Program Manager

Department UL Crime Ed Lab Program Management About the Department 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. To learn more about the Crime Lab and Education Lab, visit https://urbanlabs.uchicago.edu/labs/crime and https://urbanlabs.uchicago.edu/labs/education. About the Role: The University of Chicago Crime Lab is seeking an experienced Program Manager who can support the launch of the Policing Academy, a first-of-its-kind. This Program Manager will work closely with our Program Director, Policing Leadership Academy and other members of organizational leadership to ensure the success of this new initiative. Strong candidates will have experience in government administration, political organizations, or the public sector more generally. Job Summary The job manages academic, research, clinical or administrative programs. Responsibilities Manage the program tracker to develop and manage detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports to ensure work streams are moving forward. Identify appropriate resources needed and develops schedules to ensure timely completion of projects. Prepare agendas and other documents for facilitating project meetings. Identifies gaps in program progress, ensuring the research team is meeting deadlines and providing quality deliverables. Works closely with the UChicago Crime Lab research team evaluating program effectiveness, adjusting program implementation as necessary. Coordinates the successful integration of partner and affiliate tasks and tracks and reviews the progress of these deliverables, adjusting the program team’s next steps as needed. Supports the Program Director, Policing Leadership Academy in managing external partnerships by assisting with vital communication such as program updates and meeting preparation. Acts as a resource for the program team and provides analytical and programmatic guidance. Interprets complex project issues and provides analytical guidance for the program team. 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. Uses in-depth knowledge and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries such as communicating with programs sponsors and academic advising for undergraduate students. 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: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, sociology, or a closely related field. Advanced degree strongly preferred. Experience: Experience with quantitative data analysis to support the research design strongly preferred. Previous experience working in a research organization or managing research projects strongly preferred. Previous experience with research strongly preferred. Previous experience in policing or working with the criminal justice system strongly preferred. Preferred Competencies Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail. Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to maintain positive relationships with various internal and external stakeholders. Strong time management skills with a proven ability to multitask and to prioritize activities to successfully complete projects on tight deadlines with little supervision. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact with a variety of audiences. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment. Knowledge and understanding of crime policy and violence research literature strongly preferred. Application Documents Resume (required) Cover Letter (required) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Administration & Management Role Impact Individual Contributor FLSA Status Exempt Pay Frequency Monthly Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Benefits Eligible Yes Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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. Staff 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. We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. 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. The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/