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Student Programs Manager

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $60,000–$80,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role runs student programming and events for the Pritzker School of Medicine. Tell me about the largest student event you've managed end to end.

What they are checking: Whether they have managed large events from start to finish, rather than only helping with pieces someone else owned.

You'd be the liaison between the school, faculty, students and students' families. Who is hardest to keep happy, and why?

What they are checking: Whether they can honestly describe tensions among students, faculty and families, and explain how they manage competing expectations.

This role handles sensitive and confidential student information. Tell me about a time you were trusted with something you couldn't share.

What they are checking: Whether they can keep private student information confidential, since this role regularly handles sensitive personal and academic details.

What would you do

The posting names support for the Wellness Initiative and the student-run free clinics. What would you want to know about those before your first week?

What they are checking: Curiosity about the specific programs rather than generic event skill

An event you've planned for months loses its venue three days out. Walk me through your next hour.

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and act quickly to find solutions, since last-minute problems are common in event management.

About the work

The job includes managing student reimbursements, ordering and vendor payments through University systems. What financial processes have you run?

What they are checking: Whether they have actually handled reimbursements and payments, since accurate financial processing is a large part of this job.

You'd maintain the Pritzker website, calendars and student mailing lists. What content management systems have you worked in?

What they are checking: Whether they have used content management systems, since maintaining the school's website and calendars is a preferred qualification.

The posting asks you to develop ways of evaluating whether programs are working. How would you tell a good program from a well-attended one?

What they are checking: Whether they can measure a program's real impact on students, not just attendance, which helps the school decide what to keep.

How proficient are you in Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook? Give me an example of something you've built in Excel.

What they are checking: Whether their Excel and Office skills are real and practical, since the role depends on these tools for daily work.

The posting prefers two or more years of program management experience and a master's in higher education administration. Where are you against that?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how their experience and education compare with the preferred qualifications, and can address any gaps honestly.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department BSD PSM - Curriculum About the Department The Pritzker School of Medicine is one of few medical schools to be located physically on its University campus, offering both intellectual and social advantages to students who spend their medical school years within a vibrant, multidisciplinary intellectual community. Most importantly the opportunity for collaborative research and study is outstanding: all divisions of the University and its professional schools are located within steps of the hospital, as are the extensive biological and physical sciences research laboratories, thus providing a rich array of opportunities for our medical students. Job Summary The Student Programs Manager will have responsibility for providing a high level of program management, administrative support and logistical support in the Student Affairs and Programs unit of the Pritzker School of Medicine. This student-facing position requires exceptional interpersonal and operational skills in planning and executing initiatives, programs, and activities that advance the excellence of the medical education experience at the University of Chicago. Responsibilities • Responsible for the coordination of many student events, which requires functioning as the liaison between PSOM and the faculty, students, staff, and students’ families. High profile events include, but are not limited to Orientation, White Coat Ceremony, Honor Society Inductions, Graduation Events and other student activities. • Provides support for (a) Pritzker’s Wellness Initiative, including serving as a liaison with University Student Wellness, (b) Pritzker’s student -run Free Clinics and community outreach activities, as well as (c) various other initiatives. • Provides administrative support to the faculty Dean of Students, Associate Dean of Students and Professional Development, and the Executive Director of Student Affairs. Works with Student Programs team to monitor, oversee and coordinate all Student Affairs & Programs timelines, planning, and event delivery. • Maintains and updates Pritzker Website, Calendars, Student Listservs, and other online resources which provide information for students and Pritzker community. • Manages student reimbursements, ordering, vendor payments and other financial activities following University, BSD, and Pritzker guidance, using University systems such as Oracle, GEMS, and the suite of options through the Knowledge & Support Center. • Maintains organizational records and archives relevant information and program materials. Receives a moderate level of guidance and direction. • Markets student activities programming throughout the year. • Coordinates with the students and staff to develop activities, programs, and initiatives related to student life, and/or community involvement. Develops and implements straightforward programming. ​ • Markets student activities programming throughout the year. Develops and implements protocols for evaluating the effectiveness of programs. ​ • 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. • Master’s in Higher Education Administration strongly preferred. Experience: • Two or more years of program management experience strongly preferred. • Experience in student services or customer service strongly preferred. • Experience in an academic or medical center environment. • Experience with website/content management strongly preferred. • Employment in increasingly responsible positions which require handling sensitive and confidential information is desirable. ​ Preferred Competencies • Working knowledge of MS Office. • Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other common software programs used in support of administration. • Must possess superior interpersonal and communication skills, both verb and written. • Must be highly self-motivated and able to work independently and as a team member. • Must have the ability to identify challenges, formulate responses, and implement effective strategies to ensure the excellence of medical education administration at the University of Chicago. • Must be able to enthusiastically support the initiatives of the school and support the faculty Dean of Students, Associate Dean of Students and Professional Development, the Executive Director of Student Affairs, and medical students, while being able to maintain a calm and courteous demeanor and to work productively in managing a heavy workload. • Must be able to prioritize work that often has competing deadlines and must have a keen eye for the highest attention to detail. • Must be able to problem-solve and follow an issue through to resolution. • Must be flexible, adaptable and have the ability to learn from experience. Must be able to maintain proper professional boundaries with students. • Demonstrated ability to think clearly and to work productively with various individuals with diverse work styles and personalities. • Must possess superior judgment, sensitivity, and tact in handling confidential issues in working with faculty, students, and administrative staff all while maintaining professional and appropriate boundaries. • Must be able to receive and reflect on feedback that is provided. • Exceptional student-centeredness. • Relationship-building and collaboration skills. • Strong program and committee management skills • Process improvement and operational excellence skills. • Ability to demonstrate initiative and ownership. • Excellent written and verbal communication. • Adaptability and willingness to pitch in. • Project management. • Technology and systems fluency. • Professional judgment and discretion. Working Conditions • Office Environment. • Weekend/Evening Hours: As needed. Application Documents • Resume (required) • Cover Letter (required) The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Student Affairs & Services Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ​ FLSA Status Exempt ​ Pay Range $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 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.

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