Department

Development Economics Center

About the Department

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. DIL brings researchers in different fields together with governments, firms and non-profit organizations to identify, test, refine and scale innovations.

Job Summary

The job writes a variety of communications for the University. Works with moderate/high levels of guidance to research, compose, and edit communications, publications and/or reports.

The Policy Associate will also work closely with Prof. Michael Kremer’s Chief of Staff (CoS) and the Associate Director of Policy on analysis and policy engagement with organizations such as the World Bank, IMF, and other DC-based institutions. Responsibilities include providing policy support to the CoS in outreach and communications related to the work of the Faculty Director including writing, public speaking and presentations, project development, multilateral engagement, and human resources of the Office of the Faculty Director.

In general the position supports the CoS in the public engagement of the Faculty Director and facilitates the strategic engagement to fulfill the Faculty Director’s responsibilities at the University of Chicago as University Professor of Economics in both the College and the Harris School of Public Policy. Other responsibilities include supporting the management of the Office of the Faculty Director to provide support in correspondence, logistics and calendar management and coordinating with the other teams reporting directly to the Faculty Director.

This role aims to further the research agenda of the Development Innovation Lab by fostering relationships, communicating research findings, and identifying opportunities for collaboration and impact.

The ideal candidate possesses technical knowledge of development economics, policy, and the ability to work efficiently across many projects and teams. The Policy Manager will work directly with Prof. Kremer on a day-to-day basis. This position is well-suited for someone interested in a career at the intersection of research and policy.

Responsibilities

Support drafting speeches, presentations, communications and policy briefs.

Translate DIL's research findings into policy briefs and presentations tailored for multilateral audiences.

Support research activities, and work on some research projects.

Support the development and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders and policy makers in multilateral organizations based in Washington, DC.

Support DIL leadership at relevant policy events and conferences in Washington, DC and Chicago.

Providing support to the CoS for OFD in the preparations of event planning, public relations, and other external communications and related activities that require Faculty Director involvement.

Prepares written, graphical, audio, and visual material to support the communications to press and government agencies.

Assists in the design and planning of communications strategies.

Assists in the research, verification, writing and editing publications, which can includes technical/scientific material for manuals or journals.

Perform 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 < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in economics, mathematics, statistics, public policy, or related discipline.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Experience with academic writing.

Preferred Competencies

Excellent writing skills, including the ability to translate technical ideas into non-technical content.

Excellent time management and organizational skills including the ability to meet external and internal deadlines.

Strong coordination skills.

Ability to assess the quality of economic evidence and cost effectiveness for economic innovations.

Understanding development economics and economics research.

Knowledge of randomized controlled trials and other empirical methods used in economics.

Working Conditions

Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and flexibly as needed for their respective responsibilities. Including frequent travel to Chicago, IL.

Frequent evening and weekend work required.

  

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)

Cover Letter (required)

References Contact Information (3)(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

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$56,598.00 - $73,245.00

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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