Agriculture Research & Policy Lead

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 72,649 - 94,056; Full time

Job summary

University of Chicago's Development Innovation Lab seeks a Research & Policy Manager to oversee agricultural research projects from inception to policy translation. The role pairs rigorous research management with cross-stakeholder policy engagement, linking faculty leads, partners, and policymakers to scale innovations.

The hybrid position requires strong organization, independent work, and the ability to manage complex initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with DIL's goals.

Qualifications

• Requires a college or university degree in a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in a related job discipline.
• Master’s degree in a related field (economics, public policy, or other).
• Experience leading or contributing to randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Responsibilities

• Manage external partnerships to conduct new research and scale innovations.
• Develop and manage research projects, ensuring timely progress.
• Oversee output by research staff and allocate tasks.
• Maintain working relations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Solve complex problems related to project administration and methodology.
• Coordinate meetings and ensure tasks align with goals.
• Prepare materials for policy makers and coordinate messaging.
• Develop and refine processes for project implementation and reporting.
• Produce literature reviews, data summaries, and presentations.
• Synthesize findings for policy makers and practitioners.

Skills

Project management

Policy development

Development economics

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in economics/public policy

Job description

University of Chicago's Development Innovation Lab seeks a Research & Policy Manager to oversee agricultural research projects from inception to policy translation. The role pairs rigorous research management with cross-stakeholder policy engagement, linking faculty leads, partners, and policymakers to scale innovations.

The hybrid position requires strong organization, independent work, and the ability to manage complex initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with DIL's goals.