The University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is seeking an Assistant Director, Science Programs. This role is responsible for managing a portfolio of student-facing programs and events, including I-Corps, Collaboratorium, and Innovation Fellows. You will serve as a key liaison to other initiatives supporting the scientific community, driving engagement through program management and data-driven decision-making.

What You'll Do

Manage a portfolio of new and existing programs and events from inception through completion.
Oversee promotion and application processes for initiatives in the science program portfolio.
Implement events throughout the year, coordinating space, catering, audio/visual, and participant communication.
Utilize data to inform decision-making related to program execution and development, including delivering evaluation surveys.
Work in close coordination with Polsky Center directors, program managers, and leadership to ensure program coordination.
Mentor and counsel students, providing referrals to relevant Polsky Center and campus resources.
Manage teambuilding processes to connect scientific and business talent across campus.
Work with Chicago Booth and scientific divisions to identify and plan events catered to the student community.
Serve as a liaison to Polsky Center leadership and staff supporting the scientific community through technology commercialization, faculty venture development, and incubators.
Advise, support, and recommend concepts for programming to leaders of various organizations.
Market student activities programming throughout the year and develop protocols for evaluating program effectiveness.

What We're Looking For

College or university degree in a related field.
Knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice to Have

Bachelor’s degree.
Background advising or mentoring students and managing student-facing programs.
Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Exceptional event planning and project management skills.
Strong relationship management abilities, with experience working across diverse stakeholder groups including students, faculty, and alumni.
Strong analytical skills with experience collecting and using data to evaluate program effectiveness.
Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, as well as organizational skills.
Ability to work independently with little supervision, possess a self-motivated disposition, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Strong problem-solving and attention to detail.
High level of organization and the ability to handle multiple detailed tasks/projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach.
Background in science or engineering or experience working with scientific/technical audiences.

Technical Stack

MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook

Team & Environment

This role is part of the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and reports to the Director, Science Programs and Student Engagement.

Benefits & Compensation

Compensation: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00
Health, retirement, and paid time off benefits.

Work Mode

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, with locations on the Hyde Park campus and the downtown Gleacher Center.

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.