Simulation Operations Manager

Department
BSD SIM - Administration

About the Department
The UChicago Simulation Center strives to measurably improve the quality, safety, and experience of healthcare delivery through the application of cutting-edge simulation methods, systems thinking, human-centered design, and innovative technology. Dedicated to high-quality simulation, the Simulation Center partners across the University of Chicago Health System and Biological Sciences Division to co-design and implement simulation-based programs that promote clinical readiness, skill development, digital innovation, and research.

Job Summary
The Simulation Operations Manager reports to the Director of the Simulation Center and is an integral member of the team, supporting operations of the simulation lab to ensure effective delivery of center programming. This role provides direct supervision to professionals at the entry or intermediate level and serves as an advisor to Center leadership to set goals for operations.

Responsibilities

• Supervises, develops, and evaluates simulation center technicians and operations specialists, ensuring a high-performing team.
• Cultivates and maintains a culture of learning and psychological safety for all staff and learners that engage with the Simulation Center.
• Actively organizes training for center staff on existing technology, updates and upgrades, and emerging technologies to ensure competencies evolve with the industry.
• Trains simulation team members and faculty in the operational and technological aspects of simulation.
• Implements and administers systems, policies, and procedures to support the strategic goals and sustainable growth of the simulation center and programming.
• Serves as an internal consultant and external liaison for simulation technology matters. Maintains knowledge of emerging technologies.
• Partners with internal teams across the institution to ensure compliance with best practices around safety, facility maintenance, cleaning, supply chain, and inventory practices, vendor management, financial protocols, and clinical operations as appropriate are integrated into simulation center policies and procedures.
• Cultivates and strengthens partnerships with vendors to ensure timely maintenance, updates, and training are conducted to support optimal learning from all task trainers, manikins, robots, AV/VR, and other equipment. Leverages simulation staff to ensure these partnerships are cross-cutting throughout the Simulation Center.
• Provides recommendations and prioritization of technology updates, upgrades, and purchase requests.
• Responsible for managing accurate, transparent, and efficient processes for inventory tracking, maintenance, functionality status, vendor requests, purchasing needs, and escalations for all Simulation Center assets.
• Actively participates in and leads continuous quality improvement of all center operations, always looking to improve efficiency and experience.
• Ensures appropriate usage, maintenance, and upkeep of the Simulation Mobile Ambulance.
• Scales and iterates processes across the UChicago Medicine health system to promote quality and standardization of simulation sessions across sites. Travels to locations throughout the health system to promote continuity and collaboration.
• Creates and fosters strong partnerships across the Simulation Center as well as throughout the UChicago Medicine health system, serving as a liaison and representative of the Simulation Center.
• Actively participates as a simulation operations specialist, providing technical and operational support during sessions. Serves as an active participant (i.e. embedded actor) in simulation activities as needed.
• Operates and maintains simulator technologies ranging from anatomic models and task trainers to screen-based simulation to full-body patient simulators and virtual reality surgical simulators.
• Brings a growth mindset to all duties, actively learning new technologies and skills.
• Supports adult learning principles and the learning experience for all center users.
• Support the mission, vision, and goals of the UChicago Simulation Center.
• Supervises continuing education programs by evaluating program curriculum, policies, procedures, and maintaining program operations.
• Assists in the evaluation of program performance using developed metrics.
• Coordinates with internal and external professionals to help create new programs and enhance existing ones.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a technology or health-related field or equivalent.

Experience:

• Two years of direct patient care experience as an EMT, paramedic, nurse, or equivalent.
• At least 4 years of experience working in a healthcare or technical environment.
• At least 2 years of experience working in a simulation environment.
• At least 2 years of experience managing professionals.
• Managerial experience in a clinical or educational setting.
• Operating and troubleshooting products and software, including SimMan 3G, SimBaby, SimJunior, HAL, SuperTory and other advanced manikins.
• Experience as a technician supporting cadaveric and tissue labs.
• Experience with simulation software platforms such as Laerdal LLEAP and Gaumard UNI for session management, data collection, and performance evaluation.

Licenses and Certifications:

• BLS provider certification is strongly preferred. If not currently held, certification will be required within the first year of employment.
• CHSOS certification strongly preferred. If not currently held, certification is required to be achieved in the first year of employment.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of human anatomy and physiologic states.
• Strong understanding of simulation-based education principles, including scenario setup, debriefing tools, and learner-centered methodologies.
• Strong technical aptitude for maintaining, calibrating, and repairing medical simulation equipment to ensure reliability and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and professional communication skills.
• Knowledge of patient simulation services, technologies and applications.
• Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to simulator functions.
• Knowledge of audio/video equipment and software for recording, duplication, mixing and editing.
• Proficiency in MS software applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), database management, and Internet utilization.
• Proficiency with both Macintosh and Windows operating systems.
• Ability to express technical information clearly and simply to non-technical persons.
• Ability to learn new software and hardware quickly and independently.
• Ability to assess, troubleshoot, and fix equipment failures in a timely fashion.
• Ability to work well under pressure, set priorities, and make critical decisions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding job assignments and sensitive issues.
• Ability to work with internal and external individuals from different disciplines and different levels of training.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated and requires minimal supervision with the ability to work as a team member.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work varying hours/days/evening/weekends.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks simultaneously in fast paced environment.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills to manage equipment inventories and resolve technical issues promptly.

Working Conditions

• Work requires a moderate amount of walking, transporting equipment, and occasional heavy physical lifting of equipment.
• Must be able to lift, reach, carry, pull, and push equipment/materials up to 25 pounds frequently, and occasionally up to 75 pounds.
• Converse with faculty members, clinical instructors, and learners concerning educational activities daily.
• Must be able to see, hear, stand, walk, read, and perform manual tasks with or without accommodation and care for oneself with little or no difficulty.
• Manual dexterity and quick movements required for technical tasks.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
Academic Affairs

Role Impact
People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$80,000.00 - $100,000.00
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.