What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Director, The Harris Social Impact Fellowship position at University of Chicago?
Department
Harris Public Policy Staff
About The Department
Why 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. 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. We lead with our passion for driving social change, knowing that passion alone does not equal impact.
Job Summary
Harris Public Policy is seeking a dynamic self-starter with strong project management skills to lead the development and implementation of our innovative Fellowship Program. The Social Impact Fellowship at the Harris School of Public Policy is a prestigious, year-long initiative designed to equip high-achieving, technically-minded, recent college graduates with the tools, mentorship experience, and community needed to drive meaningful social impact. The Program focuses on public policy, data analytics, and leadership development, with the first cohort launching in Fall 2026.
This Program Director will partner with the Academic Director to drive the creation, development, and execution of the fellowship. This role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and a passion for a rigorous approach to public policy and social impact. As one of the Program’s inaugural leaders, the Program Director will ensure its success by fostering a world-class experience for fellows, building strategic partnerships, and positioning the fellowship as a model of innovative leadership development. This is a newly created position that is funded for the first 18 months, with an opportunity for renewed funding. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is a builder and has a passion for social impact.
Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications
Preferred Qualifications
Experience
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
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$78,625.00 - $101,750.00
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 Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.
Staff 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.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
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.
Harris Public Policy Staff
About The Department
Why 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. 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. We lead with our passion for driving social change, knowing that passion alone does not equal impact.
Job Summary
Harris Public Policy is seeking a dynamic self-starter with strong project management skills to lead the development and implementation of our innovative Fellowship Program. The Social Impact Fellowship at the Harris School of Public Policy is a prestigious, year-long initiative designed to equip high-achieving, technically-minded, recent college graduates with the tools, mentorship experience, and community needed to drive meaningful social impact. The Program focuses on public policy, data analytics, and leadership development, with the first cohort launching in Fall 2026.
This Program Director will partner with the Academic Director to drive the creation, development, and execution of the fellowship. This role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and a passion for a rigorous approach to public policy and social impact. As one of the Program’s inaugural leaders, the Program Director will ensure its success by fostering a world-class experience for fellows, building strategic partnerships, and positioning the fellowship as a model of innovative leadership development. This is a newly created position that is funded for the first 18 months, with an opportunity for renewed funding. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is a builder and has a passion for social impact.
Responsibilities
- Works with the Academic Director to develop and oversee a dynamic fellowship curriculum emphasizing data analytics, policy tools, and leadership development.
- Works with the Academic Director to design and oversee the implementation of the fellowship program, ensuring alignment with the mission and goals of the Harris School of Public Policy.
- Establishes metrics to evaluate program success and makes adaptations based on feedback.
- Cultivates partnerships with faculty and organizations to support the fellowship experience.
- Engages donors and funding partners to secure program sustainability and growth.
- Serves as the primary liaison between fellows, faculty, alumni, and the broader UChicago community.
- Develops a comprehensive recruitment strategy to attract a diverse, high-achieving applicant pool.
- Oversees the selection process, including application review, interviews, and cohort formation.
- Guides fellows through the fellowship year, including orientation, community building, classwork, and experiential learning within partner organizations.
- Utilizes collaboration skills with other teams to deliver a seamless fellowship experience.
- Develops and implements Program operations, including protocols for information flow, staff oversight, and logistics.
- Oversees the budget and ensures optimal allocation of resources.
- Organizes flagship events, including capstone presentations and an annual alumni retreat.
- Serves as the Fellowship’s liaison with the Harris School’s administration.
- 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.
- Manages program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.
- Has a deep understanding when interacting with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications
Preferred Qualifications
Experience
- Professional experience in project management, higher education, or public policy leadership.
- Proven track record in strategic planning and program development.
- Background coordinating with executive directors and research leaders from on-campus institutions, off-campus think tanks, government entities, or non-profit organizations focusing on research or evaluation.
- Background working with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, donors, and community partners.
- Conceptualize, plan, and execute complex, multi-faceted projects with minimal oversight.
- Entrepreneurship attitude.
- Exceptional leadership, vision, and team-building abilities.
- Strong organizational and relationship building skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Inspire and mentor emerging leaders.
- Familiarity with data analytics and public policy frameworks.
- Manage a range of stakeholders with competing agendas.
- Compelling and outgoing personality, comfortable pitching and managing fundraising.
- This role is located in Chicago, at the University with a hybrid work arrangement.
- Some evening and weekend work.
- An estimated 10% overnight travel.
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- References Contact Information (3)(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
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$78,625.00 - $101,750.00
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 Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.
Staff 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.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
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.
Salary : $78,625 - $101,750
