Manager of Research Strategy & Special Projects

Department

BSD SUR - OHNS: Thirty Million Words - Curriculum & Communications

About the Department

The TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health at the University of Chicago develops, tests, and implements evidence-based interventions designed to promote very young children’s cognitive and social-emotional development, with a priority placed on that of children living in poverty. TMW Center interventions are designed to be overlaid onto existing health, education, and social service systems working at scale in each community in order to meet families where they already are. The TMW Center has a robust research and development strategy that includes further development and testing of TMW interventions; harnessing technology to support behavior change, intervention engagement, and analysis; and furthering strategies to engage parents in the TMW Center’s interventions across the health, early learning, and social service sectors.

Job Summary

The TMW Center seeks a motivated, flexible, and enthusiastic Manager of Research Strategy and Special Projects (MRSP) to directly support the work of the Co-Director. The MRSP acts as a thought partner to the Co-Director and coordinates existing and new special projects from conception to completion. The Special Projects Manager also assists with the assembly of teams and the development of detailed work plans, oversees the Co-Director’s schedule, and partners with others to develop project estimates, resource plans, and status reports. Proactiveness, strategic thinking, and straightforward problem-solving skills are valued in this role. Given the TMW Center’s objective of achieving population-level change, the ideal candidate would also bring to the role knowledge of the policymaking process and/or public administration, and experience engaging or facilitating collaboration across sectors.

Responsibilities

Research and Special Project Support:

• Play a pivotal role in shaping and executing research initiatives and special projects that maximize impact for children and families.

• In close coordination with the Co-Director, conduct in-depth background research for emerging lines of inquiry, including comprehensive literature reviews, data synthesis, and policy analysis. Develop and draft research papers, briefing documents, and white papers that contribute to the Center’s thought leadership.

• Help conceptualize, design, and manage research-driven projects, translating the Co-Director’s ideas into high-impact initiatives. Relevant projects may include research papers, policy briefs, white papers, book chapters, and a forthcoming book.

• Lead the development of new special projects, ensuring rigorous methodology, clear objectives, and actionable outcomes from start to completion.

• Additionally, oversee the integration of research findings into programmatic strategies. The MRSP will also supervise and mentor graduate and medical students who support the center’s research projects, as well as conduct assessments in Connecticut for the randomized control trial in 2025/2026.

Strategic Coordination and Communications Support for Co-Director:

• Serve as a close and trusted partner to the Co-Director, helping to streamline priorities, manage time effectively, and enhance communication flow.

• Anticipate project and Center needs and provide thoughtful support in navigating a dynamic workload.

• Draft and refine email communications, ensuring clarity and alignment with strategic goals.

• Collaborate with TMW Center staff and partners to gather key insights and background materials, equipping the Co-Director with the information needed for high-impact meetings and engagements.

• Help shape meeting agendas, actively participate in discussions, capture key takeaways, and track follow-ups to ensure progress.

• Keep the Co-Director informed and engaged across various Center projects, proactively monitoring timelines and commitments to maintain momentum on critical initiatives.

Other:

• Provides high-level, confidential support to the Co-Director, maintaining awareness of Center programs and initiatives to offer strategic insights and facilitate informed decision-making.

• Ensures seamless communication between the Co-Director’s office and Center staff.

• Acts as a liaison between the Co-Director and other Center leadership, fostering collaboration on project goals and initiatives.

• Drafts correspondence, research summaries, and other written materials, independently or for the Co-Director’s review. Analyzes and triages inquiries, ensuring timely and effective responses to complex inquiries.

• Prepares research reports, literature reviews, and briefing documents, contributing to academic publications, grant proposals, and conference presentations.

• Manages the Co-Director’s calendar, exercising considerable discretion and judgment as to priorities and effective use of the leader's time. May be asked to prepare special reports and summaries, assists in managing daily operation of the office, and assist in developing administrative goals and policies.

• Collaborates with the Center’s Communications Director to develop public-facing content that translates research findings and other information into accessible formats, including social media content.

• Supports the conceptualization and execution of special research projects, synthesizing findings and preparing recommendations for scholarly and policy impact.

• May involve some travel with Co-Director.

• Coordinates events, researches logistics, assists with planning and preparing presentations, event outreach, and post-event write ups.

• Assists with researching funding opportunities, preparing grant proposals, and drafting and/or editing other written materials with moderate guidance.

• Maintains website (including but not limited to: employment page, news page, staff page, project pages, innovation challenge page).

• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, psychology or education strongly preferred.

Experience:

• At least two years of experience in the social impact sector or in academic settings.

• Demonstrated familiarity or deep interest in early childhood development, public health, education, social sciences, educational content, and related subjects.

• Experience producing and interpreting academic research (literature reviews, data analysis, etc.).

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of early childhood developmental stages and pedagogy.

• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ability to train others.

• Excellent organizational skills, including strong attention to detail.

• Proven ability to establish and stick to timelines.

• Problem-solving skills, including a strong ability to prioritize.

• Initiative and independent judgment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Demonstrated ability to build diverse relationships and manage professional workload with minimal supervision.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

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

$60,000.00 - $85,000.00

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.

 

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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.

 

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