Operations Manager
About the Company
For more than 125 years, the University of Chicago has forged its own path. This has led to new schools of thought and a transformative education for students, and laid the groundwork for breakthroughs across the sciences, medicine, economics, law, business, history, culture, the arts, and humanistic inquiry.
The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth leverages the University’s unique legacy and resources to balance the risks of a changing climate with the essential need for human progress. It does so by combining frontier research in economics and climate policy, and key energy and climate technologies, with a pioneering approach to education that provides a 360-degree understanding of the climate and growth challenge. The Institute also seeds interdisciplinary research that explores new topics in this ever-evolving field and deploys practical, effective solutions in countries central to this challenge.
About the Job
The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth is seeking an Operations Manager to drive the execution of critical operational functions and ensure seamless day-to-day activities across the institute. This role oversees all operational workflows, manages physical office space utilization, and coordinates procurement of specialized equipment and supplies to meet the needs of ICSG staff. Serving as a key member of the Institute’s leadership team, the Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in optimizing operational efficiency, enhancing staff and visitor experiences, and maintaining resources across the Institute’s locations. Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, this individual will deliver high-quality service coordination and ensure the smooth operation of the Institutes’ facilities and services.
Responsibilities
Independently performs high-level operational duties in support of the Institute’s functions, including support for all departments, programs, and initiatives
Oversees renovation projects across multiple spaces, managing timelines, budgets, and coordination with contractors and stakeholders to ensure successful project completion
Makes recommendations to leadership (Faculty & Executive Director) on space allocations
Oversees office functions by developing and implementing efficient operational procedures and policies to support organizational goals for the Institute’s many spaces
Ensures optimal functionality and cleanliness of facilities within the Institute’s portfolio by conducting routine inspections, coordinating maintenance and repairs, managing work orders and custodial services, and submitting capital project requests as needed
Oversees allocation and management of all workspaces and storage spaces: tracks access, use, and availability of offices used by short-term visitors, fellows, researchers, and staff; oversees contractors on improvements or changes to office spaces; and acts as the first point of contact for visitors with requests related to offices and building access
Determines the legitimacy of access and manages facility access via CBORD, keys, and short-term access cards. Observes and reports any security issues or irregularities in and around facilities in the Institute’s portfolio
Receives requests for facilities services and supervises delivery of appropriate services. Oversees telephone services, email correspondence, and mail distribution
In coordination with the Human Resources Manager, coordinates IT equipment for new hires and assists with the general onboarding as needed, as well as off-boarding of staff and visitors
Works with Social Services Computing Systems (SSCS) and Central IT Services to update machines and add new employees into the system. Maintains printers/copy machines and tracks equipment
Provides coverage during coverage gaps due to absence, leaves of absence, vacancies, etc.
Responsible for training office staff on office procedures and compliance protocols. Coordinates special projects
Assists in the monitoring of the various financial and budgetary activities, including vendors contracts. Preparing and monitoring the budget for a unit
Researches and analyzes data to create reports, and may create other reports for grants and contracts
Performs other related work as needed
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in business or related field
Knowledge of procurement, finance, and HR systems
Possess a passion for making organizations and teamwork
Self-starter with high level of attention to detail
Strong written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills
Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
Excellent organizational skills
Interest in overall employee experience and positively impact that experience
Work both independently and as a team member
Superior degree of professionalism
