Assistant Director

Department

AHD Staff: COSAS - Administration

About the Department

The Committee on Southern Asian Studies (COSAS) is an interdisciplinary unit that brings together faculty and students from schools and divisions across the University in pursuit of scholarship in South Asia. COSAS funds research and programming for faculty and provides funding opportunities for graduate students. COSAS also organizes a regular series of events around myriad topics relevant to the region.

Job Summary

Applicants must upload a resume and cover letter to be considered for this full-time, benefits eligible, hybrid position. On-campus presence required.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, the Assistant Director provides comprehensive administrative, operational, and financial support for the Committee on Southern Asian Studies (COSAS). This role serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external inquiries, manages communications and digital presence, supports event planning and execution, oversees student workers, and collaborates with leadership to implement programs aligned with Committee goals. Additionally, the Assistant Director manages faculty research accounts, administers student funding programs, supports annual grant and fellowship activities, and monitors expenses and financial transactions.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the first point of contact for Committee inquiries. Liaises with faculty, staff, students, and external units to build strong relationships that advance the Committee’s mission. Anticipates needs, facilitates problem-solving, and ensures clear, consistent messaging to support informed decision-making and foster effective collaboration.
• Manages COSAS web and social media presence to ensure timely, accurate, and engaging communication. Oversees content strategy, creation, and updates. Collaborates with faculty, staff, and divisional communications to highlight key initiatives, events, and accomplishments.
• Works closely with faculty, students, and others to develop and execute COSAS events, including venue selection, transportation, accommodations, audio/visual needs, and day-of-event activities.
• Hires, trains, and oversees student workers supporting Committee PR, social media content, events, and special projects.
• Manages the maintenance and proper functioning of office equipment and ensures office supply inventory levels meet operational needs.
• Partners with the Committee Chair and Sr. Associate Director to ensure smooth execution of programs and initiatives aligned with the Committee’s mission.
• Manages COSAS faculty research accounts and provides strategic administrative support for research proposals, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and Committee policies.
• Manages the planning and execution of annual grants and fellowship cycles, contributing to the development of new funding opportunities and overseeing application systems, data collection, and reporting.
• Administers student fellowships and the Graduate Student Research Fund, maintaining integrity and equity in funding decisions with timely disbursement.
• Facilitates financial oversight functions of individual and leadership General Expense Management System (GEMS) cards, monitoring expenditures and resolving discrepancies.
• Partners with the Social Sciences Division’s Local Business Center (LBC) to execute financial transactions, procurement, and reimbursements while ensuring adherence to policy and budget parameters.
• Coordinates with the LBC for new grant initiatives, proactively managing timelines, resources, and administrative requirements.
• Uses moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
• Sets and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Analyzes program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.
• Has moderate/high levels of interactions with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Office administration and operations.
• Mentorship or direct management experience.
• Social media and website content management.
• Exposure to higher education work environment supporting faculty and students.
• Financial management.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient with Word, Excel, Outlook, spreadsheets, and database software systems.
• Writing and proofreading.

Preferred Competencies

• Analyze data.
• Detail oriented.
• Understanding of university structure, systems, endowments/grants, etc.
• Write and edit content clearly, accurately, and professionally.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships.
• Organized and manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Collaborate effectively within a small team environment.
• Exercise sound judgment when handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Adapt to changing needs and priorities.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.
• Support occasional evening or weekend events.
• Occasional set up/clean up for events including moving, pushing, pulling, lifting items up to 25 lbs.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Letter of Interest in this position (required)

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

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $65,000.00

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.

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