Department: ARD Human Resources
About the Department: Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents, and friends of the University through intellectual, professional, and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.
The ARD People and Culture team plays a crucial role in cultivating a supportive and thriving workplace environment. The team is dedicated to attracting top talent through effective recruitment strategies and ensuring a smooth onboarding process for new hires. Additionally, the team champions ongoing professional development and learning programs to empower staff to excel in their roles and contribute meaningfully to ARD’s goals. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and accountability, the People and Culture team enhances employee satisfaction and retention, ultimately strengthening and extending the work of ARD for the University.
Job Summary: This position manages multiple teams of managers and professional staff responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring a variety of human resource programs. Develops department plans to address long-term human resource needs and trends. Accountable for the performance and results of multiple human resources related teams.
Responsibilities:
- Develops the strategic direction for the People and Culture team with senior leadership to promote a growth mindset among leaders and staff through innovation, agency, and inclusion. Leads the human resources, talent management, and learning and development teams to serve internal and external clients in a positive and effective manner.
- Designs and implements programs to engage and retain employees, including development pathways and performance management processes. Elicits feedback through employee surveys, focus groups, and employee engagement programs to support a data-driven approach to continuous quality improvement.
- Fosters a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Supports the University’s commitment to diversity and equity.
- Leads all activities related to human resources policies, programs, and practices for ARD in compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws plus University policies.
- Develops and supports learning and development initiatives for ARD staff in areas of highest priority with a focus on role-specific skills, management training, team collaboration, and professional growth.
- Develops, refines, and implements recruitment and hiring procedures to support managers in all phases of the hiring process.
- Administers the ARD compensation program with an eye to competitive market position.
- Counsels managers and staff in progressive discipline procedures and advises on the resolution of employee relations issues.
- Ensures UChicago’s human resource information systems (HRIS) platform (Workday), is accurate at all times.
- Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance.
- Represents the unit in grievances, complaints, or legal issues.
- Manages managers and professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
- Develops and implements short- and long-term human resources plans and operational policies for a 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s or advanced degree.
- A minimum of ten years of professional work experience in nonprofit management, fundraising and/or higher education, or customer service.
- A minimum of six years of project management experience.
- A minimum of four years of management experience, including staff.
- A minimum of two years of experience developing and monitoring budgets.
- Understanding of philanthropy, higher education, and fundraising programs.
Technical Skills or Knowledge: Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development.
Working Conditions:
- This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.
- Standard office environment.
- Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
- Work evenings and weekends as needed.
Application Documents:
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter, addressed to Ellen-Marie Muhlbacher (preferred)
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.
