Policy Manager

uchicago; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

The University of Chicago seeks a dynamic Policy Manager to oversee and coordinate organizational projects from inception to completion. You will manage day-to-day operations, facilitate communication among leadership, research teams, and partners, and ensure timely delivery aligned with goals.

This hybrid role requires strong organizational skills, independent work, and experience managing complex initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: not required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day project activities and meetings, ensuring timely tasks and alignment with goals.
• Maintain relationships with partners, funders, and collaborators; enable cross-stakeholder communication.
• Prepare project communications, materials, presentations, and reports for diverse audiences.

Skills

Cross cultural communication

Written communication

Oral communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Prioritization

Project management tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree

College or university degree in related field

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:

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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)

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

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 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.