AD, Programs & Partnerships
About the Company
For more than 125 years, the University of Chicago has forged its own path. This has led to new schools of thought and a transformative education for students, and laid the groundwork for breakthroughs across the sciences, medicine, economics, law, business, history, culture, the arts, and humanistic inquiry.
The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth leverages the University’s unique legacy and resources to balance the risks of a changing climate with the essential need for human progress. It does so by combining frontier research in economics and climate policy, and key energy and climate technologies, with a pioneering approach to education that provides a 360-degree understanding of the climate and growth challenge. The Institute also seeds interdisciplinary research that explores new topics in this ever-evolving field and deploys practical, effective solutions in countries central to this challenge.
About the Job
The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth is seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to serve as the Associate Director of Programs and Partnerships for our Education Programs. This newly created role represents an exciting opportunity to shape and expand the Institute’s educational and co-curricular offerings in the fields of energy and climate. The successful candidate will bring subject matter expertise, a creative and entrepreneurial mindset, and a passion for program development and student engagement.
Responsibilities
Develops educational programs and partnerships related to energy and climate change, both internally at the University of Chicago and externally, to create unique student experiences and build the brand of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth
Designs, implements, and manages co-curricular programs related to energy and climate, ensuring alignment with the Institute’s strategic goals
Develops innovative educational initiatives to enhance student learning and engagement in energy and climate topics
Identifies, cultivates, and maintains partnerships with external organizations, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders to enhance the Institute’s educational offerings
Collaborates with faculty, staff, and internal University of Chicago partners to create opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning and professional development
Contributes to the planning and execution of broader Institute educational programming, including workshops, speaker series, and collaborative projects
Manages budgets, timelines, and deliverables for assigned programs
Serves as a resource for students, providing guidance and support related to educational opportunities and career pathways in energy and climate
Monitors and evaluates program outcomes, providing regular updates and recommendations to leadership
Oversees professional staff in the Institute’s educational programs and partnerships group
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
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
Has a deep understanding when interacting with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information
Performs other related work as needed
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
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
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as environmental studies, energy policy, sustainability, public policy, or related disciplines
Master’s degree in a relevant field such as environmental studies, energy policy, sustainability, public policy, or related disciplines
Professional experience in program development, project management, or a related role in the fields of energy, climate change and public policy
Working in higher education or with student programs is a plus
Demonstrated subject matter knowledge of energy and climate issues, and translate complex concepts into engaging educational programming
Strong organizational skills and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience engaging diverse audiences
Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Familiarity with global energy and climate events, such as COP conferences or CERAWeek is a plus
Demonstrated ability to design and implement creative and impactful programs
Highly motivated, proactive, and results-oriented with a strong sense of initiative
Work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve shared goals
Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving priorities
