Assistant Dean and Executive Director, Human Resources
The University of Chicago

Department

BSD ADM - Administration

About the Department

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO OVERVIEW

The University of Chicago biomedical enterprise houses three entities: the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM), and the Pritzker School of Medicine. Collectively called UCM, we are one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions and have been at the forefront of discovery, education, and clinical care since 1927. Located 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago, our Hyde Park main campus provides a single environment for learning, world-renowned basic science and clinical research, and outstanding clinical care.

The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University. The BSD is comprised of faculty from ten basic science departments, 13 clinical departments, and several Centers and Institutes. The approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members working in the BSD collaborate across the organization to achieve our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV):

MISSION: As part of the University of Chicago, we pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges. Through our rigorous research, innovative education, and comprehensive care and healing, we collaborate on life-changing advancements that create meaningful results for our community and the world, including a greater, more equitable future for all.

VISION: Together, we elevate the human experience with knowledge and health care.

VALUES: Commit to Excellence: We contribute our exceptional talents to all we do and empower the same spirit of excellence in others.

Embrace Curiosity: We stay open to new ideas, champion diverse perspectives, and drive a culture of thoughtful risk-taking to deliver transformative innovation.

Embody Equity: We identify systemic issues and then foster change to drive a more equitable environment inclusive of diverse people, ideas, and fields of science.

Grow Together: We meaningfully collaborate with one another to create something bigger than we could ever achieve alone.

Make a Difference: We lead with heart and compassion in all our interactions. We create positive change in our areas of influence, whether expanding scientific inquiry, developing the next generation of leaders, or healing our community.

Take Ownership: We accomplish what we say we will and hold ourselves and one another accountable for our actions.

The MVV serves as our True North, charting our strategic plan for the next ten years and beyond. It is an exciting time to be a part of the University of Chicago and the BSD. Our team is helping shape the future for our learners, staff, faculty, patients, and community.

Job Summary

The Assistant Dean and Executive Director for Human Resources is a senior leadership position reporting to the Vice Dean for Academic Administration and Finance and is responsible for overseeing and managing all operational aspects of human resources within the Biological Sciences Division in compliance with University policies and practices. Within the BSD, the HR structure combines a central office within the Office of the Dean and local HR representatives at the local department or unit level, although not all report directly to the Executive Director. The Executive Director should possess a unique set of skills demonstrating an ability to build coalitions, ensure compliance with university policies and standards and drive performance and HR transformation to meet the diverse needs of the BSD today and into the future. The Assistant Dean and Executive Director works closely with faculty, staff, and administration to ensure a positive and productive work environment for staff employees.

The central BSD HR office provides HR strategic leadership and direction, including education and training for HR staff, compensation, employee relations (including performance management and compliance), talent acquisition and talent management/development, workforce analytics, and related HR programs for BSD staff employees. In addition, the central BSD HR team helps ensure unit-level HR staff effectively manage day-to-day functions related to payroll, benefits, paid time off, and other employee issues by providing training, resources, and oversight.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• The Assistant Dean and Executive Director of BSD Human Resources serves as the executive lead for this vital team and acts as the BSD's liaison to the larger University helping ensure efficient and effective operations. The ED helps set the strategic vision for this office and develops new and innovative ways to support our departments and faculty. This key leadership role reports to the Vice Dean of Academic Administration and Finance and collaborates closely with the other administrative leadership in the Dean's office.
  
• The successful candidate must be able to perform a wide range of HR duties including strategic planning, employee relations, talent acquisition, organizational effectiveness, change and performance management, leadership coaching, and communication planning. The Assistant Dean and Executive Director will partner with leaders and individuals at all levels to align HR strategies with Divisional priorities and drive execution of the same.
  

Strategic Leadership and Planning:

• Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall organizational goals.
  
• Set the strategic vision for the HR Office and develop innovative was to support faculty, staff and departments.
  
• Represents the BSD in key university initiatives such as pay transparency efforts and Workday optimization projects.
  
• Collaborate with other university departments to ensure consistency and alignment of HR practices.
  
• Lead and develop the HR team to ensure strong talent capabilities and reinforcing bench strength and constantly improves people experience.
  
• Leverage talent and systems to enable the effective implementation of key HR initiatives involving employee relations, leadership development, talent management, and succession planning, organizational effectiveness as well as workforce planning and change management.
  
• Serve as a servant leader building coalitions that drive transformation and excellence among direct reports and others supporting Human Resource functions.
  
• Work across the UCM system to support the priorities of Elevate 2035, the UCM Strategic Plan as they related to our people.
  
• Partner with leaders across the enterprise such as University Human Resources, Medical Center Human Resources, BSD leaders and Shared Services, where appropriate and necessary, to support divisional goals.
  
• Act as a strategic partner to understand the long-term and short-term Divisional goals and translate into actionable HR plans.
  

Operational Management and Compliance:

• Improve and automate standard HR processes to streamline unit HR functions such as onboarding, offboarding, performance management, recruitment/retention, employee engagement, compensation activities etc.
  
• Oversee the recruitment, selection, and unit onboarding processes for staff.
  
• Manage employee relations processes for staff, including conflict resolution, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
  
• Ensure unit compliance with labor laws, regulations, and university policies.
  
• Develop and implement training and pipeline programs to attract talent and foster internal advancement.
  
• Work in partnership with the University to implement compensation programs, ensuring competitiveness and equity.
  
• Provides leadership for developing short- and long-term human resources plans and operational policies for a unit. Oversees and administers the HR budget for the unit and manages expenses.
  
• Conduct regular assessments of unit HR policies and practices to identify areas for improvement.
  
• Foster a diverse and inclusive work environment.
  
• Provide guidance and support to department leaders on HR-related matters.
  
• Stays abreast of changes in federal, state and local employment laws and regulations. Provides expert opinion and advises unit management and professional staff in matters relating to employment law..
  
• Provides leadership for the unit in grievances, complaints, or legal issues, and works with the appropriate University offices to coordinate resolutions.
  
• Perform other related work as needed.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate degree preferred in healthcare, business, or education.
  
• SHRM or PHR Certification.
  

Experience:

• Led and implemented continuous process improvement.
  
• Proven track record of working with multiple stakeholders to build successful policies and processes.
  
• Demonstrated experience in highly matrixed organizations.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
  
• Effective interpersonal skills, including outstanding judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
  
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence.
  
• Keen attention to detail.
  
• Knowledge of labor laws and HR practices relevant in a university setting.
  
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex data into clear, thoughtful, and actionable reports.
  
• Excellent computer skills evidenced by proficiency in Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
  
• Proficiency with Workday, Interfolio or similar data management systems
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
  
• Cover Letter (required)
  
• References (preferred)
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Human Resources

Role Impact

People Manager

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

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. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff 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.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

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.

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