Assistant Director, The Harris Social Impact Fellowship

Department

Harris Harris School Social Impact Fellowship Sub Group

About the Department

Why policy? For a better world. Why Harris Public Policy? Because when it comes to better policymaking, evidence matters. We work at the frontiers of data collection and analysis, using the latest technology and social science methods to design policies that work for society. We conduct rigorous inquiry in an environment of innovation and risk taking, fearlessly questioning the status quo. We collaborate across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, adopting new methodologies to drive better solutions. We engage with our city, our world, and our leaders every day to evaluate and test our ideas. And we lead with our passion for driving social change, knowing that passion alone does not equal impact. With passion and precision, we figure out what’s best for society—and get it done. This is Harris Public Policy: Social impact, down to a science.

Job Summary

The Harris School of Public Policy seeks an organized, proactive, and mission-driven Assistant Director, The Harris Social Impact Fellowship to support the launch and ongoing operations of the Harris Social Impact Fellowship. This prestigious, year-long program equips high-achieving, technically minded recent college graduates with the skills, mentorship, and community needed to drive meaningful social impact through data analytics, policy, and leadership development. The inaugural cohort will launch in Summer 2026.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Assistant Director will provide critical programmatic, operational, and logistical support to help drive the creation, development, and execution of the fellowship. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a new and innovative program at its inception, supporting fellows, faculty, and partners while helping shape a world-class learning experience in public policy and social impact. This role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and a passion for a rigorous approach to public policy and social impact.

Responsibilities

• Works with the Program Director to develop and oversee a dynamic fellowship program emphasizing data analytics, policy tools, and leadership development.

• Works with the Program Director to design and oversee the implementation of the fellowship, ensuring alignment with the mission and goals of the Harris School of Public Policy.

• Supports the development of partnerships with faculty and organizations to build the fellowship experience.

• Supports the execution of a comprehensive recruitment strategy to attract a high-achieving applicant pool.

• Supports the fellow selection process, including application review, interviews, and cohort formation.

• Organizes flagship events, including capstone presentations, annual alumni retreat, orientation, workshops, and site visits.

• Serves as a primary point of contact for applicants and fellows, responding to questions and coordinating logistics related to the application, coursework, experiential learning, and events.

• Collects and manage feedback from fellows to improve the program experience.

• Assists with preparing materials for donors, advisory boards, and internal stakeholders.

• Assists in collecting and analyzing program data to support reporting and evaluation efforts.

• Uses moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.

  Sets and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.

• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Competencies

• Plan and execute complex, multi-faceted projects.
• Entrepreneurial attitude.
• Strong organizational and relationship building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Familiarity with data analytics and public policy frameworks.
• Comfort managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Working Conditions

• This role is located in Chicago, at the University with a hybrid work arrangement.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• 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) 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

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$65,000.00 - $78,000.00

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.

 

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