Director of the Institute of Politics

Department

Provost Office of the Provost

About the Department

The Institute of Politics (IOP) was founded in 2013 as a nonpartisan, extracurricular program with the mission of fostering a passion for politics and public service, meaningful dialogue and active engagement in democracy in University of Chicago students. Since its founding, the IOP has offered a home for civil discourse and conversation between students and elected officials, activists, authors, journalists, and other key practitioners in politics and public service. This is done through four primary programmatic components of the Institute: 1) The Speaker Series program hosts nationally and internationally recognized speakers on a wide variety of issues related to the mission of the IOP. 2) The Fellows Program presents an opportunity for political practitioners, policy makers, journalists, and others engaged in politics and public service, to be in residence at the University of Chicago for an academic quarter and provide weekly, extracurricular seminars to University of Chicago students. 3) The IOP also sponsors a robust, paid internship program for undergraduate and graduate students, placing them in high-level settings overseas, in Washington, D.C., and at the state and local levels. 4) The IOP’s Civic Engagement programs provide pathways for students to take an active role in shaping politics and policy in their communities through leadership development programs, student-led civic engagement projects, and political exploration treks.

The IOP is advised by a Board of Advisors consisting of senior professionals from fields related to the IOP’s mission. The values of the University of Chicago serve as a distinctive home for the Institute of Politics to engage in its extracurricular mission. These values include an enduring commitment to free and open discourse, meaningful partnership with the South Side Community and City of Chicago, and a transformative educational experience.

Job Information

Job Summary:

The University of Chicago seeks a prominent and visionary leader to serve as Director of the Institute of Politics. The Director will build on existing initiatives of the IOP and develop new and innovative opportunities to inspire students to engage in the political process and play an active role in democracy. The Director will shape the direction of the IOP in a way that helps students explore the value of public service, in all its forms, while preparing them to confront complex issues thoughtfully and navigate challenging political environments.

While the Director helps set the strategic vision for the IOP and contributes programmatic ideas to realize that vision, the Executive Director carries out the day-to-day management of staff, programs and initiatives. The two maintain a close working relationship.

In addition, the Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial sustainability of the IOP through effective and inspired fundraising. They will leverage their prominence, network, and vision to connect with donors who share a commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders in public service. By passionately articulating the mission of the IOP, the Director will secure critical resources to advance its programs and expand its reach. Fundraising is not just a function of the role—it reflects the Director’s dedication to the enduring vitality of the Institute.

Responsibilities:

• Build on existing initiatives of the IOP and develop new and innovative opportunities to inspire students to engage in the political process and play an active role in democracy.

• Shape the direction of the IOP in a way that helps students explore the value of public service, in all its forms, while preparing them to confront complex issues thoughtfully and navigate challenging political environments.

• Maintain a close working relationship with the Executive Director.

• Despite potential active engagement in other endeavors, be committed to spending at least half time at the IOP and in deep engagement with students, staff of the IOP, and partners in the University of Chicago community.

• Serve as the public face of the IOP; investment in the success and mission of the Institute must be genuine and visible.

• Play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial sustainability of the IOP through effective and inspired fundraising.

• Leverage prominence, network, and vision to connect with donors who share a commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders in public service.

• Secure critical resources to advance its programs and expand its reach through passionate articulatio