What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Project Manager position at Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago?
Department
BSD UCF - University of Chicago Faculty Practice - Administration
About The Department
The University of Chicago is a private, institution encompassing the undergraduate College, six professional schools (Business, Law, Divinity, Public Policy, Medicine and Social Service Administration), four graduate divisions (Biological Sciences, Humanities, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences) and the University of Chicago Medical Center. The broader University enterprise includes Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and Yerkes Observatory. The Biological Sciences Division (BSD) and the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) are managed by a single Dean/Executive Vice President and comprises the largest unit of the University. The Medical Center oversees the finances and operations of all inpatient and ambulatory services. Physicians who provide patient care services are all appointed in one of the 13 clinical Departments within the BSD. The BSD includes the Pritzker School of Medicine, approximately 24 academic units, degree granting committees, and research centers and institutes. The BSD is located on the University's main campus in Hyde Park, ten minutes south of downtown Chicago. BSD's patient care operations are conducted primarily at the University of Chicago Hospital and clinics, which share the same campus. In addition, we launched a network of clinically integrated community physicians.
The University of Chicago Faculty Practice (UCFP) plays a pivotal role in advancing healthcare excellence at the University of Chicago. In partnership with the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), Clinical Department leadership, UChicago Medicine Health System, and our strategic and community partners, the UCFP utilizes its expertise, dedication to health equity, and innovative approach to set and uphold standards for compassionate, high-quality, patient-centered care.
Job Summary
The job leads the administration of academic, research, clinical or administrative programs.
The Senior Project Manager serves as a strategic and innovative partner to UCFP executive and physician leadership, driving high-impact initiatives that shape clinical, operational, and financial performance across the Faculty Practice, BSD, and the health system. This leader is expected to be self-directed, forward-thinking, and adept at identifying opportunities that advance institutional goals.
The Senior Project Manager translates complex strategies into clear, actionable plans, fosters alignment across stakeholders, and champions new ideas that enhance enterprise performance and value. The role oversees project governance, mobilizes cross-functional teams, and represents BSD and UCFP in internal and external forums to ensure coordinated execution of key priorities.
Success in this role requires seasoned judgment, strategic agility, and the confidence to both originate and execute ideas, coupled with exceptional business acumen, relationship management, and a track record of delivering results in complex healthcare settings.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Enterprise Initiatives
Minimum Qualifications
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.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Job Family
Administration & Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$120,000.00 - $170,000.00
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.
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.
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.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
BSD UCF - University of Chicago Faculty Practice - Administration
About The Department
The University of Chicago is a private, institution encompassing the undergraduate College, six professional schools (Business, Law, Divinity, Public Policy, Medicine and Social Service Administration), four graduate divisions (Biological Sciences, Humanities, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences) and the University of Chicago Medical Center. The broader University enterprise includes Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and Yerkes Observatory. The Biological Sciences Division (BSD) and the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) are managed by a single Dean/Executive Vice President and comprises the largest unit of the University. The Medical Center oversees the finances and operations of all inpatient and ambulatory services. Physicians who provide patient care services are all appointed in one of the 13 clinical Departments within the BSD. The BSD includes the Pritzker School of Medicine, approximately 24 academic units, degree granting committees, and research centers and institutes. The BSD is located on the University's main campus in Hyde Park, ten minutes south of downtown Chicago. BSD's patient care operations are conducted primarily at the University of Chicago Hospital and clinics, which share the same campus. In addition, we launched a network of clinically integrated community physicians.
The University of Chicago Faculty Practice (UCFP) plays a pivotal role in advancing healthcare excellence at the University of Chicago. In partnership with the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), Clinical Department leadership, UChicago Medicine Health System, and our strategic and community partners, the UCFP utilizes its expertise, dedication to health equity, and innovative approach to set and uphold standards for compassionate, high-quality, patient-centered care.
Job Summary
The job leads the administration of academic, research, clinical or administrative programs.
