University of Chicago · 3 weeks ago
Director, Strategic Initiatives andPrograms, ETI
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$140K/yr - $155K/yr
7+ years expThe University of Chicago is a prestigious institution that integrates science and engineering to address global challenges. They are seeking a Director of Strategic Initiatives and Programs for the Energy Technology Initiative (ETI), who will be responsible for advancing ETI's mission, optimizing operations, and deepening collaborations with various stakeholders.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Serves as ETI’s primary administrative leader, working closely with the ETI Faculty Director and ICSG to set and achieve joint strategic priorities
Deepens alignment of ETI initiatives with the broader goals of PME, ICSG, and the Corporate Engagement Office
Oversees development, execution, and evaluation of ETI’s major initiatives, partnerships, events, and collaborations, including ETN
Ensures cohesion across ETI programs, communications, and operational activities
Builds and nurtures relationships with University offices, faculty, industry partners, and external collaborators to advance ETI’s strategic objectives
Manages partnership and member agreements in collaboration with the Corporate Engagement Office to strengthen stakeholder and partnership coordination
Leads ETI’s communication strategy in partnership with ICSG Communications and ETN Faculty Directors
Oversees website content, event announcements, research highlights, media amplification, and development of internal and external communication materials
Directs logistics for ETI events and initiatives, including speaker and venue coordination and follow-up communications. Implements project tracking systems to monitor timelines, deliverables, budgets, and key outcomes
Identifies and supports funding opportunities, proposal development, and partnership cultivation to expand ETI’s research and program portfolio enhancing resource development and fundraising
Supervises, develops, and mentors the Research Operations Associate and the Manager of Programs and Partnerships, supporting ETI’s programs, fostering professional development and team cohesion
Leads the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans in support of ETI’s vision. Recommends process improvements to enhance program effectiveness and impact
Performs additional responsibilities as needed to ensure the success of ETI and its affiliated programs
Manages the dissemination, interpretation and application of program and recommends or makes exceptions
Contributes to design of program content, policies and strategic planning efforts
Performs other related work as needed
Qualification
Required
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (required)
Three Professional References Contact Information (required)
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in energy, engineering, environmental science, public policy, or a closely related discipline
Master's or other advanced degree
At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, research administration, energy innovation, or related fields
Background in higher education, government, or industry environments involving energy or technology
Proven leadership and strategic planning abilities, with a record of guiding complex, cross-functional initiatives to successful outcomes
Demonstrated excellence in program management, partnership development, stakeholder engagement, and business development, ideally within energy technology, sustainability, automotive, or academic-industry sectors
Deep understanding of academic research structures, university systems, and external partnerships, with a talent for cultivating and maintaining relationships across diverse internal and external stakeholders
Highly collaborative, team-oriented, and entrepreneurial, with a customer-focused approach and an established network in the energy or automotive sector
Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to connect with technical and non-technical audiences, represent the initiative externally, and build rapport that drives strategic impact
Strong strategic and analytical thinking skills; adept at synthesizing complex information, drawing actionable conclusions, and identifying new opportunities for program innovation
Outstanding project management and organizational skills, with demonstrated success managing multiple projects, budgets, and deliverables in dynamic, fast-paced, and ambiguous environments
Familiarity with scientific, engineering, and policy concepts in the energy and climate sectors; enthusiastic and curious about advances in science and technology
Work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, consistently maintaining professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality
Driven by impact, resilient under pressure, and skilled at navigating shifting priorities while upholding excellence in collaboration and stakeholder engagement
Benefits
Health
Retirement
Paid time off
Company
University of Chicago
One of the world’s great intellectual destinations, the University of Chicago empowers scholars and students to ask tough questions, cross disciplinary boundaries, and challenge conventional thinking to enrich human life around the globe.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Chicago has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (341)
2024 (318)
2023 (285)
2022 (233)
2021 (179)
2020 (172)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Benedicte Nolens
Distinguished Executive in Residence
Recent News
2025-11-08
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
2025-10-23
Company data provided by crunchbase