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This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12237200 Department

SSD: Center for Latin American Studies - Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department

Established in 1968, the University of Chicago Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) brings together faculty and students across the University in interdisciplinary and interdivisional research, teaching, scholarly events, and public engagement related to this vital region of the world. In fulfillment of our mission, CLAS works closely with faculty to support their teaching and research and actively sponsors programs for visiting academics; offers interdisciplinary BA major and minor degree programs and a graduate certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies; coordinates content teaching on Latin America and the Caribbean; funds research and provides teaching opportunities for graduate students; and organizes a regular series of events around myriad topics relevant to the region.

This will be the sole staff support for the Center for Latin American Studies, which coordinates research and teaching on Latin America across the University. CLAS works closely with faculty to support their teaching and research; actively sponsors programs for visiting academics; offers interdisciplinary BA major and minor degree programs and a graduate certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies; coordinates content teaching on Latin America and the Caribbean; funds research and provides teaching opportunities for graduate students; and organizes a regular series of events around myriad topics relevant to the region.

Job Summary

The job provides professional support and solves straightforward problems for a broad range of business operations and academic activities. May develop and implement office procedures and policies and ensures compliance. May prepare and monitor the budget for a unit.

Beyond the core duties of ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the Center for Latin American Studies, the Assistant Director plays a central role in development and long-term strategic planning, supporting the ongoing vitality of the Center\'s contributions to scholarship, campus life, and a broad community. The Assistant Director, working closely with the Faculty Director, develops programmatic and strategic goals for the Center, and should have the creativity and resourcefulness to pursue new directions and opportunities. The Assistant Director also plans and implements the Center\'s academic programs, and manages daily operations, including supervision of administrative staff and development and oversight of the budget and communications. The Assistant Director serves as the principal liaison to administrative units of the University, including offices of the Deans of Students, Alumni Relations & Development, and the Local Business Center, among others. The Assistant Director must maintain familiarity with the teaching and research projects of CLAS affiliated faculty in order to design informed programming. Preferred candidates will have strong substantive interest and knowledge of Latin America, administrative experience with simultaneous management of multiple projects, development and/or grant-writing experience, excellent interpersonal skills, and the capacity to work closely with a diverse faculty and student population, and confidentially handle sensitive information.

Responsibilities

Implements operational plans for all areas of Center activities, including faculty support, academic programs, student funding, and public engagement.

Monitors organizational structures, processes, and systems for efficient administration of Center operations; manage daily administrative operations.

Oversees and monitors Center budgets, including management and tracking of external funding.

Init ates Center financial disbursements and procurement; handles equipment and office supply needs; places orders and requisitions through the procurement system; processes expense report submissions (GEMS); initiates and coordinates payroll and financial transactions with the SSD Local Business Center, including student and casual employee payroll, travel, reimbursements, and purchases.

Manages Center staff, including student workers and interns, and coordinates workflow. Hires, evaluates, promotes, disciplines, and discharges.

Runs daily office operations and perform bulk of administrative duties, directly or by training and managing student workers. Tasks include updating CLAS online and print directory; managing mail and deliveries; coordinating student worker and intern schedules; responding to faculty and student inquiries; and other tasks.

Manages CLAS space, including suite of offices and seminar room as well as off-campus housing for international visitors.

Prepares annual reports for internal units and external funders by specified deadlines.

Manages the maintenance of records and databases, including course database, fellowship database, and student/alumni database.

Uses best practices to develop and execute organization\'s operational and overall strategic plan. Develops and im