The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.
Job Summary
The job manages a team of managers and professional staff responsible for scientific research projects and research facilities. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. Manages the production of articles, reports, and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/ or conferences.
The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago is seeking a full-time Senior Director to provide leadership in the management and policy outreach for the Innovation Commission (IC) on Climate Change, Food Security and Agriculture, one of DIL's flagship projects. The IC brings together an independent, diverse, and high-level group of Commissioners, which includes former heads of state and cabinet ministers, leaders in international organizations and civil society, and is chaired by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer. The IC promotes innovation development and scaling at the intersection of climate change, food security, and agriculture.
The Senior Director will work closely with DIL Faculty Director and IC Chair, Michael Kremer, the IC Secretariat Executive Director, Paul Winters and the DIL Executive Director in leading the IC Secretariat. The Senior Director will be responsible for overall management of the secretariat including managing the research-related activities and policy outreach activities. To be successful they will need to have strong experience working in complex settings at the nexus of research or development policy, be a highly dynamic and analytical individual who can excel in a diverse set of responsibilities from working with partners to translating academic research into policy documents that are accessible to a broad audience.
The Senior Director will also be a member of DIL's senior management team and will have the opportunity to help drive forward the Lab's policy work.
Responsibilities
Oversees the IC Secretariat in a manner that makes it possible to achieve the objectives of the IC. This is achieved by coordinating with IC Chair and IC Secretariat Executive Director and managing the work of subordinates, including IC Directors, the Senior Manager and their teams. In this capacity, oversees the daily operations of the IC Secretariat and ensures timely action to ensure smooth operation of the Secretariat.
Performs tasks requiring independent judgment and analysis, including overseeing the writing of key IC reports and high-level outreach to Commission members, heads of NGOs, current and former heads of state, heads of international organizations and other high-level individuals.
Engages and establishes strong working relationships and collaborative arrangements with relevant stakeholders in selected low- and middle-income countries to advance the agenda of the IC.
Works with the DIL Leadership Team to ensure a well-functioning IC Secretariat including assessing strengths and gaps in current Secretariat workflow, processes, and procedures and overseeing the management of budgets.
Develops long-range plans for research projects and oversees the development of research projects. Ensures research projects progress according to plan.
Manages, investigates, modifies and applies new procedures, techniques or applications of technology. Oversees the establishment of goals and operating procedures, practices, and guidelines. Develops research in area of expertise. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Presents research findings at meetings and/or conference.
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.
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Masters' degree in economics, public policy, sustainable development or related field.
Experience:
Twelve or more years of relevant work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
PhD degree in economics, public policy, sustainable development or related field.
Prior experience supervising teams working in higher education, international organizations or similar.
Demonstrated management skills, including working across teams and ability to manage the time of high-level principals efficiently.
Substantial experience working on innovation in developing countries.
Experience working with developing country governments or large bilateral and multilateral funders.
Demonstrated ability to maintain high-level relationships with governments, international development practitioners, and/or academic researchers.
Proven track record of working with multiple stakeholders to build successful policies and processes.
Preferred competencies
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Keen attention to detail.
Effective interpersonal skills including outstanding judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Working Conditions
Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and flexibly as needed for their respective responsibilities.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (required)
References Contact Information (3)(required)
Work sample (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
People Manager
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$136,253.00 - $176,327.00 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 Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.
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.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
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.
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