Program Director, Policing Leadership Academy

About the Department The Policing Leadership Academy is a violence‑reduction initiative that seeks to prevent violent crime, support officers, and improve fairness and effectiveness in policing. It delivers a five‑month, robust management and leadership education for policing middle managers nationwide and in select global cities, focusing on high‑violence geographies. The Academy addresses a persistent training gap by providing a comprehensive curriculum in data‑driven management, violence reduction, and community trust. Role The University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab is seeking a Program Director to manage all programmatic elements of the Policing Leadership Academy. The Program Director reports to the Director, Policing Leadership Academy, and works closely with Crime Lab and Education Lab research teams. Candidates should have demonstrable project or program management successes and be comfortable working with a diverse range of professionals. This hybrid role requires in‑person programming weeks in Chicago and Washington, D.C., with additional travel for relevant meetings and convenings one or two times per year. Job Summary The job leads the administration of academic, research, clinical, or administrative programs. The Program Director ensures the success of PLA programming from cohort recruitment through graduation. Responsibilities Maintain and update project plans and trackers. Identify opportunities for process improvement and cost savings, lead coordination meetings, and manage ensuing tasks. Delegate tasks and responsibilities as appropriate. Lead problem‑solving for unexpected obstacles or challenges. Coordinate with the research team to manage recruitment of participants and districts for each cohort. Serve as the key point of contact and relationship manager for current and past districts and municipalities, managing routine communication and compliance documentation. Coordinate with the PLA Advisory Committee, ensuring clear communication and strong collaboration between committee members, PLA research and program teams, and Crime Lab leadership. Lead the PLA team in creating and maintaining detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports. Identify appropriate resources, develop schedules, and ensure timely completion of tasks and responsibilities. Act as a resource for all staff assigned to the PLA project and provide programmatic guidance. Ensure staff have clear understanding of routine responsibilities and are proficient enough to backfill for others when needed. Work closely with the Finance Team to manage contractor and vendor relationships, track expenditures, and monitor project budgets. Work closely with the UChicago Crime Lab research team evaluating program effectiveness and adjust program implementation as necessary. Provide specialized professional expertise in program management. Implement plans for educational programs and initiatives, acting as liaison between the program and participants. Serve as a key resource for program information. Resolve problems or questions referred by program staff, university administrators, or other contingencies. Perform other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications College or university degree in a related field. Minimum 7+ years of work experience in a related discipline. No specific certifications required. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience working in a research organization or managing research projects. Previous experience in policing or working with the criminal justice system. Advanced degree strongly preferred. Preferred Competencies Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail. Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment. Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders. Strong time‑management skills with proven ability to multitask and prioritize activities to meet tight deadlines with little supervision. Excellent written and verbal communication skills suitable for diverse audiences. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment. Knowledge and understanding of crime policy and violence research literature. Ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce in a complex research environment. Strong oral and written communication skills and comfort interacting with a variety of colleagues. Demonstrated ability to organize and manage large‑scale programming events toward successful outcomes. Demonstrated ability to manage a budget. Resourceful problem‑solver and critical thinker; proactive in anticipating and averting problems. Compensation Pay Range: $100,000.00 – $115,000.00 Benefits Benefits eligible: Yes. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Detailed information can be found in the Benefits Guidebook. Equal Opportunity 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 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. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history, but a conviction does not automatically preclude 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr The University Of Chicago