Department

SSD: Economics - Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department

For over a century, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics has been recognized as one of the world's leading centers for economic research and education. The Department's faculty has received numerous awards, including more Nobel Prize laureates and John Bates Clark medalists in economics than any other university. Among our faculty are many members of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Econometric Society.

Job Summary

The Research Director (RD) reports directly to Professor Ufuk Akcigit, overseeing research support across his portfolio of projects and playing a key role in the development of the Global Center for Economic Growth (GCEG). The RD manages and trains Research Specialists and student Research Assistants, guides data collection and analysis, and ensures the production of high-quality manuscripts, reports, and presentations. They lead grant writing, fundraising, and financial oversight, managing budgets, expenditures, and compliance with URA and institutional guidelines. Additionally, the RD is a liaison between faculty, research institutions, policymakers, and industry leaders, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and supporting strategic growth. As Professor Akcigit’s research expands, the RD will help shape long-term research strategies, ensuring sustainability and impact in economic policy and scholarship.

Responsibilities

Explore new research ideas and support the development of the Global Center for Economic Growth (GCEG) and additional projects on an as-needed basis, ensuring alignment with broader research objectives.Support the development of manuscripts, reports, presentations, and research proposals, incorporating rigorous analysis and clear communication of research findings.Present research findings at meetings, conferences, and donor agency engagements, effectively communicating project outcomes and fostering collaborative opportunities.Track project milestones, provide detailed status reports to project leadership, proactively identify and resolve issues, and troubleshoot challenges throughout the project lifecycle to maintain progress and efficiency.Develop and maintain strong collaborations with external research institutions, funding agencies, and industry partners to support research growth, policy engagement, and strategic initiatives.Oversee the strategic planning and execution of all research projects.

Maintain relationships with implementation and data collection partners to ensure the project's operational viability.

Lead weekly team meetings and keep track of project progress through status reports, offer guidance to post-doc and pre-doc research staff

Guide research staff and student employees on tasks and projects.

Review and approve time for staff and student employees.

Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.

Assist in recruiting and managing research staff, including predoctoral research specialists, field research assistants, and student research assistants.

Collaborate to develop fundraising strategies and deliverables including memos, websites, and other stewardship materials.

Manages visiting student programs to ensure educational opportunities are provided.

Provide financial oversight and manage project expenditures.

Regularly report the financial status of grants and available funds.

Proactively identify additional funding needs for all new and existing projects and secure funding through grant applications and proposals.

Interact with potential donors to initiate new research projects.

Write grant applications and proposals. Collaborates with the Grants Manager to adhere to budget guidelines.

Coordinate effectively with URA, Procurement, Grants, and other university departments to ensure seamless project execution.

Explore opportunities to establish new research partnerships in regional locations.

Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.

Presents research findings at meetings and conferences, as well as to funding agencies. Conducts literature reviews. Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.

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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:    

Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, economics, or related field.

Experience:

Working knowledge in research and evaluation of international development, with proven analytical, quantitative, organizational, and management skills.Involvement working in an international setting with a wide range of knowledge of global issues.

Preferred Competencies

Demonstrated project management skills, including attention to operational and research detail and managing multiple projects efficiently.Work both independently, in a self-directed manner, and as a team member.Strong analytical skills.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear written materials geared toward technical and non-technical audiences.Mature, self-directed individual with the ability to balance multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced working environment.Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively work with global teams across cultures, work styles, and time zones.Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.Strong interest in development economics.

Application Documents

Cover letter (required)Resume/CV (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

Research

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

​
FLSA Status

Exempt

​
Pay Range

$78,000.00 - $82,000.00

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 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.