In cities across the country, people face high rates of gun violence, under-resourced schools, and social harms associated with the criminal justice system -- all of which disproportionately impact people of color. These inequalities have profound consequences on public safety and opportunity. As a society we have failed to address these challenges, in part, because of our lack of understanding of the most effective and cost-effective solutions that can have a real impact on people’s lives. We believe that rigorous research can help.
Our team works in close partnership with cities and communities to create impact at scale for residents of America’s cities, especially for those facing the most severe implications of inequality and racism. We conduct research to meet the highest standards of quality and rigor, and we share our results broadly to generate measurable social good in communities.
Our mission is to combine world-class data science and research, in partnership with government agencies, to substantially improve the effectiveness of the public sector and achieve impact at scale.
The Role
The Crime Lab and Education Lab seek a Director of National Programs, based in Washington DC, to direct the external relations and public affairs strategy of the Crime Lab and Education Lab, and to collaborate on the creation and implementation of research objectives of the organization. This role will have a significant impact on the strategic direction of the organization’s research portfolio while building a network of federal partners and funding opportunities to support our continued work and related dissemination efforts.
The Director of National Programs reports to the Founding Executive Director and is a member of the Leadership Team of the Crime Lab and Education Lab. This role will lead the expansion of our nation-wide research projects which includes establishing research objectives, developing and maintaining inter-organizational partnerships, and fundraising efforts. This role directly supervisors both our Public Affairs and Data Partnerships teams, as well as several individual contributors. Strong candidates will be resourceful and innovative, with experience managing the work of individuals and teams. The ideal candidate will have a deep familiarity with social policy research, particularly with the evaluation of large-scale policy interventions. Specific job responsibilities are outlined below.
Job Summary
The job manages multiple related teams of managers and professional staff responsible for leadership within a Center and serves as a liaison to academic departments, professional organizations, and administrative units of the University. Has overall responsibility for the management, operations, financial, outreach, and programming for the center.
Responsibilities
Works with other members of the Executive Committee to determine the strategic research directives for the Crime Lab and Education Lab. Provides input to determine the research projects and technical assistance work the organization undertakes.
Based on the organizational strategic directives, determines the priority partnerships and identifies opportunities for convening these partners in collaborative support of the organization’s work.
Serves as the primary relationship manager between the organization and elected officials within the federal government.
Provides strategic direction for federal funding, grant and fundraising opportunities, related relationship building in support of our three largest, nation-wide initiatives.
Supervises the Director, Policy, Government, and Partner Engagement.
Directs the efforts of the Director, Policy, Government, and Partner Engagement to identify the area of overlap between org-wide research objectives, donor focus areas, and community-based need.
Directs the work of cross-functional teams in support of submitting, reviewing, and reporting on grant and fundraising opportunities.
Supervises the Director of Public Affairs, directing their priorities and providing strategic direction to the Public Affairs team.
In consultation with project leads, determines the mission-critical public affairs needs for the organization.
Manages external consultants who contribute to the organization’s communications and public affairs objectives; directing the scope of work, output, and duration of each contract.
Serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Crime Lab and Education Lab.
Supervises the Director of Data Partnerships, and directs the work of the Data Partnerships team.
Provides external relationship direction to the Data Partnership Team in support of establishing and maintaining data usage agreements.
Provides leadership for a Center with senior management and serves as a liaison to academic departments, professional organizations and administrative units of the University.
Manages related teams. Establishes department priorities, may be responsible for the management of the center budget, allocates resources and executes strategic plans.
Performs other related work as needed.
Education
Minimum Qualifications
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
Preferred Competencies
Previous experience in public policy and social policy research.
Previous experience working in a research organization or managing research projects.
Demonstrated success as a manager of both individuals and teams.
Demonstrated success in grant applications, grants management, and organizational fundraising efforts.
Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining high-level inter-organizational relationships and partnerships.
Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders.
Strong time management skills with a proven ability to multitask and triage work to successfully complete projects on tight deadlines with little supervision.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data in a simple and straightforward way for non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment.
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
Administration & Management
Role Impact
People Manager
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
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.
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.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Other
Job function
Business Development and Sales
Industries
Higher Education
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