Assistant Director, Stone Center

Department

Harris Stone Center Sub Group

About the Department

Why policy? For a better world. Why Harris Public Policy? Because when it comes to better policymaking, evidence matters. We work at the frontiers of data collection and analysis, using the latest technology and social science methods to design policies that work for society. We conduct rigorous inquiry in an environment of innovation and risk taking, fearlessly questioning the status quo. We collaborate across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, adopting new methodologies to drive better solutions. We engage with our city, our world, and our leaders every day to evaluate and test our ideas. And we lead with our passion for driving social change, knowing that passion alone does not equal impact. With passion and precision, we figure out what’s best for society—and get it done. This is Harris Public Policy: Social impact, down to a science.

Job Summary

The mission of the Stone Center at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy is to develop a community of scholars working to advance research on the nature of contemporary inequalities using a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes that inequalities are the outcome of a multidimensional dynamic process that operates at the individual, family, social, and political levels. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Assistant Director will enrich the work of the Stone Center by promoting robust opportunities for research, conferences, workshops, and other collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee academic and outreach programs that advance the work of and engagement among the Stone Center’s community of researchers.

• Develop a robust schedule of events (e.g., workshops, conferences, public talks, etc.) in support of the Stone Center’s mission.

• Host academic visitors (e.g., faculty, scientists, graduate students, etc.) at the Stone Center for short- and long-term collaborative stays.

• Oversee the full logistical lifecycle of these activities (i.e., secure speaker(s), liaise with stakeholders, arrange travel and hotel, book space and catering, gather an audience, oversee on-site delivery, prepare and reconcile budget, report post-event, etc.).

• Promote the center’s work and accomplishments to bolster its presence in the research community via print, web, social media channels, and other special initiatives, such as the podcast, working paper series, or special issues.

• Amplify programs and research developments to inform key partners, research groups, and institutions of output as well as opportunities for engagement.

• Produce and publish related design and media projects (e.g., banners/posters, infographics, brochures, newsletters, photo sets, video playlists, etc.).

• Distribute and promote the calendar of events providing detailed agenda(s), date(s), time(s), and location(s) to relevant and potential stakeholders.

• Engage in the full spectrum of Stone Center activities, from daily operations to mission-critical research initiatives (i.e., special projects may be assigned).

• Distill center activities into short- and long-term plans, develop metrics, and benchmark outcomes to determine the effectiveness of center engagement plans.

• Drive forward plans and perform ongoing follow-up to drive outstanding work forward. Roll up output for responsibility area into ad-hoc and annual report(s).

• Undertake comprehensive financial oversight of responsibility area(s).

• Ensure the efficient allocation of resources across events and initiatives, tracking expenditures, and preparing financial reports to support strategic decision-making.

• Liaise with University financial offices to secure contracts, move forward payments, and ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

• Uses moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.

• Has moderate/high levels of interactions with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.

• 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:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Master’s degree.

Technical Skills or