Executive Director

About the Center

The Chicago Center for Computational Social Science (C3S2) — informally known as “the Cube” — is a strategic initiative within UChicago's Division of the Social Sciences. It consolidates the university’s diverse CSS programs into a single hub across 20+ departments and labs, organized around research, education, and engagement. Its mission is to advance social science through computation and to examine AI and computation as social phenomena.

Job Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for all operational aspects of C3S2, translating an ambitious intellectual vision into institutional reality. The ED oversees a diversified financial portfolio—external grants, industry partnerships, and indirect cost recovery—with a five‑year goal of full self‑sufficiency. The role works closely with faculty co‑directors, the executive committee, and an external advisory board, serving as the center’s primary operational strategist, fundraiser, external liaison, and community builder across the social sciences and other divisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement fundraising strategy with donors, philanthropic foundations, and public funders (e.g., NSF, NIH, DoD/DoE).
• Partner with faculty and MACSS co‑directors on developing annual priorities and a three‑year implementation roadmap.
• Develop industry and civic partnerships through sponsored research agreements, data‑sharing MOUs, and fellows‑in‑residence programs.
• Advise Social Science Division leadership on computational needs of affiliates.
• Manage C3S2’s signature events — colloquia and workshop series, a summer institute (with SISRM and SICSS), open house, and annual capstone activities related to AI.
• Manage cross‑disciplinary research initiatives and co‑mentored student projects.
• Support MACSS professors in launching the new undergraduate CSS major, expanded MACSS tracks, doctoral CSS certificate, GIScience minor, and possible overseas versions of UChicago degrees.
• Oversee financial management across all revenue streams.
• Build 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.
• Manage communications for C3S2 and elevate news of affiliates.
• Manage C3S2’s daily operations.
• Facilitate leadership review by the Advisory Committee.
• Coordinate the External Advisory Board.
• Use best practices to develop and execute the organization’s operational and overall strategic plan, developing and implementing relevant policies and procedures and ensuring compliance.
• Work with minimal guidance in space, facilities, and equipment, including renovations, moves, maintenance, and ongoing facilities operations.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Education & Minimum Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.

Experience & Background

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5‑7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits and Compensation

• Salary: $85,251.00 – $110,325.00 (US).
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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