Chief of Staff and Culture - JR27244-3800

University of Chicago - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

Educational Services

About the position

The Chief of Staff and Culture at the University of Chicago's Inclusive Economy Lab will play a pivotal role in fostering a collaborative and equitable organizational culture. This leader will support the Executive Director in strategic planning, staff engagement, and the implementation of initiatives that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the organization. The position requires exceptional judgment, interpersonal skills, and a commitment to creating an inclusive environment that promotes excellence and belonging among team members.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a staff engagement strategy that fosters a culture of rigor, excellence, joy, celebration, and belonging.
• Build relationships with University stakeholders to enhance the visibility and efficiency of the Lab's work.
• Supervise and support the Operations Team on projects related to communications, data security, development, employee relations, and finance.
• Implement processes for inclusive decision-making and change management.
• Oversee effective meetings for All Staff, Leadership Team, and Management Team.
• Support the implementation of budgeting, time-tracking, and project management tools.
• Review and analyze current practices and policies to assess their alignment with organizational goals.
• Execute organizational multi-year strategic and annual planning processes to identify priorities and metrics.
• Support the Executive Director and Leadership team in executing critical initiatives and special projects.
• Refine the organizational operating model to support a growing team and uphold organizational values and norms.
• Manage unexpected projects and leadership vacancies that arise.
• Implement University objectives and long-term strategic plans for the department.
• Manage financial objectives of the department.

Requirements

• Minimum of a college or university degree in a related field.
• 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 7+ years of leadership experience in a for-profit, nonprofit, government agency, or consulting firm.
• Proven track record of developing effective partnerships and collaborations across stakeholders.
• Direct experience in developing and leading strategic plans or supporting large-scale change efforts.
• Experience in generating creative, innovative solutions with a human-centered design approach.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent people and project management skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and create structure.
• Experience and commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling options
• Employee discount programs