Science Think Tank Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Department
EPIC AQLI
About the Department
The University of Chicago Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth (ICSG) is a groundbreaking initiative that brings together faculty from across the University to advance society's understanding of our energy and climate future. ICSG integrates insights into energy markets and policy, climate systems engineering, and energy technology to generate transformative ideas, while also fostering the next generation of energy and climate leaders through innovative educational programs.
The Air Quality Life Index, or AQLI, is an award-winning initiative developed by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC). Based on research by EPIC's director Michael Greenstone, the AQLI quantifies the causal relationship between particulate pollution exposure and reduced life expectancy - translating this into a platform where anyone on Earth can see how the air they breathe affects how long they live. Since its launch in 2018, the AQLI has featured prominently in global air pollution discussions and played a role in clean air policy developments in multiple countries. Its findings have been covered by more than 300 media outlets, reaching over 1.1 billion people worldwide. The AQLI sits within EPIC's broader Clean Air Program, which includes the Air Quality Fund and engagement with emissions trading policy, among other initiatives.
Job Summary
The Director, AQLI will lead the continued development and global reach of the AQLI, with the annual report and web platform as the core mandate. This includes managing the report production process in close coordination with Michael Greenstone and the research team, maintaining a focused and efficient format, and serving as a key public voice communicating about the AQLI and its findings with policymakers, funders, and media, especially in highly polluted regions. We are looking for someone who can run the AQLI effectively, efficiently, and independently, and who brings the strategic instincts and ambition to contribute across EPIC's clean air work overtime.
Responsibilities

• Supports strategic planning efforts for AQLI and the broader Clean Air Program.
• Develops and maintains relationships with external partners, including governments, philanthropies, and private sector stakeholders.
• Oversees and guides a small production team, including two data analysts, in the development of the annual AQLI report, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Presents AQLI findings to a range of audiences, including international stakeholders.
• Manages ongoing AQLI content development, including data analysis, written pieces, and communications materials.
• Contributes to fundraising efforts for AQLI and supports broader Clean Air Program initiatives.
• Collaborates with colleagues across EPIC, EPIC-India, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, and the University of Chicago on research-to-policy initiatives.
• Owns and manages the AQLI budget, including financial planning, resource allocation, and long-term sustainability.
• 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.
• 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:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Advanced degree related to air pollution, energy, climate, the environment, or economics.

Experience:

• Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience in the global air quality landscape, such as atmospheric science, environmental epidemiology, environmental economics, policy, think tank, nonprofit, or philanthropy.
• Writing op-eds or policy-focused pieces on environmental issues.
• Public speaking experience with a track record of presentations and/or on-the-record media interviews.
• Building strategic partnerships and a knack for fundraising.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient in Microsoft Windows Suite, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong program management skills, including experience producing research-driven reports, white papers, or data visualizations.
• Comfortable managing team members with varying technical backgrounds (software, atmospheric science, economics).
• Balance evolving priorities with long-term strategic planning.
• Demonstrated strong diplomatic and communication skills with diverse stakeholders from a variety of countries and cultural contexts.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with diverse, global audiences.

Working Conditions

• Work some early mornings/evenings for cross-time-zone collaboration. especially Asia and Europe.
• Travel internationally ~20% of the time, especially across South Asia.
• Eligible for a partially remote work schedule.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, describing why the applicant is interested in and qualified for this specific position (required)
• Three Professional References Contact Information (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
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
$100,000.00 - $120,000.00
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.
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.