Department
Harris School International Innovation Corp, IIC
About the Department
Governments across the globe have enormous potential and drive, but also face immense social and economic hurdles in implementing policy and welfare programs at scale. For undeterred progress, the public sector seeks a diverse and innovative workforce that can address critical impediments and revitalize the system.
The International Innovation Corps (IIC) was created to address this need. IIC is a social impact fellowship program based at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy. We identify and mentor zealous young professionals to partner with the public and social sector in solving complex development challenges with a pragmatic and data-driven approach.
The Applied Data Fellowship program is focused on the intersection of data analysis and public policy in the US. In recent years, data-driven analysis has become an important part of policy development. While governments and non-profits are increasingly investing in data analysis capabilities, there still remains a significant gap between data analysis and actual policy implementation. The ADF aims to provide a bridge between data and policy through a one-year United States-based fellowship in applied data.
Job Summary
The Executive Director of the International Innovation Corps (IIC) and Applied Data Fellowship (ADF) will provide strategic leadership, ensuring the successful execution and growth of both the India-based IIC program and the US-based ADF program. This role demands a visionary leader with strong capabilities in strategic planning, client relationship management, and team leadership. The Executive Director will oversee the development and implementation of strategies that align with the mission and goals of both programs, fostering innovation and impact in their respective regions.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Planning:
- Lead the development and execution of long-term strategic plans for both the IIC and ADF programs, ensuring alignment with the broader goals of the organization.
- Oversee the integration of strategic initiatives across the India-based IIC and US-based ADF, identifying synergies and opportunities for collaboration.
- Continuously assess the external environment to refine and adapt strategies, ensuring the programs remain at the forefront of innovation and impact in their respective fields.
- Guide the strategic direction of both programs, leveraging data-driven insights to inform decision-making and optimize outcomes.
- Client and Stakeholder Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government partners, academic institutions, donors, and industry leaders in both India and the US.
- Act as the primary liaison between the IIC and ADF programs and external partners, ensuring that client needs are met and that the programs' initiatives align with stakeholder expectations.
- Provide strategic advice and thought leadership to partners and stakeholders, helping them navigate complex challenges and achieve their objectives.
- Ensure effective communication and collaboration with all stakeholders, fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect.
- Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead and mentor a diverse team across India and the US, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of top talent within both programs, ensuring that the teams have the skills and resources needed to succeed.
- Drive team performance through effective goal setting, regular feedback, and professional development opportunities, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives of IIC and ADF.
- Cultivate a positive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages open communication and creative problem-solving.
- Program Oversight and Performance Management:
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of both the IIC and ADF programs, using data and analytics to track progress against strategic goals and identify areas for improvement.
- Develop and implement performance management frameworks that align with the overall mission of the programs, ensuring accountability and transparency in all operations.
- Provide regular updates and reports to senior leadership and key stakeholders, highlighting achievements, challenges, and areas for strategic focus.
- Oversee the financial management of both programs, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and that budgets are managed responsibly.
- Provides leadership for Center with senior management and serves as a liaison to academic departments, professional organizations and administrative units of the University.
- Manages related teams. Establishes department priorities, may be responsible for the management of the center budget, allocates resources and executes strategic plans.
- 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: -
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., Public Policy, Business Administration, International Relations) or equivalent experience.
Experience:
- 7+ years of experience in strategic leadership roles, with a strong track record in managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs.
- Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, with the ability to develop and execute strategies that drive organizational growth and impact.
- Proven experience in client and stakeholder management, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse partners.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with a focus on fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience in international program management, particularly in India and the US, is highly desirable.
Working Conditions:
- Ability to travel between India and the US as required, with up to 10% travel time expected.
- Flexibility to work in both India and the US offices as needed.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover letter (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family: Administration & Management
Role Impact: People Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Drug Test Required: No
Health Screen Required: No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required: No
Posting Statement
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