Associate Director, Policy and Strategic Engagement

University of Chicago • Austin, TX

5d • $95,000 - $110,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

The Associate Director, Policy and Strategic Engagement assists in the strategic planning, development, and implementation of Institute events and other external engagement and policy initiatives. As an effective strategist and communicator, the Associate Director builds strong relationships with external partners, key stakeholders, and internal teams. They are adept at identifying current issues in climate and energy to develop innovative event opportunities aligned with Institute objectives and strategic goals and bring strong relationships and understanding of the climate and energy sector. The Associate Director brings a robust understanding of and expertise in issues in climate, energy, and environmental policy. This role requires enthusiasm for climate and energy issues, attention to detail, and the ability to identify creative solutions while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Advanced degree.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in climate, energy, or environmental policy, communications, government affairs, or a related field.
• Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders.
• Conference and event planning, as well as program management.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional collaboration.
• Work closely, and effectively communicate with, senior leadership, faculty, and stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Windows Suite, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate professionalism while effectively communicating with colleagues, vendors, and the university community to foster collaboration and ensure smooth operations.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines.
• Budget management skills.
• Exceptional work ethic with proven ability to work independently, proactively, courteously, efficiently, and tactfully, using sound judgment, in a fast-paced environment with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, as well as with students, faculty, and senior leadership; easily establish rapport and cultivate relationships with individuals both inside and outside of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Working directly with the Managing Director, Policy and External Engagement, assists in the strategic direction, planning, and development of Institute events, including academic conferences and workshops and Climate Frontiers, the Institute’s marquee annual event; external events and partnerships such as CERAWeek, the Aspen Ideas Climate conference, New York Climate Week, and the UNFCCC COP; and external facing media events on relevant policy issues. Develops and scopes event goals, program development, identification of speakers and management of invitations, and other duties as required.
• Working directly with the Managing Director, provides research and administrative support to policy-relevant initiatives and projects of the Institute.
• Working directly with the Managing Director, assists in managing operations of the Institute fellows program, including identifying potential visiting fellows to contribute to Institute strategic goals.
• Develops and maintains databases for external engagement with policy audiences domestically and internationally.
• Monitors developments in climate and energy policy domestically and internationally to identify strategic opportunities for Institute engagement.
• Works closely with the full events and communications teams on event marketing to ensure strategic goals for each event are met.
• Works closely with events team to ensure events are executed at the highest standards of professionalism and impact.
• Guides research, including vendor selection and contract negotiation.
• Keeps track of all expenses, prepares reports on costs, solves complex problems as they arise.
• Implements ideas for improvement as they are identified in addition to providing post-event feedback on turnout and vendor performance.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director