Executive Director, Center Municipal Finance

Department University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy About the Department The mission of the Center for Municipal Finance (CMF) is to improve the quality of life in our communities through better-informed decisions about public money. To that end, we strive to be the leading source for the best research, training and outreach on states and localities taxing, spending, borrowing and investing decisions.

The CMF enables students and faculty to engage the major financial issues of the day facing state and local governments in the United States and around the globe. Some of the topical and enduring issues of municipal finance include financing infrastructure, the use of municipal bonds, privatization, pension liabilities and the efficacy of reform, tax base adequacy, and more. munifinance.uchicago.edu

The Executive Director of the Center for Municipal Finance at the Harris School of Public Policy will provide strategic and operational leadership to advance municipal finance research, education, and industry engagement. This role would involve managing the center’s operations, fostering key partnerships, and engaging in fundraising efforts to support its mission. The Executive Director will also build industry partnerships and manage a periodic academic research digest.

This role involves close collaboration with other research centers and develops executive education offerings, including international programs. Additionally, the Executive Director will build and maintain the alumni network, create and maintain the center’s Linked In page, and lead efforts to create a digital archive for the municipal bond market, thereby enhancing the center’s outreach and value to the field of municipal finance.

The Executive Director would also help guide research and policy projects on issues like budgeting, taxation, and public pensions, working closely with faculty, students, and external collaborators. Additionally, the director would expand educational offerings for students, policymakers, and practitioners, aiming to enhance public understanding and policy development in municipal finance.

• Implement and execute the center’s mission and strategic goals. This involves operationalizing the direction for research, outreach, and program development, ensuring alignment with the broader institutional goals.
• Oversee and support research initiatives, including coordinating faculty-led projects, managing research publications, and facilitating student involvement in research through fellowships, internships, and other programs.
• Cultivate relationships with industry leaders, policymakers, academic peers, and other stakeholders.
• Build partnerships that add value through training, consulting, and collaborative research efforts, while also creating networking and professional development opportunities.
• Lead fundraising initiatives, including securing grants, managing budgets, and optimizing resource allocation.
• Ensure sustainable funding to support ongoing and new programs, as well as the operational stability of the center.
• Manage day-to-day operations, including team oversight, budgeting, and ensuring operational efficiency. This includes overseeing support staff, student assistants, and any collaborative relationships with other departments.
• Develop and expand educational offerings, such as workshops, executive education programs, and public seminars. This often involves coordinating with other departments to create specialized training and professional development opportunities.
• Promote the center’s work through online platforms, publications, public events, and conferences.
• Maintain an active presence on professional networks (like Linked In), and engage with alumni networks…