The University of Chicago is hiring a Program Director to serve as the operational lead for Professor Ufuk Akcigit’s research initiatives, including the Global Center for Economic Growth (GCEG) and the Growth Academy. Reporting directly to Professor Akcigit, you will play a central role in shaping research direction, managing high-impact projects, cultivating global partnerships, and ensuring operational excellence.
What You'll Do
- Lead the design, planning, and execution of research initiatives aligned with long-term academic and policy goals.
- Shape and implement strategic priorities for the GCEG and Growth Academy.
- Foster successful collaborations with external institutions, funders, and industry partners.
- Identify emerging research opportunities and develop new initiatives with global partners.
- Oversee complex, multi-institutional projects, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes.
- Manage project lifecycles, including budgeting, compliance, procurement, and reporting.
- Collaborate with HR, Grants, URA, and Procurement to ensure seamless operations.
- Oversee visiting student programs and ensure enriching educational experiences.
- Lead cross-functional teams, including research staff, students, and external collaborators.
- Facilitate weekly team meetings and organize events and conferences.
- Conduct quality assurance reviews and recommend operational improvements.
- Collaborate with Communication teams to maintain and update website content.
- Set program priorities and performance benchmarks.
- Manage the ART lab and allocation of workstations.
- Review and approve employee time in Workday.
- Handle complex problems and implement innovative solutions.
- Serve as the primary liaison to academic institutions, policymakers, donors, and industry leaders.
- Travel and represent the program at international conferences, donor meetings, and strategic forums.
- Lead grant writing, proposal development, and donor stewardship.
- Monitor financial performance and coordinate with the Grants Manager.
- Review and approve GEMS reports in SAP/Concur.
- Review and report monthly on program accounts.
- Process payroll expense cost corrections (PECCs), journal entries, and correct documents.
- Troubleshoot and reconcile financial discrepancies.
- Handle invoices, reimbursement requests, funding transfers, and non-payroll payments.
- Serve as a key resource for program information and resolve problems.
- Provide specialized professional expertise in program management and act as a liaison.
- Plan and develop program objectives and content.
What We're Looking For
- College or university degree in a related field.
- Knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Nice to Have
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Working knowledge in research and evaluation of international development.
- Proven analytical, quantitative, organizational, and management skills.
Team & Environment
You will report directly to Professor Ufuk Akcigit and lead cross-functional teams including research staff, students, and external collaborators.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $120,000.00 - $135,000.00
- Health, retirement, and paid time off benefits for eligible employees.
Work Mode
This is an onsite role based in Chicago, IL.
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.
