Director, AQLI

Department

EPIC AQLI

About the Department

The University of Chicago Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth (ICSG) is a groundbreaking initiative that brings together faculty from across the University to advance society’s understanding of our energy and climate future. ICSG integrates insights into energy markets and policy, climate systems engineering, and energy technology to generate transformative ideas, while also fostering the next generation of energy and climate leaders through innovative educational programs.

The Air Quality Life Index, or AQLI, is an award-winning initiative developed by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC). Based on research by EPIC's director Michael Greenstone, the AQLI quantifies the causal relationship between particulate pollution exposure and reduced life expectancy — translating this into a platform where anyone on Earth can see how the air they breathe affects how long they live. Since its launch in 2018, the AQLI has featured prominently in global air pollution discussions and played a role in clean air policy developments in multiple countries. Its findings have been covered by more than 300 media outlets, reaching over 1.1 billion people worldwide. The AQLI sits within EPIC's broader Clean Air Program, which includes the Air Quality Fund and engagement with emissions trading policy, among other initiatives.

Job Summary

The Director, AQLI will lead the continued development and global reach of the AQLI, with the annual report and web platform as the core mandate. This includes managing the report production process in close coordination with Michael Greenstone and the research team, maintaining a focused and efficient format, and serving as a key public voice communicating about the AQLI and its findings with policymakers, funders, and media, especially in highly polluted regions. We are looking for someone who can run the AQLI effectively, efficiently, and independently, and who brings the strategic instincts and ambition to contribute across EPIC's clean air work overtime.

Responsibilities

• Supports strategic planning efforts for AQLI and the broader Clean Air Program.
• Develops and maintains relationships with external partners, including governments, philanthropies, and private sector stakeholders.
• Oversees and guides a small production team, including two data analysts, in the development of the annual AQLI report, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Presents AQLI findings to a range of audiences, including international stakeholders.
• Manages ongoing AQLI content development, including data analysis, written pieces, and communications materials.
• Contributes to fundraising efforts for AQLI and supports broader Clean Air Program initiatives.
• Collaborates with colleagues across EPIC, EPIC-India, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, and the University of Chicago on research-to-policy initiatives.
• Owns and manages the AQLI budget, including financial planning, resource allocation, and long-term sustainability.
• Develops and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Manages program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.
• 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Advanced degree related to air pollution, energy, climate, the environment, or economics.

Experience:

• Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience in the global air quality landscape, such as atmospheric science, environmental epidemiology, environmental economics, policy, think tank, nonprofit, or philanthropy.
• Writing op-eds or policy-focused pieces on environmental issues.
• Public speaking experience with a track record of presentations and/or on-the-record media interviews.
• Building strategic partnerships and a knack for fundraising.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient in Microsoft Windows Suite, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong program management skills, including experience producing research-driven reports, white papers, or data visuali