Department
SSD Chicago Center for Computational Social Science - C3S2 Staff and Temporary Employees
About The Department
The Chicago Center for Computational Social Science (C3S2) — informally known as "the Cube" — is a new strategic initiative within UChicago's Division of the Social Sciences. C3S2 consolidates the University's diverse CSS programs (MACSS, the CSS Ph.D. certificate, the undergraduate CSS minor, CSDS, and the CSS Workshop) into a single hub spanning 20+ departments and labs, organized around three core arms: Research, Education, and Engagement. Its dual mission is to advance social science through computation and to examine AI and computation as social phenomena in their own right. More information and Cube website.
Job Summary
The job manages a broad range of business operations and academic activities. Develops and implements office procedures and policies and ensures compliance. Prepares and monitors the budget for a unit.
The Chicago Center for Computational Social Science (C3S2) — informally known as "the Cube" — is a new strategic initiative within UChicago's Division of the Social Sciences. C3S2 consolidates the University's diverse CSS programs (MACSS, the CSS Ph.D. certificate, the undergraduate CSS minor, CSDS, and the CSS Workshop) into a single hub spanning 20+ departments and labs, organized around three core arms: Research, Education, and Engagement. Its dual mission is to advance social science through computation and to examine AI and computation as social phenomena in their own right. More information and Cube website.
The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for all operational aspects of C3S2, translating an ambitious intellectual vision into institutional reality. The ED is charged with generating and overseeing a diversified financial portfolio — external grants (donors, philanthropic foundations, NSF, NIH, DoD/DoE), industry partnerships, and indirect cost recovery — with a five-year goal of full self-sufficiency. Working closely with Faculty Co-Directors James Evans (Knowledge Lab) and Marc Berman (Environmental Neuroscience Lab), the Executive Committee, and an External Advisory Board, the ED serves as the Center's primary operational strategist, fundraiser, external liaison, and community builder across the social sciences and other divisions and units. The Executive Director will also be subject to oversight and maintain a reporting relationship with the Dean’s Office through the Chief of Staff/Associate Dean.
Responsibilities
- Leads and implements fundraising strategy with donors, philanthropic foundations, and public funders (e.g., NSF, NIH, DoD/DoE).
- Partners with faculty and MACSS co-directors on developing annual priorities and a three-year implementation roadmap.
- Develops industry and civic partnerships through sponsored research agreements, data-sharing MOUs, and fellows-in-residence programs.
- Advises Social Science Division leadership on computational needs of affiliates.
- Manages C3S2's signature events — colloquia and workshop series, a summer institute (with SISRM and SICSS), open house, and annual capstone activities related to AI.
- Manages cross-disciplinary research initiatives and co-mentored student projects.
- Supports MACSS professors in the launch of the new undergraduate CSS major, expanded MACSS tracks, doctoral CSS certificate, GIScience Minor, and possible partial or complete overseas (e.g., Hong Kong, Beijing) versions of UChicago degrees.
- Oversees financial management across all revenue streams.
- Builds a unified C3S2 identity through a coordinated web portal, online engagement with digital and AI tools, events calendar, and a new newsletter and working-paper series.
- Manages communications for C3S2 and elevates news of affiliates.
- Manages C3S2’s daily operations.
- Facilitates leadership review by the Advisory Committee.
- Coordinates the External Advisory Board.
- Uses best practices to develop and execute organization's operational and overall strategic plan. Develops and implements relevant policies and procedures and ensures compliance.
- Works with minimal guidance in space, facilities, and equipment, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Education:
Minimum Qualifications
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.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Master's or Ph.D. in a social science, computational field, or related area strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with the intellectual landscape of computational social science — including AI, large-scale data methods, and their intersection with social theory — is a significant advantage.
Experience
- Five years in research administration, center management, or academic program leadership of comparable scope and complexity, with demonstrated experience in sponsored program administration (federal and private foundation grants).
- Track record in fundraising and partnership development with industry, government agencies, or foundations.
- Three years of supervisory experience.
- Background working in or alongside interdisciplinary research environments spanning social and computational sciences.
- Facility with research administration systems and computational environments.
Preferred Competencies
- Strategic thinker who can translate bold intellectual vision into concrete plans and measurable outcomes.
- Exceptional communicator — equally fluent with faculty, foundation officers, government partners, and students.
- Strong independent judgment and comfort with ambiguity.
- Genuine curiosity about computation, social science, and the questions at their intersection.
Working Conditions
- This is an in-person position (not remote). Standard office environment at the East Wing of 1155 East 60th Street, co-located with Knowledge Lab, the Center for Spatial Data Science, and MACSS. Some domestic travel might be required for conferences and meetings with funders and partners.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover letter (required)
- References (required)
When applying, the document(s)
MUST be uploaded via the
My Experience page, in the section titled
Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Administration & Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$85,251.00 - $110,325.00
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.
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