Policy Research Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Department

SSD Development Economics Center: Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department

The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.

Job Summary

The job manages scientific research projects or scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences.
DIL is seeking a dynamic Senior Policy & Research Manager to oversee and lead organizational projects from inception to completion. The successful candidate will manage day-to-day operations, facilitate communication across stakeholders, and ensure projects are delivered on time and aligned with organizational goals. This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to work independently while supporting collaborative teams, and experience managing complex, multi-faceted initiatives. The Senior Policy & Research Manager will serve as a key liaison between leadership, research teams, implementation partners, and stakeholders.
The Senior Policy & Research Manager will bring expertise in development economics and evidence-based policy to manage research and policy work for the Office of the Faculty Director (OFD). The role requires demonstrated experience in program evaluation and research design, including familiarity with RCT methodology, proficiency in applied statistics and quantitative analysis, and the ability to synthesize evidence across multiple studies and translate findings to a mix of technical and general audiences. The Senior Policy & Research Manager will manage a team of policy staff, and deepen strategic relationships with partners and funders - applying specialized knowledge of microeconomic theory and international development to advance DIL's policy and funding priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct guidance to the Faculty Director, applying expertise in development economics and evidence-based policy to advise on strategic decisions, and prepare for high-level engagements with stakeholders.
• Manage development of high-quality research outputs including evidence syntheses, literature reviews, data summaries, and presentations.
• Prepare speeches, talking points, and briefing materials that synthesize economic research and translate technical findings for policy and practitioner audiences.
• Apply sector expertise to evaluate potential engagements for alignment with DIL's policy and research priorities.
• Lead the scoping and design of emerging research and policy initiatives, including conducting landscape analysis, evidence reviews, identifying partnership opportunities, and contributing to funding proposals.
• Manage and deepen strategic relationships with partners, funders, and collaborators by applying expertise in development economics and evidence-based research to advance DIL's policy and funding priorities.
• Engage senior leadership and the Faculty Director in communication strategy and development.
• Develop and contribute to relevant communications, including research papers, policy briefs, technical reports and presentations, applying specialized knowledge of microeconomic theory and international development.
• Manage a team of 2-3 policy staff, including Policy Associates and Managers, providing training and oversight.
• Lead recruitment for policy roles, applying deep knowledge of the field to evaluate candidates' technical and research qualifications.
• Contribute to cross-cutting Lab duties, such as participating in the Lab's mentorship program and helping with trainings and onboardings and other duties as assigned.
• Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.
• Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.
• 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in economics, public policy, international development or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience managing complex research and/or policy programs, preferably in the fields ofinternational development, or development economics.
• Demonstrated experience in program evaluation and/or research design, including familiarity with and ability to evaluate RCT methodology (e.g. sample sizes, treatment arms, effect sizes, power calculations).
• Experience leading or contributing to RCTs, ideally in a low- or middle- income countries.
• Experience conducting or managing research in one or more sectors related to DIL's core sectors: agriculture, education, water treatment, weather and climate adaptation, and child health.
• Proficiency in descriptive and applied statistics, including cost effectiveness analysis, with a demonstrated ability to interpret and communicate quantitative findings to non-technical audiences.
• Experience with data visualization, and quantitative and statistical analysis tools (e.g. Tableau, Datawrapper, Github, Stata, R).
• Demonstrated ability to leverage artificial intelligence while maintaining high quality products.
• Ability to synthesize evidence across multiple studies and translate findings into clear, accurate policy documents for diverse and cross-cultural audiences.
• Understanding of microeconomics and economic theory, ability to apply these to international development policy problems.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, drive simultaneous projects to completion with minimal supervision, andwork collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g. Asana) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Working Conditions

• Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and flexibly as needed for their respective responsibilities.
• This is a hybrid position, with an expected three days in-person per week. Candidates will be expected to flexibly come into the office as needed.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

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

$81,400.00 - $105,342.00

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.

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.

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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