Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Location: Chicago, IL Job Description: Project strategy and oversight; develops strategy and priority milestones for major grant-funded projects and activities. Collaborates with project advisors, philanthropic funders, and field leaders. Incorporates feedback on strategic objectives over time. Identifies new opportunities for modernizing the K-12 curriculum, with a focus on high school mathematics. External presentation and socialization strategy; develops a messaging and case-building strategy for large-scale reform in U.S. math education, in alignment with project goals and partner organizations. Represents DS4E to a wide diversity of external audiences, appearing as a spokesperson for our work and mission, and as a translator of data-driven research projects. Research synthesis; synthesizes project-generated research, impact data, survey research, and other outcomes. Generates clear and actionable briefings for an education leadership audience, including major philanthropic supporters and partner organization leaders and staff. Regularly identifies or takes on new project opportunities, evaluating alignment and strategic fit for DS4E. Projects may include integration of data science learning into other school subjects such as science, social studies, and English; leadership in AI literacy education; district technical assistance; research in teacher preparation; or other priorities as determined in collaboration with DS4E's Executive Director. Uses in-depth knowledge and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries such as communicating with program sponsors and academic advising for undergraduate students. Is responsible for tracking progress, conducting analysis, as well as preparing for and facilitating project meetings. Acts as a resource for a project team and provides analytical guidance. Interprets complex project issues and provides analytical guidance to a project team. Performs other related work as needed. Preferred Qualifications Experience : The ideal candidate for this position will be very knowledgeable about U.S. K-12 math education in a national context. This includes a deep relational network working with K-12 education policy stakeholders and U.S. education leaders and classroom educators. Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex research and data into clear recommendations for busy leaders. Content knowledge in data science / computer science / technology education. Familiarity with a nonprofit or community-organizing environment. Preferred Competencies Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan and communicate clear milestones, coordinate, delegate work into feasible timelines, and align external partners to common goals. Strong relational capacity, emotional intelligence, and empathy with multiple perspectives and backgrounds. Exceptional oral and written communication skills. Self-motivated and entrepreneurial mindset. Capable of operating in a fast-paced environment and dealing with ambiguity. Working Conditions 100% remote work. Occasional travel, including nights and weekends. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job. Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter (required) The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondis #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-03-01