Director - Ci3 Game Changer Chicago Design Lab
Chicago, IL

Job Description

Please make sure to read the job posting in its entirety as it reflects both the University roles and responsibilities, followed by the specific description.

Department20123 Obstetrics & Gynecology

About the UnitCi3 is a research center at the University of Chicago addressing the social and structural determinants of adolescent sexual and reproductive health. We envision a world in which all youth emerge into adulthood with agency over their bodies and futures. Ci3 is committed to empowering young people, conducting innovative research, and uncovering opportunities for policy and systemic change through our labs including the Game Changer Chicago Design Lab, the Transmedia Story Lab, and the Design Thinking Lab. Within these labs, we create games, digital narratives, and design interventions with and for youth. Game Changer Chicago (GCC) Design Lab is a highly innovative research initiative in which the University of Chicago creates opportunities for youth to collaborate with staff, students, and faculty on digital stories, transmedia games, and new media art projects related to the role of sexual and reproductive health in the lives of urban youth.

Job FamilyInformation Technology

Responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of new and existing applications, systems architecture, and network infrastructure. Ensures operation and security of all servers and networks. Configures, installs, maintains and upgrades applications and hardware for the organization's infrastructure and for end-user devices.

Career Track and Job LevelProgramming

Performs and oversees a variety of activities relating to software support and/or development. Oversees technical development projects and the implementation of applications and/or websites. Provides analysis, design, development, debugging, and modification of computer code for applications, beta general releases, and production support. Develops and builds web pages, applications and user interfaces using a variety of software applications, techniques, and tools. New development, break fixes, maintenance, operational support of code and application ecosystem currently in production. Includes overall application administration and integration management.

P2: Requires knowledge and experience in own discipline; still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills. Builds knowledge of the organization, processes and customers. Solves a range of straightforward problems. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Receives a moderate level of guidance and direction.

Role ImpactIndividual Contributor

ResponsibilitiesThe job performs a variety of activities relating to software support and/or development. Provides analysis, design, development, debugging, and modification of computer code for end user applications, beta general releases, web pages, and production support. Troubleshoots problems using existing procedures to find a possible solution.

1) Investigates, analyzes and resolves day-to-day technical problems using standard procedures., 2) Works with stakeholders to gather and analyze requirements for developmental programs. Receives a moderate level of guidance to design applications to meet University and business requirements., 3) Performs code testing on components and works to ensure that appropriate implementation standards are met. Evaluates design alternatives for development cost and solutions using various methods., 4) Supports and maintains existing applications. Works with web developers and responds to requests from users., 5) Performs other related work as needed.

Unit-specific Responsibilities

1) Administrative: Assume day-to-day administrative responsibility of the GCC Lab, Ensure game design projects are completed in a timely fashion, Communicate with Ci3 leadership regarding staffing and equipment needs, Create systems and processes to for seamless running of Lab (e.g., proposal development, timely execution of project deliverables, project reports, game postmortems, and communications).

2) Management and Leadership: Serve as member of Ci3 leadership team, Provide direct management of GCC lab staff, graduate and undergraduate lab fellows, Ensure lab staff meet deadlines, understand job responsibilities, and address design issues, Collaborate with Ci3 leadership to establish strategic direction of the Lab, including dissemination of games and new media products, Gain input and ideas from lab staff in setting strategic direction, Build dynamic and engaged team of staff, fellows, youth, faculty, Foster continuous learning among lab members and those who work with the Lab.

3) Liaison: Collaborate with research team ensuring that research goals are integrated into GCC Lab projects, Collaborate with external and internal colleagues (e.g., youth serving organizations, university staff and faculty, students, potential collaborators), Collaborate with other staff to ensure Lab's goals and objectives mesh seamlessly with larger Ci3 objectives

4) Game designer: Serve as lead for game design projects, Provide insight and direction for software infrastructure on digital projects, Serve as collaborator on existing game design projects

Unit-preferred Competencies

1) Knowledge in game design and web design required. Knowledge of interaction design research techniques or methods.

2) Knowledge of computer science including programming languages, software infrastructures, and architecture patterns.

3) Ability to train others.

4 Ability to learn and process information quickly.

5) Willingness to explore and learn other technologies.

6) Analytical skills.

7) Problem-solving skills.

8) Attention to detail.

9) Organizational skills required, including step-by-step planning and implementation of projects from conceptualization of games to curriculum development to post-production.

10) Verbal and written communication skills.

11) Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

12) Ability to successfully communicate across disciplines ranging from entertainment media, to humanities, to medicine and education.

13) Ability to maintain up-to-date knowledge of projects in similar fields or relevant intersections.

14) Strong visual skills: video/photography, graphic design and aesthetic awareness

15) Confidence and comfort working with a diverse range of stakeholders including researchers, academics, media professionals, digital designers, students, families, educators, and external stakeholders

16) Familiarity with digital storytelling and oral histories

17) Ability to creatively develop program curriculum for youth

18) Knowledge of sexual and reproductive health

19) Knowledge of augmented reality

20) Knowledge of computer science including specific languages

21) Knowledge of graphic design and creative writing

Education, Experience, and CertificationsMinimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

1) Bachelor's degree in a field relevant to the Center's research

Experience

1) Experience with research and/or education evaluation

2) Experience with, commitment to, or strong interest in storytelling, integration of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) and a range of artistic disciplines, social justice, youth empowerment, and sexual and reproductive health

Required Documents

1) Resume

2) Cover Letter

3) References Upon Request

NOTE: When applying, all required documents MUST be uploaded to the Resume/CV section of the application.

FLSA StatusExempt

Pay FrequencyMonthly

Pay GradeDepends on Qualifications

Scheduled Weekly Hours40

Benefits EligibleYes

Drug Test RequiredNo

Health Screen RequiredNo

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNo

Posting Date2019-06-07-07:00

Remove from Posting On or Before2019-12-07-08:00

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff 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.

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.