Project Associate

UL Crime Ed Lab Office Support
Who We Are: In cities across the country, people face high rates of gun violence, under-resourced schools, and social harms associated with the criminal justice system - all of which disproportionately impact people of color. These inequalities have profound consequences on public safety and opportunity. As a society we have failed to address these challenges, in part, because of our lack of understanding of the most effective and cost-effective solutions that can have a real impact on people’s lives. We believe that rigorous research can help. The University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab partner with cities and communities to use data and rigorous research to design, test, and scale programs and policies that enhance public safety, improve educational outcomes, and advance justice. Our mission is to combine world-class data science and research, in partnership with government agencies, to substantially improve the effectiveness of the public sector and achieve impact at scale. To learn more about the Crime Lab and Education Lab, visit https://urbanlabs.uchicago.edu/labs/crime.
This role will support organization-wide strategic initiatives across functions. The Project Associate’s responsibilities include project management, program planning and development support, performing a variety of professional and administrative duties that facilitate the day-to-day operations of the leadership office. This role is integral in representing the Crime Lab and Education Lab to various stakeholders. As a key collaborator, this position places a strong emphasis on crafting effective communication materials and fostering a culture of transparent and efficient information exchange.

• Serve as liaison for the leadership team, communicating with internal and external stakeholders and ensuring proper and timely attention is devoted to high level and high priority projects.
• Directly supports leadership with development, communication, and execution of strategic projects and initiatives; manages workstreams and project measurables and ensure timelines and outcomes are met.
• Participate in processes associated with making and communicating critical policy and program management decisions.
• Facilitate the preparation of a broad range of information resources and documents critical to policy and decision-making processes. These includes memoranda, emails, talking points, and briefing papers including late-breaking topics and issues with urgent turnaround times.
• Attend meetings with unit leaders delivering presentations in both formal and informal settings, as directed.
• Assist in the planning and execution of major events. Coordinate meetings, conference rooms, and agendas while overseeing all technical components (i.e. Zoom) are properly set up and operational.
• Manage executive calendars, ensuring preparedness for meetings, and makes travel and guests arrangements as needed.
• Track high-priority initiatives and outcomes. Monitor the progress of special projects, including adherence to methods and procedures, and prioritization of the work, including the development of assignments and schedules.
• Lead and oversee cross-functional material creation, facilitating special projects with a keen focus on action & accountability.
• Coordinate communication between leadership team members, bridging gaps in organizational structure, and supporting cross-functional collaboration.
• Serve as leadership communication extension, managing information flow, filtering work/requests, and facilitating internal and external stakeholder communications.
• Travel when needed, to provide on-the-ground support during key events/activities.
• Coordinates events, researches logistics, assists with planning and preparing presentations, event outreach, and post-event write ups.
• Assists with researching funding opportunities, preparing grant proposals, and drafting and/or editing other written materials with moderate guidance.
• Assists with other administrative projects as needed and acquire higher level guidance and skills.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• College or university degree in related field.

• Knowledge and skills developed through 2+ years of work experience in a related field.
• Experience working in a higher education or non-profit environment, strongly preferred.

• Must be able to deal effectively with a diverse workforce in a complex research environment.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently and as part of a team.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to multitask and meet critical deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality.
• Must have exceptional organization skills, with previous project management experience.
• Must be a resourceful problem-solver and critical thinker, be proactive in leveraging opportunities and anticipating and averting problems.
• Must handle all employment information and issues with absolute discretion - confidentiality is essential.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References (3) (required)

Administration & Management
Individual Contributor
Exempt
Monthly
37.5
Yes
No
No
No