Becker Friedman Institute – Development Innovation Lab
Founded and led by Nobel laureate and Faculty Director, Professor Michael Kremer, the Development Innovation Lab (DIL) is an affiliate of the Development Economics Center at the University of Chicago. Formally inaugurated in the spring of 2022, DIL brings researchers of various fields together with governments, firms and non-profits to use the tools of economics to identify, test, refine and scale innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries.
The Associate Director for the Office of the Faculty Director serves as the second in command in the Office of the Faculty Director, supporting the Chief of Staff for the office of the Faculty Director (CoS for OFD). Responsibilities include providing support to the CoS for OFD in outreach and communications related to the work of the Faculty Director including writing, public speaking and presentations, project development, event planning, and human resources of the Office of the Faculty Director. In general, the position supports the CoS for OFD in the public engagement of the Faculty Director and facilitates the strategic engagement to fulfill the Faculty Director’s responsibilities at the University of Chicago as University Professor of Economics in both the College and the Harris School of Public Policy as well as in his roles leading the Development Economics Center, Development Innovation Lab and Weiss Fund for Research in Development Economics. Other responsibilities include supporting the management of the Office of the Faculty Director to provide support in correspondence, logistics and calendar management and coordinating with the other teams reporting directly to the Faculty Director.

The job requires a strong technical knowledge of development economics and the ability to work efficiently across many projects and teams. The Associate Director for the office of the Faculty Director will be working directly with Prof. Kremer on a day-to-day basis. This position is well-suited for someone interested in a career at the intersection of research and policy.

• Leads writing of speeches, presentations, communications, and policy briefs.
• Coordinates research activities, and works on some research projects.
• Identifies and prioritizes opportunities for research, dissemination, policy outreach and funding.
• Manages and coordinates daily activities across DIL project teams.
• Works with the CoS for OFD to identify and implement systems to improve the efficiency and accuracy of support and coordinates with the Executive Director to ensure compliance with DIL and DEC systems.
• Under the direction of the CoS for OFD, leads efforts of all written materials required by the Faculty Director. This includes writing materials as well as coordinating and editing the efforts of other members of the Office of the Faculty Director.
• Coordinates correspondence from the Faculty Director.
• Provides support to the CoS for OFD and the Executive Director in the preparations of event planning, public relations, and other external communications and related activities that require Faculty Director involvement.
• 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.
• Manages program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.
• Has a deep understanding when interacting with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Master’s degree in economics, mathematics, statistics, public policy, or related discipline.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

• Experience with academic writing.

• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to translate technical ideas into non-technical content.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills including the ability to meet external and internal deadlines.
• Strong understanding development economics and economics research.
• A strong knowledge of randomized controlled trials and other empirical methods used in economics.
• Strong coordination and management skills.
• Proven experience managing teams and projects.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• Three Professional References Contact Information (required)

Administration & Management
Individual Contributor
Exempt
Monthly
37.5
Yes
Yes
No
No
No