Chief of Staff, Education Lab

Department

UL Crime Ed Lab Portfolio Directors

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.

For more information about our work, visit the Crime Lab and Education Lab websites.

About the Role:

The Chief of Staff, Education Lab is a pivotal role supporting the work of the University of Chicago Education Lab. This role directly supports the work of the Executive Director, Education Lab and is a member of the Education Lab’s leadership team. This individual will ensure the strategic alignment, operational efficiency, and overall success of the Education Lab’s portfolio of work by driving high-impact initiatives, fostering collaboration, and ensuring strategic alignment across the portfolio of projects. Acting as a connector across teams and a liaison to external stakeholders, the Chief of Staff, Education Lab will play an important role in advancing the Lab’s mission to improve educational outcomes through cutting-edge research and practice.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success as a strategic thinker and proactive problem solver; possess exceptional communication skills, and a passion for education and organizational impact.

Job Summary

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

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Executive Director, Education Lab to articulate and execute the strategic vision, priorities, and goals for the Education Lab’s portfolio of work.

• Under the direction of the Executive Director, Education Lab, provide data-driven insights and actionable recommendations to guide high-level decision-making and alignment with the goals and objectives of the Education Lab’s portfolio of work.

• Maintain accountability and alignment across teams by tracking project timelines, milestones, and addressing roadblocks through tools like Quarterly Roundups. Work with the Education Lab leadership team to proactively identify and mitigate operational risks and challenges, assist teams in implementing effective solutions.

• Lead the planning and facilitation of internal team meetings, cross-functional coordination, and in-person team gatherings to enhance collaboration and communication.

• Manage cross-cutting initiatives requiring input from multiple team leaders, ensuring deadlines and deliverables are met.

• Collaborate with Research Directors and the Finance Team to develop and manage a multi-year budget for the Education Lab’s portfolio of work. Monitor implementation of this budget to ensure resources are allocated strategically and in accordance with stated budget priorities.

• Support the Executive Director, Education Lab in ensuring alignment between project goals, capacity, and resources across all staff supporting the Education Lab’s portfolio of work. This includes, but is not limited to: supporting in the coordination and preparation of quarterly check-in conversations, maintaining appropriate channels of communication between staff and Executive Director, Education Lab, and staying current on topics with the education policy and education research sectors. Support project teams in creating the foundational documents and tools that will guide decision-making, monitor progress towards project milestones and deadlines, and efficiently organize team-level effort.

• Prepare high-quality briefings, presentations, and reports to equip the Executive Director, Education Lab and stakeholders with actionable insights.

• Develops and administers program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.

• 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.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment, strong project management and organizational skills.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal colleagues and external partners.

• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing timelines, expectations, or project parameters.  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover letter (required)

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

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$102,000.00 - $132,000.00

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.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

 

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.

 

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.