Location
Evanston, Illinois
Department: Kellogg Ctr for Sci & Innov
Salary/Grade: EXS/7 Job Summary: The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University is home to the Center for Science of Science and Innovation (CSSI) and the Northwestern Innovation (NI) Institute, two major hubs advancing the fields of innovation research, science and technology policy, and the science of science. Together these institutes support transformative research, global partnerships, and large-scale initiatives, with funding from major federal and philanthropic investments, including a $20M NSF APTO grant and a $25M NI Institute gift. Reporting to the Director of Operations, theProgram Administratoris responsibleforinteracting with faculty, campus partners, funders, and national and international collaborators and is the subject matter resource on all administrative and operational matters related to CSSI and the NI Institute. Given the rapid expansion of CSSI and the NI Institute, this role provides the opportunity for the new Program Administrator to help shape the operational backbone of two high-profile research hubs. The Program Administrator role requires strong judgment, diplomacy, creativity, detail orientation and problem-solving capability, along with a passion for supporting cutting-edge work in innovation research and the science of science. Specific Responsibilities: Administration
- Leads development of program strategic plan for CSSI and the NI Institute translating goals into executable operational plans.
- Oversees & ensures that day-to-day operations are appropriately managed, efficient and effective.
- Oversees onboarding and offboarding processes for researchers, staff, and student RAs, ensuring compliance and consistent practices.
- Manages hiring processes for student RAs and work study students.
- Operationalizes goals & objectives; ensures that resources are created or obtained.
- Manages customer service; creates associated practices & procedures & metrics to measure success.
- Analyzes data & recommends & implements changes & improvement to better ensure attainment of mission.
- Manages logistics requirements, including facilities, venue, scheduling, technology, instruction, catering, etc.
- Oversees documentation of agreements between NU and partner institutions, ensuring that agreements are complete and reviewed by all necessary NU officials.
- Participates in developing IT strategy to meet the mission & needs of program/project.
- Ensures necessary hardware, software & network infrastructure technology services are appropriated from central or internal IT.
Budgets & Financial
- Ensures that the program/project meets associated revenue & expense goals.
- Develops and implements ideas for improving business processes, and increasing program/project revenues and margins.
- Plans & manages complex budget(s) which fund strategic mission including financial sustainability & enhancement models.
- Plans & implements annual budget process.
- Oversees all daily, monthly & annual financial activities including transactions, analysis, & reporting.
- Approves funds reallocation within budget as necessary & appropriate.
Outreach & Events
- Identifies and implements short- and long-term strategies and plans to meet program goals.
- Engages in outreach/field relations serving a number of goals, including recruitment, participation, sponsorship, relationship building, etc. to support continued program development & improvement.
- Supports relationship-building efforts with partners, alumni, and external collaborators to strengthen networks and visibility.
- Supports global-facing initiatives, including national and international symposia, prizes, visiting programs, and partner engagement.
- Interacts with internal/external resources & organizations to identify new markets & opportunities.
Engages internal and external stakeholders-including faculty, funders, collaborators, and university partners-to support institute objectives. Events
- Oversees comprehensive program of events such as lectures, symposia, speaker series, workshops, conferences, cultural events etc. in collaboration with internal & external resources.
- Oversees planning and execution of high-profile, multi-day events such as symposia, workshops, speaker series, committee meetings, and convenings.
- Manages logistics for domestic and international visitors, including travel, scheduling, compliance checks, and high-touch hosting.
- Ensures events reflect institutional excellence and manage reputational risk through careful planning, diplomacy, and attention to detail.
Grants & Contracts
Program Development and Strategic Planning
- Creates & leads a coordinated program of activities designed to increase program/project objectives for CSSI and the NI Institute
- Manages goals, objectives, outcome measurements and metrics, financial feasibility, marketing strategies and collaboration opportunities with other internal and external organizations.
- Manages the ongoing development and refinement of the program's/project's current and future curriculum and course offerings in consultation with subject matter experts.
- Manages the recruits, hires, and directs instructors/faculty.
- Provides leadership for planning, scheduling, delivering and maintaining program(s)/project(s) to sustain quality instruction in all educational activities.
- Manages to a consistently high-quality standard across all partner programs/projects, including admissions, teaching, grading, service levels, and facilities.
Regulatory Compliance
- Oversees implementation of processes & procedures for compliance programs, such as export control, data access, and security in coordination with central offices.
- Ensures Institute operations comply with all applicable federal, state, local & NU laws, regulations, policies & procedures.
- Supports training and documentation related to compliance and operational risk mitigation.
Supervision
Miscellaneous Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience. 4 years program and/or project administration or other relevant experience. Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
Exceptional communication skills with attention to detail and flexibility. Ability to professionally interact with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, students, researchers, staff, and university leadership. Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously. Strong initiative and the ability to work with minimal supervision as well as being a strong cross-functional team member. Strong problem-solving skills. Demonstrated interest and ability in building and scaling new programs within a growing research environment. Ability to handle high-profile events with professionalism and sound judgment. Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
Experience planning and managing in-person events, including multi-day convenings. Experience working in research, academic, or scientific environment. Experience with project management or workflow optimization tools. Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
Interest in innovation research, the science of science, and data-driven research. Ability to work effectively in a growing, interdisciplinary research environment. Ability to navigate complex, high-stakes situations with professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy, representing the institute effectively to senior leaders and external stakeholders Target hiring range for this position will be $70,000 - $80,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more. Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more. Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process. #LI-AS1
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Northwestern University
Dec 20, 2025