Program Manager, Professional Development Programs

About the Department

UCPE Professional Development Programs offers innovative, career‑driven learning experiences that bring the University’s research, the latest standards, and a broad professional network to individual and corporate audiences.
Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Professional Development Programs and Registration, the Program Manager oversees the day‑to‑day operation of non‑credit professional development certificates and standalone offerings, including course scheduling, instructor contracting, student records, communications, academic advising, and Canvas support.
Responsibilities

Oversee the full student lifecycle from admission and onboarding through program completion, ensuring consistent academic and administrative support.
Maintain accurate student records in registration and information systems in compliance with institutional policies.
Provide academic advising and program guidance on requirements, course sequencing, and policies.
Monitor student engagement and progress toward certificate completion and intervene as needed to support success.
Manage course enrollment and student participation, and coordinate key program communications, including schedules, deadlines, and announcements.
Evaluate student academic records, process final grades, and authorize the awarding of certificates upon completion.
Develop and manage structured onboarding processes and communications for newly admitted students.
Provide orientation materials and guidance on program expectations, platforms, and available resources.
Establish and refine processes that support student retention, monitor early participation, and address barriers to success.
Collaborate with leadership and enrollment teams to support recruitment and strengthen program visibility.
Organize and moderate virtual information sessions and recruitment events.
Advise prospective students on program options and requirements, and contribute to outreach materials.
Establish and maintain quarterly course schedules for certificate programs and standalone offerings in institutional systems.
Communicate instructional assignments and schedules to faculty and instructors and maintain related records.
Manage the lifecycle of Canvas course sites, including setup, enrollment, and quality review.
Coordinate instructional communications related to course preparation, management, and support.
Coordinate logistics and communications for program events, webinars, and information sessions.
Support planning and implementation of professional development programming and student engagement activities.
Assist with program operational activities, including scheduling coordination and communications.
Conduct periodic quality assurance reviews of program processes and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and the student experience.
Use moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer service delivery to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
Set and communicate program priorities and performance standards, and assess operations using these criteria.
Plan and conduct quality assurance reviews, and recommend changes as appropriate.
Perform other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications: Not required.
Preferred Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, communication, international education, or a related field.
Experience: 2–4 years of experience in student affairs, academic program administration, communications, or event coordination, preferably in higher education or a globally focused organization.
Background working with professional or adult learners and familiarity with the needs of non‑traditional students.
Planning and delivering virtual events across time zones is highly desirable.
Proven ability to manage complex workflows, competing priorities, and high‑volume processes in a deadline‑driven environment.
Working with faculty and instructors to support instructional needs, address questions and concerns, and ensure timely resolution.
Technical Skills or Knowledge

Proficient in student information systems, registration platforms, CRM tools, or learning management systems.
Familiarity with platforms such as Canvas, Mailchimp, LinkedIn, Slate, Zoom, and ClickUp or similar systems.
Preferred Competencies

Strong interpersonal and cross‑cultural communication skills.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with attention to detail and timelines.
Demonstrated creativity and initiative in developing content and engaging communities, particularly on LinkedIn.
Demonstrated commitment to student service, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and a high‑quality learner experience.
Benefits

Eligible: Yes. The University of Chicago offers a broad range of benefit programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. For details, see the Benefits Guidebook.
Equal Opportunity Employment 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 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.

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