Research & Policy Manager, Agriculture

Job Summary

The Research & Policy Manager will oversee a growing portfolio of agricultural research projects at the Development Innovation Lab (DIL), guiding the translation of research insights into actionable policy recommendations and scaling initiatives. The role requires expertise in development economics and evidence‑based policy, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to work independently while supporting collaborative teams.

• Manage the establishment and growth of external partnerships to conduct new research and scale innovations in agriculture and food security.
• Develop and manage research projects according to plan, providing direct support on research projects as needed.
• Ensure all aspects of the research projects are being conducted effectively and in a timely manner.
• Oversee output produced by research staff, including junior researchers, allocating tasks and ensuring sufficient research support.
• Develop and maintain effective working relations with internal and external stakeholders, including partners, funders and other collaborators.
• Solve complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.
• Manage day‑to‑day project activities, including preparing for and facilitating internal and external meetings, ensuring tasks are completed on time and aligned with project goals.
• Provide direct support for faculty leads and collaborate with project partners to prepare for policy events and engagements; coordinate across stakeholders to ensure smooth communication and collaboration.
• Manage project communications including preparing materials for policymakers (briefing documents, presentations, and reports), develop communications plans, and coordinate messaging across stakeholders, working in close coordination with faculty leads.
• Develop and refine processes and procedures for project implementation, tracking, and reporting.
• Manage development of high‑quality project outputs including literature reviews, data summaries, and presentations; applying specialized knowledge of microeconomic theory and international development.
• Synthesize research findings and translate them for policy, practitioners, and general audiences.
• Apply sector expertise to evaluate potential engagements for alignment with DIL's policy and research priorities.
• Coordinate fundraising efforts and identify opportunities for fundraising.
• Provide guidance, training and support to junior staff and project team members; support recruitment efforts.
• Use subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research‑related duties and tasks.
• Work independently to assist with project design and guide data collection, evaluation and analysis.
• Design and manage databases.
• Write reports, articles and manuscripts.
• Perform other related work as needed.

• College or university degree in a related field.
• 5‑7 years of related work experience, developing knowledge and skills in the discipline.

• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or a related field.
• Experience leading or contributing to RCTs in low‑ or middle‑income countries in sectors related to agriculture, food security, or rural development.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex research and/or policy programs, preferably in international development or development economics.
• Demonstrated understanding of impact evaluation, economics and statistics, agriculture, weather forecasting, and government program implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, drive simultaneous projects to completion with minimal supervision, and work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to synthesize evidence across multiple studies and translate findings into clear, accurate policy documents for diverse and cross‑cultural audiences.
• Experience in one or more sectors related to DIL’s work (including agriculture, education, water treatment and child health).
• Demonstrated cross‑cultural communication abilities, excellent organizational skills, and exceptional attention to detail.

Candidates must be willing to travel as needed and work in a hybrid format, with an expected 3 days on campus per week and flexibility to come into the office as required.

The 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. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.