Policy Manager

Department

SSD Development Economics Center:
Staff and Temporary Employees

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 is seeking a dynamic Policy Manager to oversee and coordinate organizational projects from inception to completion. The successful candidate will manage day-to-day operations, facilitate communication across stakeholders, and ensure projects are delivered on time and aligned with organizational goals. This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to work independently while supporting collaborative teams, and experience managing complex, multi-faceted initiatives.

The Policy Manager will serve as a key liaison between leadership, research teams, implementation partners, and stakeholders. This role coordinates non-technical (not information technology or construction related) projects from conception to completion. Assists with the assembly of teams and the development of detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports using straightforward problem solving skills.

• Coordinate day-to-day project activities, including preparing for and facilitating meetings, ensuring tasks are completed on time and aligned with project goals.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with partners, funders, and other collaborators; coordinate across stakeholder groups to facilitate smooth communication and collaboration.
• Coordinate project communications including drafting support materials, presentations, and reports for various audiences.
• Assist with developing and refining processes and procedures for project implementation, tracking, and reporting.
• Support development of high-quality project outputs including literature reviews, data summaries, and presentations; assist in synthesizing research findings and translating them for policy, practitioners, and general audiences.
• Provide guidance, training and support to junior staff and project team members; support recruitment efforts.
• Coordinate events, research logistics, assist with planning and preparing presentations, event outreach, and post-event write-ups.
• Assist with other administrative projects as needed, acquire higher level guidance and skills.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Minimum qualifications include a college or university degree in a related field.

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Background in one or more sectors related to DIL’s work, including agriculture, education, water treatment and child health.

• Proficiency in project management tools and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively in team settings.
• Strong cross cultural communication abilities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Prioritize effectively and handle multiple projects simultaneously.

• Flexibility to travel extensively as needed for respective responsibilities.
• This is a hybrid position, with an expected 3 days in‑person in the office per week and as needed.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional 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.

Administration & Management

Individual Contributor

Weekly

Hours:

37.5

No

No

No

Salary

Exempt

$65,235.00 - $84,422.00

Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and…