Associate Director

About the Department

UL Crime Ed Lab Management

Who We Are In cities across the country, people face high rates of gun violence, under‑resourced schools, and social harms associated with the criminal justice system – all of which disproportionately impact people of color. These inequalities have profound consequences on public safety and opportunity. As a society we have failed to address these challenges, in part, because of our lack of understanding of the most effective and cost‑effective solutions that can have a real impact on people’s lives.

We believe that rigorous research can help. The University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab partner with cities and communities to use data and rigorous research to design, test, and scale programs and policies that enhance public safety, improve educational outcomes, and advance justice. Our mission is to combine world‑class data science and research, in partnership with government agencies, to substantially improve the effectiveness of the public sector and achieve impact at scale.

The Associate Director is a pivotal role supporting the work of the University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab. This individual will ensure the overall success of the organization’s expansive portfolio of work by supporting high‑impact initiatives, facilitating collaboration, and ensuring effective resource allocation across all projects.

The job is responsible for all aspects of non‑technical projects from conception to completion. Assembles teams and develops detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports while being the point of contact for those projects.

• Maintains alignment between project activities and organization objectives by tracking project timelines, milestones, and addressing roadblocks. Maintains regular communication with project leaders, Leadership Team, and Finance Team to ensure understanding of current organizational objectives and resource allocation.
• Under the direction of the Leadership Team, coordinates and leads quarterly project review meetings.
• Monitors adherence to project and program budgets. Works closely with project leads to track spending, anticipate changes in needed resources, and communicate updates to both Leadership and Finance Teams in a timely manner.
• Participates in the preparation of presentations, reports, project updates, and other communications for internal and external audiences.
• On occasion, may represent the Crime Lab and Education Lab in place of Leadership. May serve as a liaison for external relationships relating to the Crime Lab and Education Lab’s research portfolio.
• Collaborates with the Associate Director of Project Management to design and implement professional development for project management staff, both around new processes tied to managing projects to budget and around broader project management skills.
• As needed, supports new, strategically significant, or large projects within the organization’s portfolio.
• Tracks progress, conducts analysis, as well as prepares for and facilitates project meetings. Ensures adherence to quality standards and reviews project deliverables.
• Acts as a resource and subject matter expert for project team and provides analytical guidance. Interprets complex project issues and provides analytical guidance to a project team.
• Performs other related work as needed.

• Education:
  
  Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
• Work Experience:
  
  Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Previous experience working in a research organization or managing research projects.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment, strong project management and organizational skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal colleagues and external partners.
• Demonstrate…