We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results
New

Program Administrator, Ryan Institute

Northwestern University
life insurance
United States, Illinois, Evanston
633 Clark Street (Show on map)
Aug 20, 2026
Apply for Job
Job ID
54315
Location
Evanston, Illinois
Add to Favorite Jobs
Email this Job

Department: Kellogg Ryan Institute
Salary/Grade: EXS/7

Job Summary:

The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University has committed to developing the world's leading institute on complexity science with a focus on business research through the newly created Ryan Institute on Complexity (RIC). The RIC will comprise a revolutionary research lab designed to change the way business, markets and societal issues are studied, combining multidisciplinary talents and quantitative sciences in new ways to tackle bigger problems faster. The RIC will place Kellogg and Northwestern at the forefront of solving increasingly complex societal, business, and market challenges by harnessing the power of big data and artificial intelligence.

Reporting to the Senior Director, RIC, the Program Administrator is a critical role for the administrative structure of the institute, responsible for overseeing day-to-day outreach and operations, including but not limited to event planning, event promotion, budgeting, reporting, on and off-boarding new scholars, and overseeing work-study students. Due to the nature of this newly created institute, this Program Administrator will have the opportunity to help shape the mission and future of the work and will require creativity, problem-solving skills, an eye toward details, and a passion for science and innovation.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration, Budgets, & Financials

  • Manages budget and expenditures associated with the Ryan Institute on Complexity, including:
  • Developing annual budget in consultation with Senior Director
  • Entering individual transactions and ensuring compliance with budget; verifying invoices and expense reports for accuracy
  • Conducting vendor research as needed.
  • Develops, maintains and reports on quantitative and qualitative performance measures for various institute initiatives. Recommends improvements to better ensure attainment of mission.
  • Oversees documentation of agreements between NU and partner organizations, ensuring that agreements are completed, appropriately reviewed, approved, and adhered to by all parties.
  • Assists with compiling the necessary reports for any grants.

Communication & Outreach

  • In partnership with the Senior Director creates and implements the Institute's brand identity.
  • Oversees marketing for all events, working with the Kellogg's Integrated Marketing team (IMC) on thoughtful, targeted promotional strategies.
  • Ensures that all advertising and marketing materials accurately represent the Institute.
  • Creates simple multimedia content for the Ryan Institute
  • Manages inbox and social media accounts for the Ryan Institute.
  • Builds emails and makes website updates for the Ryan Institute.
  • Develops strategic relationships with other partners at Kellogg, Northwestern, and beyond to build connections for amplification of work.

Events

  • Manages programming including confirming speakers and agendas.
  • Plans and arranges meetings, workshops, events, etc. designed to exchange information, promote research objectives, and to build internal and external relationships.
  • Manages event details including contracts, communications, venues, presenters, travel arrangements, materials, refreshments and technology.

Program Development

  • Works with the Senior Director to develop the overall strategy for program/project growth and expansion.
  • Manages the on-going development and refinement of the program's current and future operations.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 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 of experience in program/project administration, communications/marketing, or other relevant fields.

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, and visitors

  • Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously

  • Strong initiative and the ability to work with minimal supervision as well as be a strong cross-functional team member

  • Strong problem-solving skills

  • Able to and has a strong interest in building a program from the ground up.

  • Working knowledge of MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

  • Comfort working within and learning new platforms such as content management systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with planning and managing both virtual and in-person events.

  • Experience working in a start-up-like environment.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

  • Understanding of or interest in AI or scientific research
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and/or video and audio editing software.

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 and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, 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

Applied = 0

(web-77cf7d65c7-928v9)