Department

PME Stage Lab

 

About the Department 

STAGE (Scientists, Technologists and Artists Generating Exploration) is a full-scale laboratory embedded within the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME). Devoted to collaborations among scientists and artists, STAGE is at the helm of one of the PME’s four research themes, that of Arts, Sciences and Technology. The STAGE Lab's distinct research focuses on creating and developing new theatre and film work, and related artistic endeavors, inspired by science and technology. Using the power of storytelling to convey the human element of science and all of its inherent emotions, STAGE fosters the public’s appreciation and understanding of science.

Job Summary 

The Project Manager reports to the Executive Director of STAGE and will have the responsibility of providing a high level of project management, operations management, and administrative support for the STAGE Lab. The Project Manager works in close collaboration with STAGE leadership and the STAGE team to ensure projects run smoothly and stay on schedule, on budget, and within scope. They will work closely with the leadership team to create optimal conditions for STAGE to thrive and deliver great work.

 

Responsibilities

• Provides a high level of administrative support and project management.
• Manages the unique day-to-day organizational and operational needs of the STAGE Lab, its team and students, and its varying projects and initiatives.
• Understands and aligns with what STAGE is trying to achieve and help STAGE realize that on a practical level.
• Manages and creates complex schedules and timelines for individual projects as well as possibly for yearly planning. Ensure deliverables meet deadlines and are within budget.
• Facilitates weekly check-ins with internal STAGE teams (to update, share needs, etc.) and ensures the successful delivery of program and project milestones.
• Communicates regularly with the core STAGE team and keep them informed and updated.
• Manages onboarding and off-boarding for STAGE students and collaborators.
• Supports execution of work sessions and brainstorming sessions. Documents work sessions and brainstorming sessions with a written log and photos.
• Works with the core team to distill high-level scopes into task-level plans to activate those projects and endeavors. Works with the core team to synthesize and capture stories of the work to be used for learning and marketing purposes.
• Assists the Director in creating visual aesthetics necessary for projects and marketing, e.g., posters, promotional materials, etc.
• Provides content for STAGE’s website and pages on the PME website; coordinate media presence for STAGE.
• Handles communications via social media, email, etc.; maintain email distribution lists.
• Assists with student recruitment, including writing, posting, and disseminating ads for student positions; conduct initial student interviews.
• Works somewhat independently to develop detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports. Assembles and leads a project team, assigns individual responsibilities, identifies appropriate resources needed, and develops schedules to ensure timely completion of projects.
• Is responsible for tracking progress, conducting analysis, as well as preparing for and facilitating project meetings.
• 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.

 

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

• Demonstrated management experience.
• Demonstrated record of working collaboratively and communicating effectively with a variety of constituencies.
• Demonstrated experience line producing and supporting theatre and film (video) projects and related artistic endeavors, such as game design, multimedia projects, and the like.
• Familiarity with higher education.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with basic video/illustration and Adobe Suite is a plus.
• Ability to line produce and support theatre and film (video) projects and related artistic endeavors, such as game design, multimedia projects, and the like.

Preferred Competencies

• Alignment with STAGE’s philosiphy and working methods, and dedication to a respectful and positive atmosphere.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, along with high attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• High degree of flexibility.
• Strong research and management skills.
• Initiative, persistence and creative problem-solving.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team.
• Ability to remain attentive to details, organized, productive, and accurate while handling multiple concurrent tasks, and during high demand periods.
• Ability to respond promptly, directly, and effectively to internal and external inquiries and requests for service while managing competing demands.
• Ability to handle sophisticated written communications, including portions of contracts (with the help of UChicago’s legal department), grants, and grant reports.
• Ability to accept constructive feedback.
• Motivation as a self-starter and learner.
• Ability to create and deliver concise informational presentations.

 

Working Conditions

• The position may involve an irregular work schedule and long hours, evening and weekend work, and flexibility of work hours and availability.

 

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• List of Three Professional References (required)
• Writing sample (preferred)

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

 

Posting Statement 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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.