Director, Shared Services Center

Job Summary

The Director, Shared Services Center provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a centralized shared services function supporting academic and research centers across Chicago Booth. The Director will be responsible for developing and implementing a shared service delivery model to improve operational effectiveness, consistency, and responsiveness while allowing Center leadership and staff to focus on their programmatic and mission-driven objectives. The Director is also responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team responsible for providing administrative, financial, event, marketing, data, and operational support services. Working collaboratively with Center and faculty leaders, and administrative partners, this role will establish service standards, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and foster a culture of customer service excellence and strategic partnership.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes the strategic vision, operating model, and implementation roadmap for the shared services function.
• Leads the delivery of centralized administrative services, including operational support, financial administration, procurement, contracting, reporting, and compliance-related activities.
• Establishes service standards, policies, procedures, and performance metrics that promote efficiency, consistency, and high-quality service delivery.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with Center and faculty leaders as well as administrative stakeholders to identify needs and align services with organizational priorities.
• Oversees staffing, workload distribution, professional development, and performance management for the shared services team.
• Directs continuous improvement efforts through process assessment, workflow redesign, resource optimization, and service enhancements.
• Leads shared event support operations and provides oversight of administrative logistics for Center-sponsored programs and initiatives.
• Oversees shared marketing, communications, and data administration functions, ensuring services meet the evolving needs of supported centers.
• Analyzes operational data, service utilization trends, stakeholder feedback, and performance metrics to inform strategic decision-making and resource planning.
• Partners with University administrative offices to ensure compliance with institutional policies, financial controls, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
• Manages related teams. Establishes department priorities, may be responsible for the management of the center budget, allocates resources and executes strategic plans.
• Oversees a communication strategy and marketing efforts aimed at increasing the visibility of the Center.
• Collaborates with others to make the center a valuable resource to all students and contributes to the broad goals of creating a stronger campus community.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree. Master's degree.
• Leadership experience in operations, administration, shared services, project management, organizational effectiveness, or related areas.
• Leading professional staff, teams, or organizational functions.
• Background within higher education, academic medical centers, research institutions, or mission-driven organizations.
• Developing and improving operational processes and service delivery models.
• Project management certification and/or Lean Six Sigma training.

Preferred Competencies

• Proven ability to influence stakeholders, build consensus, and lead organizational change.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including budget and resource management.
• Familiar with leading organizational changes, operational excellence, or service transformation initiatives.
• Strong ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Understanding of shared services or centralized administrative models.

Working Conditions

This position is currently expected to work a minimum four days per week in the office.