Department
University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy
About the Department
Policy with real impact doesn’t evolve from ideology or intuition, or even experience. At the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy developing effective public policy is a science, based on data and measurable impact.
Addressing today’s interconnected, global challenges requires rigorous inquiry. It also requires innovative people who will face the facts, gather data, and understand why current policies exist to improve them.
For more than thirty years, the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy has been steadfastly committed to serving society by advancing analysis- and evidence-informed policy. Guided by this exacting mission, our community of 60 tenure-track scholars, more than 1,200 students, and more than 6,000 alumni from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors are taking on the world’s most important problems by using the latest tools of social science.
The second-largest professional school at the University of Chicago and home to one of its largest undergraduate majors, Harris Public Policy offers a full range of degree and executive education programs that empower serious-minded and aspiring leaders from more than 40 countries each year. Harris is the academic home to 20 research centers, institutes, and labs that study and engage with the public on areas such as conflict, democracy and effective government, economic and political development, education, energy and environment, health, municipal finance, public safety, social policy, and urban policy.
Job Summary
The Associate Dean of Executive Education and Partnerships is a key member of the leadership team at the Harris School of Public Policy. This role is responsible for advancing the School’s global impact and financial sustainability by growing a robust portfolio of non-degree executive education programs, cultivating mission-aligned partnerships, and overseeing key strategic initiatives including the flagship Social Impact Fellowship.
Reporting to the Dean and managing a team of ten full-time staff, the Associate Dean will play a central role in positioning Harris as the University of Chicago’s hub for lifelong learning in public policy and applied research.
Responsibilities
Set strategic direction and drive execution for two core non-degree program areas: open-enrollment credential programs for learners from diverse backgrounds, and custom programs tailored to public and private sector partners.
Direct and approve key decisions related to program design, pricing, marketing, recruitment strategies, and learner experience to ensure high-quality delivery, alignment with institutional mission, and market responsiveness.
Oversee full financial and operational performance of the portfolio, including program P&L, global delivery logistics, vendor management, and compliance with University and external policies; proactively manage risk and drive toward revenue and margin targets.
Lead the development and institutional management of partnerships with governments, universities, NGOs, and corporate entities that extend the School’s research reach, global visibility, and financial sustainability.
Negotiate and steward complex agreements from inception to renewal, aligning partners’ objectives with Harris’s strategic priorities and ensuring consistent delivery and long-term value creation.
Represent Harris at the university-wide level by collaborating with central offices such as UChicago Global and other strategic initiatives; serve as a visible and trusted representative in cross-campus and international forums.
Provide support to cross-departmental global outreach efforts when needed.
Supervise, coach, and empower a team of ten FTEs, including direct oversight of recruitment, performance evaluation, professional development, and team culture.
Cultivate a values-driven, results-oriented environment that promotes collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement, and aligns with Harris’s institutional goals.
Shape and guide the strategic vision for the Social Impact Fellowship, ensuring excellence in fellow selection, curriculum design, experiential learning, and long-term impact measurement.
Build and manage relationships with faculty, alumni, and external partners to strengthen the program’s visibility, funding opportunities, and integration with the broader Harris ecosystem.
Manages the development, scheduling, and implementation of programs and marketing communications. Will also evaluate the effectiveness of programs and revise the curriculum as needed.
Initiates and maintains contact with client organizations. Also engages in activities that promote programs, including speaking at professional and alumni gatherings, writing articles, and presenting papers.
Develops and monitors program budgets, analyzes financial performance and implements corrective action when 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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in public policy or a related field.
Experience:
- 10 years of progressive leadership experience in executive education, strategic partnerships, or business development, preferably within a higher education or mission-driven organization.
- Demonstrated success in launching and scaling educational programs and partnerships with measurable results.
Preferred Competencies
- Strong financial and operational acumen, including experience managing budgets, P&L, and compliance in a global context.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross-cultural relationship-building skills.
- Proven ability to lead diverse, high-performing teams and foster inclusive, collaborative work environments.
Application Documents
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Academic Affairs
Role Impact
People Manager
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
$140,000.00 - $160,000.00
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 theBenefits 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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