Director, Academic Affairs and Instructional Services

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Department PSD Applied Data Science: Administration About the Department The MS in Applied Data Science program (MS-ADS) is a professional graduate program within the Data Science Institute (DSI) and Physical Sciences Division (PSD) at the University of Chicago. The DSI executes the University of Chicago’s bold, innovative vision of Data Science as an evolving discipline; the PSD explores new frontiers in the physical and mathematical sciences to lead the world in inquiry and impact. The purpose of MS-ADS is to advance the careers of diverse students for technical- and/or management-focused careers in data science and AI. Students may apply for full- or part-time admissions for the In-Person Programs, Online Program, or Joint Degree programs. Admitted students benefit from a dedicated, full-service team in support of robust student and alumni outcomes. Learn more about our program at https://datascience.uchicago.edu/education/masters-programs/ms-in-applied-data-science/ Job Summary Reporting to the Executive Director of the MS-ADS, the Director of Academic Affairs and Instructional Services works closely with the leadership and faculty to manage the faculty affairs and instructional services of the In-Person Programs, Online Program, and Joint Degree programs. The Director of Academic Affairs and Instructional Services is responsible for the oversight and execution of faculty and instructor recruiting, course scheduling, instructor feedback, among other duties related to operating the MS-ADS programs. The Director collaborates with other functional areas on the team such as enrollment management, student affairs, career services/external partnerships, and facilities/IT to support the student experience for both the online and in-person modalities. The Director serves as a senior member of the MS-ADS programs leadership team and liaisons with staff and faculty at UChicago’s Data Science Institute (DSI), the PSD Dean’s Office, University of Chicago Professional (UCP) and other University of Chicago units. A percentage of the Director’s time may be dedicated to strategic planning of new, related master’s programs on an as-needed basis. This position is primarily based in the NBC Tower location in downtown Chicago, IL and eligible for a partially remote work schedule. Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership and vision for academic affairs and instructional services, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work culture. Supervise, mentor, and evaluate four professional staff, offering guidance and oversight to ensure operational excellence across faculty and instructional support. Collaborate with Program Directors and Clinical Advisory Team to plan course scheduling, instructor assignments, curriculum, and the Capstone experience, aligning with current and future program needs. Partner with Sr. Manager of Facilities & IT to optimize class scheduling and space utilization. Direct long-term planning and compliance for faculty and academic employee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, evaluation, promotion, and reappointment. Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, discretion, and integrity in handling sensitive information, academic records, personnel data, and institutional documents. Ensure compliance with institutional policies, accreditation standards, and maintain up-to-date faculty credentials and contract records. Guide development and refinement of academic policies in support of institutional and program objectives. Work closely with enrollment management, student affairs, career services, clinical advisory, and external partnership teams to ensure alignment of academic policies, course offerings, and teaching assignments with program strategy and student success initiatives. Coordinate with the PSD’s Director of Academic Affairs for effective processing of instructor appointments and pay requests. Oversee teaching assistant recruiting and training, supporting ongoing TA professional development. Provide strategic oversight for professional development and instructional design initiatives, led by the Instructional Designer, to advance pedagogical innovation and teaching quality. Lead change management efforts, driving continuous improvement of courses and workflows based on data analysis and collaborative assessment. Manage budgetary planning and execution for instructional services in partnership with Faculty Director and Executive Director. Analyze data from academic operations, enrollment, and student outcomes to inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and budget management. Establish, monitor, and assess goals, benchmarks, and outcomes for academic and faculty support activities. Represent MS-ADS academic affairs in institutional committees, cross-functional teams, and external collaborations. Lead special projects related to academic innovation, curricular transformation, and real-world student experiences. Manages the daily operations of an organizational unit or assists with managing the daily operations of a larger organizational unit, primarily in the areas of financial, purchasing, grant, facilities, human resources and support services management. Ensures compliance of staff with organizational, University and other relevant policies and guidelines. May oversee the management of informational technology planning, ensuring necessary operating and information systems and resources are in place to accomplish strategic goals. Conceives and directs special projects related to the business of the organizational unit. Performs other related work 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 7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: Preferred Qualifications Experience: Experience working in academic affairs, including direct student-facing responsibilities. Experience with international students. Experience managing human resources processes. Experience working with faculty and instructors. Experience with professionally oriented graduate programs. Technical Skills or Knowledge: Experience with learning platforms and technologies (e.g., Canvas, Zoom, Panopto, Wistia, other). Advanced data and reporting skills (Slate, Excel, PPT, Database, PeopleSoft) for prospective and enrolled student data management. Proficiency in office software such as Microsoft Office, Google Docs, etc. Preferred Competencies Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to resolve problems with a high degree of discretion, diplomacy, and tact. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate to a diverse audience including students, faculty, donors, and staff. Ability to coordinate with many partner offices simultaneously to innovatively problem solve on behalf of students and staff. Superior organizational skills and constant attention to detail. Ability to work independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations. Commitment to excellent customer service, including tact, discretion, and proper judgement as necessary. Expertise to collect and maintain a vast array of records to improve organizational knowledge and data points. Strong project management skills, including experience with large-scale projects, working effectively across organizational boundaries and disciplines. Demonstrated expertise in financial planning, data-driven decision making, and resource management within an academic environment. Excellent supervisory skills. Working Conditions This position is eligible for a partially remote work schedule. This position requires occasional work on evenings and weekends. Application Documents Resume (required) Cover Letter (required) References (required) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Administration & Management Role Impact People Manager Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ? FLSA Status Exempt ? Pay Range $120,000.00 - $145,000.00 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 the Benefits 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. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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