This job was posted by : For more information, please see: DepartmentPSD Astronomy & Astrophysics: Administration and StaffAbout the DepartmentThe Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics is a community guided by a sense of our history. In the University of Chicago tradition, we are driven by the pursuit of big questions: from the origin of planetary systems and the existence of life beyond Earth to understanding the physics of collisions of black holes and neutron stars. We shape new fields of inquiry by bringing together laboratory astrophysics, state-of-the-art computing, and multi-messenger observations to study the most extreme and mysterious environments in the Universe. These bold investigations prepare students in our academic programs, and early career scientists on postdoctoral fellowships, to make the breakthrough discoveries and technical innovations of their generation.Job SummaryThe Academic Affairs Administrator provides high-level administrative support to the Chair of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics in the execution of the undergraduate and graduate programs. In consultation with the Deputy Chair for Academic Affairs, the Academic Affairs Administrator is responsible for the implementation of the undergraduate Major and Minor and oversight of student affairs matters in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. This role is responsible for supervising the Student Affairs Administrator and also provides clerical support as the Executive Assistant to University Professor Wendy Freedman.ResponsibilitiesReports to the Chair of Astronomy and Astrophysics and works closely with the Deputy Chair for Academic Affairs and faculty on the implementation of the academic programs.Collaborates with the Chair and Deputy Chair to define and achieve goals and strategic plans and assumes accountability for objectives assigned.Gathers, analyzes, and reports on data concerning program performance, enrollment trends, and student outcomes.Engages students and faculty on curricular matters and program development; prepares reports and contributes to program design.Assists faculty with developing and evaluating program curriculum, goals, and policies.Reviews course evaluations and recommends interventions and solutions for improvement.Communicates and collaborates with various campus units on matters of academic and student affairs.In consultation with the Deputy Chair for Academic Affairs, makes teaching assignments and course schedules.Prepares annual course catalogs for the undergraduate and graduate programs.Responsible for placement of undergraduate course assistants and allocation of graduate teaching assistants.Initiates funding proposals for academic programs; supports departmental development efforts.Serves on departmental committees.Supports departmental outreach to the public.Provides administration of the Major and Minor programs in Astronomy and Astrophysics.Represents the department to the College as co-director of Undergraduate Programs, with the Deputy Chair for Academic Affairs.Serves as primary adviser to undergraduates in the Major and Minor programs (approximately 80 students across programs).Collaborates closely with the Physical Sciences Collegiate Master and the College Dean of Students Office regarding the effectiveness of the undergraduate programs.Plans, organizes and implements programming for undergraduates in support of their academic and career development, including open houses, town halls, and information sessions.Facilitates research placements, paid internships, and research for academic credit.Manages logistics for the Field Course in Astronomy and Astrophysics.Foster\'s relationships with the undergraduate Majors and Minors and alum i of the program through regular communications.Liaises with RSOs (RAS, SPS, SEDS, CUWiP).Directly supervises the student affairs administrator to ensure that graduate students in the department receive appropriate pay and support to complete their degree at the University of Chicago.Works with the student affairs administrator to ensure that each PhD student\'s support is updated every quarter to align with the faculty member\'s funding, troubleshooting funding issues with the LBC when needed.Troubleshoots complex matters related to student affairs including student wellness, academic performance, disputes, visa questions, and other concerns identifying when to escalate the issue to leadership within the department, division, or University.Works collaboratively with the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and other faculty leadership to ensure that the departmental administration provides appropriate support for the department\'s graduate program.Provides a range of clerical and administrative support activities for Professor Wendy Freedman.Manag