Director, Arts and Creative Enterprise Initiative

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Department Booth Deputy Dean Veronesi About the Department The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and second to none when it comes to influencing business education and business practices. Since 1898, the school has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Their rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges. Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world. Each of the four campuses (two in Chicago, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) reflects the architectural traditions of its environs while offering a state-of-the-art learning environment. Chicago Booth is proud to claim: -an unmatched faculty. -degree and open enrollment programs offered on three continents. -a global body of nearly 56,000 accomplished alumni. -strong and growing corporate relationships that provide a wealth of lifelong career opportunities. As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the University's core values that shape the distinctive intellectual culture. At Booth, they constantly question and test ideas, and seek proof. This extraordinarily effective approach to business leads to new ideas and innovative solutions. Seven of the Booth faculty members have won Nobel Prizes for these ideas - the first business school to achieve this accomplishment. For more information about the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, please visit: http://www.chicagobooth.edu/. Job Summary The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business is seeking the inaugural Director for the newly established Arts and Creative Enterprise Initiative. This position will be critical to the successful launch and development of the new endeavor by partnering with key stakeholders to articulate a strategic vision for building and sustaining student, academic, and philanthropic engagement. The position oversees administration and operations and is tasked with growing the initiative strategically. The ideal candidate will be able to work seamlessly with a variety of audiences including faculty, students, administrative colleagues, business leaders, and artists. Additionally, this position will require project management and evaluation skills, strategic and systems thinking, and day-to-day operational oversight for a variety of programs, events, and collaborations. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored employment authorization. Responsibilities Develops and implements a comprehensive strategic plan that reflects faculty vision, engages stakeholders, and aligns the Initiative’s objectives with Chicago Booth priorities for long-term impact. Leads integrated marketing and communications strategy in partnership with Booth Marketing, to ensure consistent messaging, strong branding, and enhanced visibility among key audiences. Oversees all operational and financial management of the ACE Initiative, including budgeting, forecasting, stewardship tracking, contracts, procurement, reimbursements, and program execution. Hires, trains and oversees staff. Designs and manages systems and processes that support effective execution, including performance metrics, budget tracking, and evaluation of programs and events against strategic goals. Partners cross-functionally with Booth administrative units (accounting, facilities, IT, HR, marketing, and contracts) to ensure efficient and well-coordinated support of the Initiative’s work. Champions the Initiative’s vision in partnership with Advancement, leading senior-level stewardship efforts, articulating funding priorities, and engaging donors and institutional partners. Leads special projects and cross-Booth initiatives, including pilot programs, one-time initiatives, and collaborative programming aligned with strategic priorities. Oversees the planning and execution of artist and academic talks, lectures, and educational programs, including on-site leadership and logistical oversight as needed. This role includes infrequent evening and weekend commitments. Builds and manages a year-long internship program supporting the digitization and documentation of Booth’s contemporary art collection, creating structured experiential learning opportunities for UChicago students. Cultivates and sustains relationships across Booth and the University of Chicago, engaging faculty, students, artists, educators, and external partners to ensure programming remains relevant, collaborative, and forward-looking. Manages the daily operations of an organizational unit or assists with managing the daily operations of a larger organizational unit, primarily in the areas of financial, purchasing, grant, facilities, human resources and support services management. Ensures compliance of staff with organizational, University and other relevant policies and guidelines. Manages all financial activities, including financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, accounting, accounts receivable/payable, and procurement. Oversees facilities management, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations. Manages development of all contracts, including those with vendors and other institutions. 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 7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: Preferred Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree. Experience: A minimum ten years of relevant experience in higher education, museums, galleries, or other academic settings. Management experience. Managing programs and events in a higher ed setting. Developing and planning special projects, strategy, growth initiatives, etc. Astute at working with diverse audiences, moving groups to consensus, and driving forward projects. Developing and facilitating educational events, programs, or resources, especially for post-graduate student audiences. Preferred Competencies Demonstrated experience leading a team and driving result through the work of others. Demonstrated skills and experience to oversee budgets. Excellent and professional verbal, written, and presentation skills, as well as organizational skills and attention to detail. Anticipate needs and refine processes. Possess strong organizational strategies and a proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities at once. Proven ability to work effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, as well as with students, faculty, and corporate contacts. Familiarity and knowledge of the University of Chicago and Chicago Booth, its systems, and its constituents. Working Conditions Flexibility to occasionally work late, start early, or work weekends for events. This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office. Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter (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 People Manager Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ? FLSA Status Exempt ? Pay Range $110,000.00 - $135,000.00 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, Chicago , Director, Arts and Creative Enterprise Initiative, Administration, Clerical , Chicago, Illinois