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
As the Executive Director, this role provides an opportunity to lead an entrepreneurial research lab, while benefiting from the deep institutional infrastructure of the University of Chicago and international policy partnerships built by Prof. Kremer and his collaborators. The Executive Director will be responsible for working closely with the faculty director to develop and execute DIL's (Development Innovation Lab) strategic plan and manage the Lab.
This position manages multiple related teams of managers and professional staff responsible for leadership within a Center and serves as a liaison to academic departments, professional organizations, and administrative units of the University. Has overall responsibility for the management, operations, financial, outreach, and programming for the center.
Responsibilities
Leads the ongoing growth and development of the Lab to continue to effectively foster innovations using the tools of development economics.
Leads conversations and negotiations with governments to plan, design, and execute collaborations with the Lab.
Represents the Lab in meetings with high-level government officials, business executives, NGO leaders, and other key stakeholders on the global stage.
Builds and oversees a growing organization.
Provides leadership for a center with senior management and serves as a liaison to academic departments, professional organizations and administrative units of the University.
Manages related teams. Establishes department priorities, may be responsible for the management of the center budget, allocates resources and executes strategic plans.
Works closely with faculty, students and other leaders across campus to foster experimentation and multi-disciplinary inquiry and teaching by coordinating and developing Center programming. This may include workshops. Conferences, colloquia, training programs, community outreach, etc.
Oversees a communication strategy and marketing efforts aimed at increasing the visibility of the Center. Collaborates with others to make the center a valuable resource to all students and contributes to the broad goals of creating a stronger campus community.
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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
--- Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Candidates from a policy background who can demonstrate similar knowledge through demonstrated professional experience will also be considered.
Experience:
8 or more years of professional work experience, with significant international development research and implementation working with, and ideally part of, a diverse set of stakeholders.
7 or more years of people management experience, including building teams of direct and indirect reports with significant technical and leadership skills as well as overall center management.
5 or more years conducting or managing research in development economics.
Background working with governments of developing countries.
Running an organization, or significant business unit within an organization.
Interacting with a variety of other major institutions relevant to international development.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
Knowledge of the practicalities and econometrics of randomized control trials.
Working knowledge in complex partnerships including between research, nonprofits, business, funding agencies, and governments.
Oversee budgets and financial reporting.
Fundraising from individuals, institutional and governmental funders, and philanthropic foundations.
Preferred Competencies
Vigorous understanding of and ability to communicate economic concepts.
Present complex data in a clear intuitive way.
Living in low- and middle-income countries.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information in a way that can be understood by stakeholders with varying levels of technical background.
Highly organized with excellent project management skills and anticipate needs before they arise.
Comfortable navigating situations with varying degrees of ambiguity in an environment where priorities may shift often.
Excellent people management skills, with an ability to build an open, positive, team-oriented work culture that is diverse and inclusive, sensitive to cultural differences, and where everyone feels valued.
Demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of those living in poverty in developing countries.
Working Conditions
Travel in the US and internationally, usually around 30% of the time.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (preferred)
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Administration & Management
Role Impact
People Manager
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
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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.
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