Project Manager, One-Year Degree Programs

Department

Harris School Faculty and Academic Affairs

About the Department

Policy with real impact doesn’t evolve from ideology or intuition, or even experience. At the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, developing effective public policy is a science, based on data and measurable impact. Addressing today’s interconnected, global challenges requires rigorous inquiry. It also requires innovative people who will face the facts, gather data, and understand why current policies exist to improve them.

For more than 30 years, the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy has been steadfastly committed to serving society by advancing analysis- and evidence-informed policy. Guided by this exacting mission, our community of faculty, students, and alumni from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors are taking on the world’s most important problems by using the latest tools of social science. Harris Public Policy offers a full range of degree and executive education programs and is the academic home to research centers, institutes, and labs that study and engage the public on areas such as conflict, democracy and effective government, economic and political development, education, energy and environment, health, municipal finance, public safety, social policy, and urban policy.

Job Summary

The Project Manager will lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of two new one-year degree programs at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and working closely with the faculty program directors, this role will serve as the central point of coordination across academic, administrative, and student-facing functions to ensure the successful launch and ongoing management of both programs.

This position requires strong project management skills, exceptional organizational ability, and the capacity to work collaboratively across multiple University offices and stakeholders. The Project Manager will help establish program infrastructure, coordinate academic operations, support admissions and student onboarding, and ensure a high-quality student experience from recruitment through program completion for two 11-month degree programs: Master in Science Data Analytics (MSDAP) and Policy and Master of Science in Finance and Policy (MSFP).

The new programs are designed as intensive, rigorous programs for students seeking specialized training at the intersection of policy and quantitative analytics. MSDAP will
prepare students for roles at the intersection of data analytics, machine learning, and public policy. MSFP will prepare students for leadership roles at the intersection of institutional finance and public policy, including careers in central banks, finance ministries, banking regulation, municipal bond markets, ratings agencies, regulatory compliance, and other finance-related sectors.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with faculty leads for each degree program to ensure effective program launch and implementation, including curriculum execution and academic planning.
• Manage program setup across key University offices such as the Bursar’s Office, Graduate Financial Aid, Registrar’s Office, Office of International Affairs, and Office of the Provost.
• Coordinate with the admissions team to support recruitment efforts, provide timely application updates, and ensure effective communication throughout the admissions cycle.
• Oversee curriculum setup, course scheduling, and academic program logistics in partnership with the University Registrar.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures for each degree program to support efficient operations and long-term sustainability.
• Manage program budgets and conduct financial planning for both degree programs.
• Maintain and regularly update program websites and related communications platforms to ensure information remains accurate and current.
• Create communication schedules for incoming students in each degree program and plan, organize, and execute new student orientation, including coordination of pre-enrollment academic support programs.
• Develop resources such as web content and informational sessions for prospective and admitted students to provide essential information about program logistics and outcomes.
• Fulfill data requests and maintain accurate program records as needed.
• Manage ongoing program operations to promote program success and perform any additional duties required for a successful launch and continued effectiveness.
• Assess program quality, student experience, and operational effectiveness; provide regular updates and recommendations to school leadership and faculty directors.
• Develops and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Manages program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.
• Has a deep understanding when interacting with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in higher education administration, program management, project coordination, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
• Experience working in graduate education, academic program administration, or student services within a university setting.
• Familiarity with data analytics and public policy frameworks.
• Knowledge of pedagogical practices and successful course design a plus.
• Familiarity with university systems related to admissions, registration, financial aid, visa sponsorship, and student services (Slate, Salesforce, AIS, and Stellic).
• Experience supporting new academic program development or launch initiatives.

Preferred Competencies

• Able to take initiative, problem-solve with minimal supervision, exercise good judgment, and prioritize
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students across the institution.
• High attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$80,000.00 - $90,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

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 theBenefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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