Job Description

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR), this role plans and manages special projects, works well with others and provides high level administrative support for the VCR. This position has a broad range of responsibilities and must exercise sound judgment in decision-making, establish priorities in completing work assignments, write and edit, exercise confidentiality, and function at a high level of performance with a minimum of supervision.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Consult with and advise the Vice Chancellor for Research on matters of significance, many of which are confidential, politically sensitive, or deal with complex and/or controversial issues all of which require the use of significant discretion and judgment. This includes investigative research, conducting organizational studies, special reports, and trend and effectiveness analyses.

Work independently to manage the VCR’s calendar and special projects as assigned.

Serve as liaison to those reporting to the VCR. Provide administrative support to the Associate Vice Chancellors for Research (AVCR).

Provide support and advice to the VCR on a wide range of visible issues involving high-level work associated with complex problems of a confidential and extremely sensitive nature.

Analyze complex and often sensitive issues, identify viable options and communicate options to the VCR and appropriately implement solutions.

Communicate with unit management, coordinate and organize leadership meetings, workshops and other events, and evaluate existing procedures as problems arise, recommending and implementing new methods as needed.

Ensure that the VCR is briefed in advance for meetings with a wide range of individuals and groups.

Support the VCR in all areas including relations with senior leadership, vice chancellors, deans, faculty, researchers, university organizations and governmental organizations.

Manage the high volume of communications received in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) and ensure timely responses.

Handle research administration issues that are routed to the OVCR and VCR.

Plan, develop and assists with the coordination of conferences, events, outings and tours for the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, donors, other universities, external parties and others.

Provide administrative support for VCR’s special initiatives and committees, and staff high-level search committees.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, the sciences or business. Knowledge of UIC operations, policies and procedures preferred.

Minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative responsibilities, preferably in an academic or research setting.

Experience managing calendars for senior executives with multiple competing demands on their time.

Proficient in writing and communications using MS Office suite.

Effective written and verbal communication skills. Strong analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills. Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse faculty and staff population.

Highly organized and independent worker with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities. Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Must be able to prioritize duties and assignments.

Strong analytical/problem-solving skills to interpret policies and resolve problems without precedent.

Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to maintain a high level of attention to detail.

Ability to use a high level of discretion and maintain confidentiality.

APPLICATION: To ensure fullest consideration, application materials must be received by March 6, 2023. Start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is commensurate with experience and education. All candidates must create a candidate profile through http://jobs.uic.edu and upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references by the close date.

CANDIDATES MUST APPLY USING THE FOLLOWING LINK AND ATTACH A COVER LETTER AND RESUME.

HTTPS://UIC.CSOD.COM/UX/ATS/CAREERSITE/1/HOME/REQUISITION/3226?C=UIC

As an EOE/AA employer, the University of Illinois encourages applications from individuals regardless of an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, and Veteran or disability status.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit: https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899