Program Manager, Summer Session

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 5, 2026

Job Description:

Department College Summer Session About the Department Summer Session Job Summary The Program Manager plays a vital role in supporting both large-scale projects and smaller initiatives within the Summer Session office, with a primary focus on pre-college programs and associated residential programming. This position takes a holistic approach to program coordination and management, including marketing and promotion, residential programming coordination, and student services. Responsibilities Coordinates the planning and execution of pre-college academic credit, non-credit, and residential programs in collaboration with summer staff. Manages special non-credit undergraduate and pre-college initiatives, overseeing all aspects of project management such as communications, room reservations, event logistics, and co-curricular program development. Facilitates program development, evaluation, and assessment of community impact to ensure continuous improvement and excellence. Serves as a liaison to campus offices that deliver essential services and support for summer programs. Assists with large-scale events, including orientation and weekend field trips for pre-college students. Works with the Residential Program Director to assist in supervising residential staff, supporting operational needs, programming, and events. Offers support to student staff programming, including occasional evenings and weekends during peak program periods (June–September). Assists with the coordination of student arrival and departure days, providing support to students, staff, and other stakeholders. Manages the acquisition and distribution of program supplies for events and activities. Contributes to the development and execution of promotional strategies for summer undergraduate programs. Organizes and facilitates meetings with key partners, faculty, and instructional staff. Collects and analyzes program data to inform evaluation, reporting, and development of best practices. Coordinates academic field trips and course-related events as needed. Provides front office support during peak periods, serving as a primary point of contact for staff, students, and parents. Manages special projects and administrative assignments as required. 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: Preferred Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree. Experience: Minimum two years experience supporting programs in an academic setting, university administration, or a university environment. Background in program development and management, advising, or a related area. Certifications: Valid driver's license. Technical Skills or Knowledge: Strong and broad computer skills (word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail, and web), including a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Demonstrated ability to master database programs and learn new technologies. Learn new programs and applications as needed. Preferred Competencies Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Commitment to customer service and engage with diverse populations. Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. Capacity to manage multiple tasks efficiently while meeting deadlines. Work independently and collaboratively within a team. Discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive information. Navigate stressful situations effectively. Working Conditions Office environment. Sit at a computer for 2-4 hours. Periodic walking to other campus locations. Work evenings and weekend days during peak Summer Session programming weeks, mid-June through mid-September. Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter, which is to include your interest in this position (required) References Contact Information (3) (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 Yes Pay Rate Type Salary ? FLSA Status Exempt ? Pay Range $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 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. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Keywords: University of Chicago, Des Plaines , Program Manager, Summer Session, Administration, Clerical , Chicago, Illinois