The Senior Project Manager serves as a strategic and innovative partner to UCFP executive and physician leadership, driving high-impact initiatives that shape clinical, operational, and financial performance across the Faculty Practice, BSD, and the health system. This leader is expected to be self-directed, forward-thinking, and adept at identifying opportunities that advance institutional goals.
The Senior Project Manager translates complex strategies into clear, actionable plans, fosters alignment across stakeholders, and champions new ideas that enhance enterprise performance and value. The role oversees project governance, mobilizes cross-functional teams, and represents BSD and UCFP in internal and external forums to ensure coordinated execution of key priorities.
Success in this role requires seasoned judgment, strategic agility, and the confidence to both originate and execute ideas, coupled with exceptional business acumen, relationship management, and a track record of delivering results in complex healthcare settings.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Enterprise Initiatives
- Identify, design, and lead enterprise-wide initiatives that enhance clinical, operational, and financial performance across UCFP, BSD, and the health system.
- Serve as a strategic thought partner to executive and physician leaders—bringing forward new ideas, opportunities, and frameworks that strengthen organizational impact.
- Translate strategy into clear, measurable execution plans with defined metrics, timelines, and accountabilities.
- Challenge conventional thinking by introducing innovative approaches to process improvement, governance, and growth.
- Ensure alignment between business objectives, resource planning, and operational delivery.
- Own the full lifecycle of key initiatives, from concept through implementation and evaluation, while maintaining agility and focus on outcomes.
- Oversee cross-functional project teams and governance structures to ensure accountability and timely progress.
- Anticipate risks, remove barriers, and drive solutions that maintain project momentum and enterprise confidence.
- Deliver concise, value-driven updates and analyses for executive audiences.
- Cultivate trusted partnerships across departments, faculty, and system leadership to build consensus and sustain engagement.
- Navigate complex stakeholder dynamics with diplomacy and influence, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
- Represent UCFP in internal and external partnerships, advancing collaborative ventures and joint initiatives.
- Establish and maintain efficient project management tools, frameworks, and reporting systems.
- Support senior leadership through high-impact communications, executive briefings, and decision-support materials.
- Conduct and synthesize market, environmental, and policy analyses to inform strategic direction.
- Proactively surface opportunities for growth, partnership, and innovation across clinical and business domains.
- Present compelling, data-driven recommendations to senior leadership and governance bodies.
- Assist with onboarding and integration of new UCFP leadership team members.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as required to advance enterprise objectives.
- Plans and develops program objectives and/or content. Researches and identifies trends and needs and establishes program directions accordingly.
- Serves as a key resource for program information. Resolves problems or questions referred by program staff, University administrators, or other contingencies.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
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.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Degree in business administration, finance, public policy, not-for-profit administration, healthcare administration, or a related field.
- 7 years of progressive experience in project management, healthcare administration, or strategy strongly preferred.
- Experience in an academic medical center, university, or integrated healthcare system strongly preferred.
- Direct supervisory or team leadership experience strongly preferred.
- PMP or Lean Six Sigma certification strongly preferred.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into execution.
- Strong business acumen with knowledge of healthcare market trends, legislation, and financial performance drivers.
- Skilled in facilitation, consensus-building, and relationship management across diverse groups.
- Adaptable and responsive in a dynamic, evolving healthcare environment.
- High level of discretion, integrity, professionalism, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Hands-on experience leading large-scale projects across all phases of the project lifecycle.
- Highly organized with proven ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities.
- Strong skills in planning, influencing, problem-solving, and communication (verbal, written, presentation).
- Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, or similar).
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and deliver results within tight deadlines.
- Familiarity with governance processes, board administration, and managing external partnerships.
- Knowledge of ambulatory care operations and experience collaborating with physicians.
- Demonstrated success in leading complex, cross-functional projects in a healthcare environment.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience with relational databases and the ability to learn proprietary data systems.
- Standard Office Environment: Hybrid.
- Use Standard Office Equipment.
- Sit for 4 hours or more.
- Resume (required)
- Cover Letter (preferred)
Job Family
Administration & Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$120,000.00 - $170,000.00
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.
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.
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.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
Salary : $120,000 - $170,000