Policy Manager

University of Chicago; Washington; Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Chicago’s Development Innovation Lab seeks a dynamic Policy Manager to oversee projects from inception to completion. You will manage day-to-day operations, facilitate cross-stakeholder communication, and ensure timely delivery aligned with organizational goals.

This hybrid role requires strong organization, autonomous work style, and the ability to coordinate multi-faceted initiatives. You will serve as a liaison between leadership, research teams, implementation partners, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent.
• 2–5 years of work experience in a related discipline.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with ability to synthesize information.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day project activities, including meetings and task tracking.
• Build and maintain relationships with partners, funders and collaborators to ensure smooth communication.
• Draft materials, presentations and reports for diverse audiences.
• Develop and refine project processes, tracking, and reporting procedures.
• Support creation of literature reviews, data summaries and policy translations for practitioners.
• Provide guidance and training to junior staff and assist with recruitment.
• Coordinate events and manage logistics, planning, and post-event documentation.
• Assist with other administrative projects as needed and seek higher-level guidance.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Cross-cultural communication

Independent and team work

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Project management tools

Job description

Department

SSD Development Economics Center: Staff and Temporary Employees

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.

Job Summary

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.

The job 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.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates 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.
• Coordinates events, researches logistics, assists with planning and preparing presentations, event outreach, and post-event write ups.
• Assists with other administrative projects as needed and acquire higher level guidance and skills.
• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications

—

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors degree.

Experience

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively in team settings.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong cross cultural communication abilities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize effectively and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in project management tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in one or more sectors related to DIL’s work (including agriculture, education, water treatment and child health).

Working Conditions

• Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and flexibly as needed for their respective responsibilities.
• This is a hybrid position, with an expected 3 days in-person per week. Candidates will be expected to flexibly come into the office as needed.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

Job Family

Administration & Management

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

$70,796.00 - $91,618.00

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 equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

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.

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.