Executive Director, Center for Effective Government (CEG)

Company: The University Of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: May 24, 2025

Job Description:

Executive Director, Center for Effective Government (CEG)Executive Director, Center for Effective Government (CEG)Apply remote type Hybrid locations Chicago, IL time type Full time posted on Posted 3 Days Ago job requisition id JR29916DepartmentHarris Center for Effective Government LeadershipAbout the DepartmentWhy policy? For a better world. Why Harris Public Policy? Because when it comes to better policymaking, evidence matters. We work at the frontiers of data collection and analysis, using the latest technology and social science methods to design policies that work for society. We conduct rigorous inquiry in an environment of innovation and risk taking, fearlessly questioning the status quo. We collaborate across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, adopting new methodologies to drive better solutions. We engage with our city, our world, and our leaders every day to evaluate and test our ideas. And we lead with our passion for driving social change, knowing that passion alone does not equal impact. With passion and precision, we figure out what's best for society-and get it done. This is Harris Public Policy: Social impact, down to a science.Job SummaryAbout the Center:The Center for Effective Government (CEG), founded in 2019 at the Harris School of Public Policy, is dedicated to advancing democratic institutions and enhancing governmental problem-solving capabilities through rigorous research, critical debate, and public engagement.Position Overview:The Executive Director will be the strategic and operational leader of the Center, working closely with Professor Anthony Fowler (Faculty Director) to advance the Center's mission. This is a full-time leadership role that requires exceptional strategic thinking, research administration, communication skills, and the ability to bridge academic research with policy impact.Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan that positions CEG as a leading research center in government effectiveness and democratic innovation.
• Collaborate closely with the Faculty Director to align research priorities with the Center's mission.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with academic institutions, policy organizations, government agencies, and philanthropic foundations.
• Represent the Center at national and international conferences and academic forums.
• Oversee the Center's research agenda, including coordinating multi-disciplinary research projects, managing research staff, and supporting their professional development.
• Design and organize academic workshops, conferences, summer schools, and visitor programs.
• Manage the Center's annual budget, including developing comprehensive financial plans, preparing grant proposals, and conducting financial reporting.
• Lead administrative hiring and personnel management.
• Ensure compliance with university administrative policies and research protocols.
• Create and execute a comprehensive communications strategy to disseminate research findings to academic, policy, and public audiences.
• Oversee all external communications, including website content management, social media strategy, press releases, and academic publications.
• Develop multimedia and digital communication approaches to reach diverse audiences.
• Serve as the primary external representative of the Center.
• Build and maintain relationships with academic researchers, policymakers, government officials, potential funding partners, and media outlets.
• Translate complex research findings into accessible formats for different stakeholders.
• Provides specialized professional expertise in program management.
• Develops and administers program budgets and makes budgetary recommendations.
• Serves as a key resource for program information.
• Performs other related work as needed.Minimum QualificationsEducation: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.Preferred QualificationsExperience:
  • Minimum of 5-7 years of leadership experience with a proven track record of securing research funding.
  • Experience in higher education, government, think tanks, or policy research organizations.
  • Experience managing interdisciplinary teams.
  • Network of relationships in academic and policy communities.Preferred Competencies
    • Exceptional writing and communication skills.
    • Strong analytical and strategic planning capabilities.
    • Demonstrated ability to translate academic research into actionable policy insights.
    • Proven success in developing communication strategies.Working Conditions
      • Some travel required for conferences, stakeholder meetings, and research events.Required Documents
        • Resume
        • Cover letter
        • Three professional referencesWhen applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.Job FamilyAdministration & ManagementRole ImpactIndividual ContributorScheduled Weekly Hours37.5Drug Test RequiredNoHealth Screen RequiredNoMotor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNoPay Rate TypeSalaryFLSA StatusExemptPay Range$90,000.00 - $120,000.00The 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 EligibleYesThe University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.Posting StatementThe 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.
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Keywords: The University Of Chicago, Carol Stream , Executive Director, Center for Effective Government (CEG), Government & Protective Services , Chicago, Illinois