and presents analyses, reports, and marketing materials to a wide variety of both internal and external audiences. May lead a variety of committees/teams and with a diverse array of colleagues and partners. Conducts complex research and data gathering (e.g., Internet research, surveys), project planning, and implementation for a wide range of projects. Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director