Assistant Director, Civic Leadership Academy

Department

Harris Center for Effective Government

About the Department

The Center for Effective Government (CEG), founded in 2019 at the Harris School of Public Policy, is dedicated to advancing democratic institutions and enhancing governmental problem-solving capabilities through rigorous research, critical debate, and public engagement.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Civic Leadership Academy Program Director, the Assistant Director will work in coordination with staff and faculty of the Center for Effective Government and the Mansueto Institute to lead and support the Civic Leadership Academy. The Assistant Director will provide strategic advice and lead administrative and project support. This role is a perfect fit for an early-career professional who is a strong multi-tasker with excellent communication and organization skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day activities for the University of Chicago Civic Leadership Academy (CLA), including leading recruitment, onboarding of the cohort, liaising with faculty, supporting curriculum design, global practicum planning and execution, and serving as the primary point of contact for CLA fellows and alumni.

• Support the CEG leadership and other colleagues in the day-to-day management of the Center, including finances, development, operations, communications, technological infrastructure, and supervision of student workers.

• Ensure seamless coordination with Harris Public Policy and other key partners across campus and external partners.

• Lead execution of all CLA events, providing day-of event production support and planning support.

• Coordinate meetings for CLA faculty and staff, including reserving space, coordinating across schedules, catering, and providing in-meeting technical or other support.

• Coordinate travel for CLA leadership, including international and domestic travel arrangements, ground transportation, dining reservations, and international visa applications.

• Coordinate special projects as directed by CEG and CLA leadership; prepare write-ups for recommendations for operational and administrative problems.

• Gather and analyze participant data and feedback for CLA.

• Execute the entry of CLA data into Salesforce, working with team members to ensure maximum utility of the system.

• Liaise with Harris Public Policy data partners regarding Salesforce and other data projects.

• Support program-related grant writing by gathering and analyzing data to craft compelling, well-researched proposals and narrative reports, ensuring alignment with funding requirements and organizational goals.

• Compile research and briefing documents for CEG and CLA leadership and other staff when necessary.

• May initiate correspondence and other written materials under own signature or for the signature of the CLA and CEG leadership. Triage emails and telephone calls for action. Resolve a combination of routine and complex inquiries.

• Assist CEG and CLA leadership in proofreading written items, including academic papers, academic and popular book manuscripts, and other written content.

• Process and record financial documents related to CLA.

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

• Sets and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.

• 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

Experience:

• 2+ years of Experience in a higher education environment.

• Knowledge of the University of Chicago’s culture.

• Knowledge of the Harris School.

Technical Knowledge or Skills: