University of Chicago

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

Executive Director, Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago

The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago is a new initiative led by Nobel laureate Professor Michael Kremer. Announced in fall 2020, DIL uses economics tools to develop and test innovations that improve lives in developing countries. From a chlorine dispenser based on the insights of behavioral economics, to the financing of Covid-19 vaccines, DIL works with governments, firms and nonprofits to advance knowledge and generate practical solutions to development challenges which can reach hundreds of millions of people.

Job Summary:
As the founding Executive Director, this role provides a rare opportunity to refine the mission and strategy for a new lab, while benefiting from the deep institutional infrastructure of BFI, the University of Chicago, and international policy partnerships built by Prof. Kremer and his collaborators. The Executive Director will be responsible for working closely with the faculty director to develop and execute DIL’s strategic plan and managing the Lab.

Responsibilities

• Spearheads the development of this new initiative to become an effective lab for fostering innovations using the tools of development economics.
• Leads conversations and negotiations with governments to plan, design, and execute collaborations with the Lab.
• Represents the Lab in meetings with high-level government officials, business executives, NGO leaders, and other key stakeholders on the global stage.
• Builds and oversees a growing organization.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• PhD degree in economics, public policy, or a related field preferred with training in microeconomics and econometrics.
• Candidates from a policy background who can demonstrate similar knowledge through demonstrated professional experience will also be considered.

Experience

• 8 or more years of professional work experience, with significant experience in international development research and implementation working with, and ideally part of a diverse set of stakeholders.
• 7 or more years of people management experience, including building teams of direct and indirect reports with significant technical and leadership skills as well as overall center management.
• 5 or more years of experience conducting or managing research in development economics.