Managing Director, Policy and Strategic Engagement

Company: The University Of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: May 1, 2025

Job Description:

Managing Director, Policy and Strategic Engagement page is loadedManaging Director, Policy and Strategic EngagementApply remote type Hybrid locations Illinois: Chicago time type Full time posted on Posted 30+ Days Ago job requisition id JR29357DepartmentEPIC - Adminstration and Operations
About the DepartmentThe University of Chicago Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth (ICSG) is a groundbreaking effort uniting faculty from across the university to advance society's understanding of our energy and climate future. The Institute combines faculty insights in energy markets and policy, climate systems engineering, and energy technology to produce world-changing ideas while also investing in the next generation of energy and climate thinkers, leaders, and innovators through novel educational programs.
Job SummaryThe Managing Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement is a key member of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth's leadership team. In coordination with Institute leadership and with the support of a highly talented communications, development, programming, and events staff, the Managing Director leads the Institute's efforts to engage and build relationships with key external stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, and thought leaders globally. In coordination with Institute leadership, the Managing Director also works to coordinate and communicate Institute programming, resources, and other news with the University of Chicago academic community, alumni, and University leadership.

This individual will help to advance the Institute's national and global visibility, reputation, and prestige by leading policy and strategic engagement in support of the Institute's core initiatives and priorities. The Managing Director engages leaders and supporters around the world who can benefit from the research discoveries and intellectual capital being developed at the Institute. Working with the Senior Director of Communications, the Managing Director is responsible for ensuring that faculty research impacts a variety of external audiences through direct engagement, communications, programming and events, and other sophisticated communication vehicles.Responsibilities

• Works as part of the Institute leadership team on overall strategy, goals, and vision for the Institute.
• Represents the Institute in a variety of national and international settings, by attending meetings and events, presenting about the Institute and its research, and speaking on the record with media.
• Builds and maintains relationships with US and global leaders and influencers and their staffs, including within governments, NGOs, foundations, the media, and the private sector for the purposes of sharing the research and exploring new partnerships and programming.
• Works with event and program staff to design programs that advance the Institute's strategic priorities in the US and globally.
• Creates and builds opportunities for the Institute to routinely engage with US and global policymakers and policy-relevant institutions. This includes, but not limited to, meeting with Capitol Hill and administration officials, facilitating briefings, visits and roundtables, and participating in editorial board meetings.
• Manages a robust and diverse fellows program at the Institute by recruiting high-profile opinion leaders and influencers from a range of sectors and facilitating strategic and high-value activities for them to engage in during their tenure.
• Works with the Senior Director of Communications to plan and organize media coverage for high-profile events and responds to requests on sensitive or controversial issues.
• Proactively engages in the 'news of the day' by framing research in the context of current events through media interviews, opinion pieces, and personal social media channels.
• Oversees the teams responsible for writing, preparing, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit. Accountable for setting and achieving the unit's goals and strategy in policy and strategic engagement.
• Leads highly talented and effective communications and events teams at the Institute.
• Provides administrative and programmatic direction and coordination in the formulation, interpretation and administration of the University's strategic planning and related Unit objectives and subsequent short and long term policies, procedures and program plans.
• Provides regular reports to executive management on all projects and strategic initiatives. Ensures that appropriate project documentation is maintained in order to meet organizational needs and all applicable requirements.
• Performs other related work as needed.
  Minimum QualificationsEducation:Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
  Work Experience:Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
  Certifications:---Preferred QualificationsEducation:
  • Bachelor's degree in public policy or any related field.
  • Advanced degree.Experience:
    • Knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
    • 10-15 years working in an energy, climate change policy or communications environment in a leadership role.
    • Significant management experience.
    • Demonstrated experience working directly with researchers, preferably in an academic setting.
    • Collaborating with governments, public and private institutions, and the private sector and navigating international geopolitics and processes.Technical Skills or Knowledge:
      • Public policy analysis, development or implementation experience.
      • Demonstrated understanding of congressional and federal agency operations and the political landscape.
      • Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling and style.
      • Proficient in MS Office Suite.
      • Knowledge of University systems is a plus.
      • Project management skills.Preferred Competencies
        • Demonstrated ability to influence a diverse group of people to meet goals and deadlines, build and manage teams, and work collaboratively with senior leadership.
        • Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with multiple stakeholders.
        • Understand complex research and identify the best way to communicate said research to a variety of different audiences.
        • Comfort and experience working with members of the media.
        • Handle multiple tasks and assignments simultaneously.
        • Creativity and think outside-the-box.
        • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
        • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
        • Problem-solving skills.
        • Work independently with a high degree of initiative.
        • Work as a member of a team.
        • Attention to detail with excellent organizational skills.
        • Set priorities and meet deadlines.
        • Superior degree of professionalism.Working Conditions
          • Office environment; writing and typing, work at a computer for multiple hours.
          • Travel domestically and internationally.
          • Fast-paced environment.Application Documents
            • Resume/CV (required)
            • Cover Letter to include interest in position (required)
            • References Contact Information (3) (required)
              When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
              Job FamilyAdministration & Management
              Role ImpactPeople Manager
              Scheduled Weekly Hours37.5
              Drug Test RequiredNo
              Health Screen RequiredNo
              Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNo
              Pay Rate TypeSalary
              FLSA StatusExempt
              Pay Range$198,900.00 - $257,400.00The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
              Benefits EligibleYesThe University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in theBenefits Guidebook .
              Posting StatementThe University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu .Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
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Keywords: The University Of Chicago, Hoffman Estates , Managing Director, Policy and Strategic Engagement, Executive , Chicago, Illinois