Director, Fellowships, Grants, and Evaluation

Department

FFIE Chicago Forum Senior Staff

About the Department

The University of Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression builds on UChicago’s historic commitment and practices to provide a focal point for understanding and applying free expression, in academia and in the broader culture, in the United States and abroad. The Chicago Forum's mission is to promote the understanding, practice, and advancement of free and open discourse, in collaboration with faculty and the broader University community.

Job Summary

The Director of Fellowships, Grants, and Evaluation will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Chicago Forum, spearheading the design and execution of innovative fellowship programs and overseeing research and grant initiatives that have a transformative impact on the University of Chicago community. This role requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience in program development, research management, and grants administration within higher education or similar organizational settings. The Director will ensure alignment between Chicago Forum initiatives and the university's mission, fostering collaboration, innovation, and measurable outcomes across fellowship and grant programs. This role is expected understand the relevance of a broad array of research and contributions of Chicago Forum Fellows, and strategize ways for their collaboration within the campus community. This role will help disseminate fellow’s research, which could mean arranging symposia, hanging a journal publication or Substack or some other vehicle. Similarly with grant recipients, this role must understand the program and better connect and distribute research summaries and information on grant impact.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership in the design, execution, and continuous improvement of the Chicago Forum fellowship program, including setting recruitment goals, selection criteria, and orientation procedures to attract top talent.
• Leads and mentors program staff, ensuring effective coordination of logistical, administrative, and operational needs for program participants, while maintaining adherence to institutional policies and grant requirements.
• Designs and implements innovative strategies for disseminating fellowship and grant-supported research. This includes organizing symposia, publishing in academic journals, leveraging digital platforms, and fostering public engagement.
• Utilizes data analysis and reporting to systematically evaluate the impact of fellowship and grant-supported initiatives, ensuring continuous refinement and alignment with the Chicago Forum's goals and objectives. Leads on the creation of evaluation criteria for broader Chicago Forum initiatives
• Facilitates connections between Chicago Forum fellows and the University's diverse resources, networks, and opportunities.
• Oversees the dissemination of Chicago Forum-supported research to maximize impact and visibility both within and outside the University.
• Cultivates strong partnerships with academic departments, research centers, and external entities to identify synergies, secure funding opportunities, and advance the Forum's mission.
• Ensures space and logistical needs of fellows are met.
• Oversees comprehensive budget planning and fiscal strategy for grants, fellowships and research, ensuring optimal resource allocation and adherence to grant requirements and institutional financial policies.
• Represents the Chicago Forum as a thought leader at conferences, workshops, and University events, showcasing the accomplishments and innovations of fellowship and grant programs.
• Stays at the forefront of emerging trends and best practices in higher education, grant management, and fellowship programming, ensuring the Chicago Forum remains a leader in supporting impactful research and talent development.
• Uses in-depth knowledge and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries such as communicating with programs sponsors and academic advising for undergraduate students.
• 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.
• Has a deep understanding when interacting with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
• 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Postgraduate degree.

Experience:

• Research experience, preferably supported by a thesis paper.
• Proven experience in managing fellowship programs, research grants, or similar initiatives, including designing program structures, establishing selection criteria, and overseeing participant orientation and onboarding processes, preferably within higher ed.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage research and course development grant strategies, including preparing budgets, monitoring financial compliance, and aligning grant-supported activities with institutional goals.
• Expertise in program evaluation, including assessing learning outcomes, conducting impact analyses, and driving continuous improvement through systematic feedback and data analysis.
• Strong ability to lead, mentor, and manage cross-functional teams for operational excellence, while handling logistical and administrative needs within complex organizational frameworks.

Preferred Competencies

• Proven leadership and strategic planning skills, with a focus on higher education fellowship and grant programs.
• Strong project management abilities, with experience in overseeing complex programs and initiatives.
• Excellent communication and networking skills to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Analytical skills to assess program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Familiarity with research dissemination strategies and academic community engagement.
• Work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Budget management experience with a commitment to financial stewardship.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of program development and implementation.

Working Conditions

• Onsite, with more flexibility for hybrid over summer.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References Contact Information (3) (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

$95,000.00 - $115,000.00

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.

 

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