Department
UL Crime Ed Lab Portfolio Directors

The Role
The University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab is seeking a Program Director to manage all programmatic elements of the Policing Leadership Academy. The Program Director will report the to the Director, Policing Leadership Academy and work closely with Crime Lab and Education Lab research teams. Strong candidates will have demonstrable project management or program management successes and comfort working with a diverse range of professionals.
This is a hybrid role with in-person requirements for programming weeks in Chicago and Washington, D.C. Additional travel needed for relevant meetings and convenings; anticipated once or twice per year.

Job Summary
The job leads the administration of academic, research, clinical or administrative programs.

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Director, Policing Leadership Academy, ensures the success of PLA programming from cohort recruitment through graduation. This includes, but is not limited to: maintaining and updating project plans and trackers; identifying opportunities for process improvement and cost savings, leading coordination meetings and managing the ensuing tasks; delegating tasks and responsibilities as appropriate; and leading problem solving for unexpected obstacles or challenges.
• In coordination with the related research team, manages the recruitment of new participants and districts for each planned cohort.
• Serves as the key point of contact and relationship manager for current and past districts and municipalities participating in the PLA; managing both routine communication and the completion of all necessary compliance-related documentation.
• Coordinates with the PLA Advisory Committee, ensuring clear communication and strong collaboration between them, PLA research and program teams, and Crime Lab leadership as necessary.
• Leads PLA team in creating and maintaining detailed detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports. Identifies appropriate resources needed and develops schedules to ensure timely completion of tasks and responsibilities.
• Acts as a resource for all staff assigned to PLA project and provides programmatic guidance. Ensures all staff assigned to the PLA team have a clear understanding of their routine responsibilities and are proficient enough on the relevant resources to be able to backfill for others if and when needed.
• Works closely with the Finance Team to manage contractor and vendor relationships, track expenditures, and monitor project budgets.

• Works closely with the UChicago Crime Lab research team evaluating program effectiveness, adjusting program implementation as necessary.
• Provides specialized professional expertise in program management. Implements plans for educational programs and initiatives and acts as a liaison between the program and program participants.
• Serves as a key resource for program information. Resolves problems or questions referred by program staff, University administrators, or other contingencies.
• 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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Previous experience working in a research organization or managing research projects strongly preferred.
• Previous experience in policing or working with the criminal justice system strongly preferred.

Education:

• Advanced degree 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.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce in a complex research environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and comfort interacting with a variety of colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage large-scale programming events towards a successful outcome.
• Demonstrated ability to manage to a budget.
• Resourceful problem-solver and critical thinker; proactive in anticipating and averting problems.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

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

Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$100,000.00 - $115,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.