Executive Director

Department
 

BFI - Administration

About the Department
 

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. The Executive Director leads BFI’s comprehensive effort to bridge the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu.

Job Summary
 

The Executive Director position is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing and directing the overall operations and strategic initiatives of the Becker Friedman Institute, encompassing multiple faculty-led research initiatives and programs. This position is highly focused on setting and implementing goals, identifying growth opportunities, and overseeing the Institute's internal operations and external engagement encompassing finance, human resources, operations, communications, events, and academic programs. The optimal candidate will exhibit a proven record in program management, partnership development, policy engagement, global engagement, and staff management to promote operational excellence. This role will offer a chance to collaborate directly with a network of prominent academics and policy makers, contributing the advancement of economics research across the University of Chicago economics community.

This role develops strategic priorities and plans for a unit. Develops and advances programmatic initiatives and sets high-level organizational structures for processes and systems. Achieves the financial objectives of the unit and ensures that all departments comply with unit guidelines. This position has a team of managers to carry out the work in the areas of Academic Affairs, Communications, Facilities, Finances-Grants-Budget, Human Resources, and/or Technology.

Responsibilities

• Works with BFI faculty leadership to develop and execute a strategy for advancing the core BFI objectives: (1) investing in and supporting faculty research; and (2) communicating research findings to the broader marketplace of ideas in media and policy.
• Responsible for the successful functioning of all BFI programs, including research, outreach, events and conferences, the BFI visitor program, pre- and post-doctoral fellowship programs.
• Recruits, leads and inspires a team of professionals across multiple skill sets, from grants, HR, and finance, to events and communications, to successfully advance BFI’s mission.
• Provides strategic direction, overseeing the effective implementation of new initiatives through comprehensive management and guidance.
• Works with BFI staff to develop new programs and tools to highlight and advance the research outputs of the Chicago economics community, BFI research initiatives, and BFI programs.
• Takes a leadership role in liaising with donors and potential development partners, representing the institute's strategic and philanthropic objectives.
• Acts as the chief ambassador of BFI to University leadership, fostering collaborative relationships and effectively communicating the institute's mission and initiatives.
• Serves as a liaison to academic, research, and administrative units within the division and of the University.
• Oversees day-to-day operations of BFI, including all departments, initiatives, and programs, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects of the institute and compliance with applicable University policies in human resources and finance.
• Works with Associate Directors and Senior Managers to continuously identify and execute policies and systems for effective operations of the institute.
• Manages employees through subordinates, usually other managers. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
• Working with the faculty and staff leadership, leads stakeholder engagement efforts for BFI, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including academia, industry leaders, community organizations, and government bodies, to strengthen relationships and support the institute's objectives.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with key stakeholders, including the BFI Advisory Council, staff, partners, and donors. Represents the organization at public events and foster a positive public image.
• Establishes and nurtures relationships with key partne