MD, Policy & Engagement
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 University of Chicago Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth (ICSG) is a groundbreaking effort uniting faculty from across the university to advance society’s understanding of our energy and climate future. The Institute combines faculty insights in energy markets and policy, climate systems engineering, and energy technology to produce world-changing ideas while also investing in the next generation of energy and climate thinkers, leaders, and innovators through novel educational programs.
About the Job
The Managing Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement is a key member of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth’s leadership team. In coordination with Institute leadership and with the support of a highly talented communications, development, programming, and events staff, the Managing Director leads the Institute’s efforts to engage and build relationships with key external stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, and thought leaders globally. In coordination with Institute leadership, the Managing Director also works to coordinate and communicate Institute programming, resources, and other news with the University of Chicago academic community, alumni, and University leadership.
This individual will help to advance the Institute’s national and global visibility, reputation, and prestige by leading policy and strategic engagement in support of the Institute's core initiatives and priorities. The Managing Director engages leaders and supporters around the world who can benefit from the research discoveries and intellectual capital being developed at the Institute. Working with the Senior Director of Communications, the Managing Director is responsible for ensuring that faculty research impacts a variety of external audiences through direct engagement, communications, programming and events, and other sophisticated communication vehicles.
Responsibilities
Works as part of the Institute leadership team on overall strategy, goals, and vision for the Institute
Represents the Institute in a variety of national and international settings, by attending meetings and events, presenting about the Institute and its research, and speaking on the record with media
Builds and maintains relationships with US and global leaders and influencers and their staffs, including within governments, NGOs, foundations, the media, and the private sector for the purposes of sharing the research and exploring new partnerships and programming
Works with event and program staff to design programs that advance the Institute’s strategic priorities in the US and globally
Creates and builds opportunities for the Institute to routinely engage with US and global policymakers and policy-relevant institutions. This includes, but not limited to, meeting with Capitol Hill and administration officials, facilitating briefings, visits and roundtables, and participating in editorial board meetings
Manages a robust and diverse fellows program at the Institute by recruiting high-profile opinion leaders and influencers from a range of sectors and facilitating strategic and high-value activities for them to engage in during their tenure
Works with the Senior Director of Communications to plan and organize media coverage for high-profile events and responds to requests on sensitive or controversial issues
Proactively engages in the 'news of the day' by framing research in the context of current events through media interviews, opinion pieces, and personal social media channels
Oversees the teams responsible for writing, preparing, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit. Accountable for setting and achieving the unit's goals and strategy in policy and strategic engagement
Leads highly talented and effective communications and events teams at the Institute
Provides administrative and programmatic direction and coordination in the formulation, interpretation and administration of the University's strategic planning and related Unit objectives and subsequent short and long term policies, procedures and program plans
Provides regular reports to executive management on all projects and strategic initiatives. Ensures that appropriate project documentation is maintained in order to meet organizational needs and all applicable requirements
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 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in public policy or any related field; an advanced degree is a plus
10-15 years working in an energy, climate change policy or communications environment in a leadership role
Significant management experience
Demonstrated experience working directly with researchers, preferably in an academic setting
Collaborating with governments, public and private institutions, and the private sector and navigating international geopolitics and processes
Demonstrated ability to influence a diverse group of people to meet goals and deadlines, build and manage teams, and work collaboratively with senior leadership
Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with multiple stakeholders
Understand complex research and identify the best way to communicate said research to a variety of different audiences
Comfort and experience working with members of the media
Handle multiple tasks and assignments simultaneously
Creativity and think outside-the-box
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
Problem-solving skills
Work independently with a high degree of initiative
Work as a member of a team
Attention to detail with excellent organizational skills
Set priorities and meet deadlines
Superior degree of professionalism
