The posting
Department
Civic Engagement OCE Directors
About the Department
At the University of Chicago, civic engagement is an institution-wide commitment — grounded in our role as a major research institution and longstanding anchor on the South Side. Across the University and Medical Center, our schools, divisions, and research centers engage with neighboring communities in ways that are shaped by their specific areas of expertise. Together, this work contributes to efforts to strengthen K–12 education, improve local health, support economic growth, promote public safety, and enrich the South Side’s vibrant cultural landscape.
The University draws on its research, educational, and institutional strengths to contribute to the understanding of and response to complex social challenges. In many cases, this work is informed by engagement with community organizations, civic leaders, and public agencies. Grounded in UChicago’s distinctive culture of rigorous inquiry, our approach to civic engagement emphasizes evidence, critical analysis, and diverse perspectives, with the goal of informing solutions that support long-term progress and opportunity.
Civic engagement also encompasses UChicago’s commitment as an anchor institution to help build a strong, sustainable local economy. UChicago partners on many fronts to help develop an environment where businesses can grow, hire and reinvest locally, and where local workers have robust pathways to employment. More information about the unit can be found at this link: https://civicengagement.uchicago.edu/about.
Job Information
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Chief Strategist for Community Engagement and Partnerships, the Associate Vice President for Civic Partnerships and Community Impact provides strategic leadership for advancing the University's civic engagement priorities through institutional collaboration and strategic partnerships.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across the University, the Associate Vice President cultivates relationships with government, philanthropy, higher education, nonprofit organizations, business, and civic institutions; convenes colleagues across schools, divisions, and administrative units; and leads collaborative initiatives that strengthen the University's civic engagement efforts. Working closely with the Chief Strategist, the Associate Vice President translates institutional priorities into coordinated action, develops partnerships that advance shared goals, and identifies opportunities to enhance the University's long-term priorities.
Responsibilities:
- Lead implementation of the University's civic engagement priorities established by the Chief Strategist for Community Engagement and Partnerships.
- Work closely with the Chief Strategist and Assistant Vice President for Community Partnerships to advance partnership opportunities aligned with institutional priorities.
- Coordinate strategic initiatives involving schools, divisions, and administrative units to advance shared civic engagement goals.
- Identify opportunities to better align institutional expertise and resources around community priorities.
- Advise the Chief Strategist on emerging partnership opportunities, institutional needs, and approaches that strengthen civic engagement.
- Monitor implementation of major civic engagement initiatives and recommend operational and strategic improvements.
- Cultivate and steward executive-level relationships with leaders across government, philanthropy, higher education, nonprofit organizations, business, and civic institutions.
- Identify, develop, and manage partnerships that advance University priorities and create opportunities for collaboration.
- Represent the Office of Civic Engagement in regional partnerships, coalitions, and collaborative initiatives.
- Evaluate emerging partnership opportunities and recommend those that best align with institutional priorities.
- Negotiate and coordinate collaborative initiatives involving external organizations and University partners.
- Convene colleagues across schools, divisions, and administrative units to advance coordinated civic engagement initiatives.
- Guide implementation of initiatives requiring coordination among multiple University units.
- Identify and address barriers to effective collaboration across organizational boundaries.
- Foster communication, shared accountability, and sustained collaboration among participating partners.
- Develop implementation plans, priorities, and performance measures for major civic engagement initiatives.
- Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for project teams, consultants, and cross-functional working groups supporting civic engagement initiatives.
- Assess partnership effectiveness and identify opportunities to strengthen institutional impact.
- Prepare strategic analyses, recommendations, and briefing materials for the Chief Strategist and University leadership.
- Lead through influence, collaboration, strategic judgment, and relationship stewardship rather than formal authority.
- Performs other related work as needed
Competencies:
- Exceptional relationship-building, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to establish credibility and trust across diverse internal and external constituencies.
- Proven ability to lead through management and influence, diplomacy, and consensus-building rather than formal authority when applicable.
- Strong political acumen and sound judgment in navigating complex organizational, community, and public-sector environments.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to represent the University effectively with executive leaders, elected officials, community organizations, and external partners.
- Demonstrated ability to convene diverse stakeholders, facilitate productive dialogue, and build consensus around shared priorities and community impact initiatives.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify partnership opportunities, anticipate emerging trends, and develop innovative approaches that advance institutional and community goals.
- Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously while balancing long-term strategic objectives with evolving organizational and community priorities.
- Skilled in identifying barriers to collaboration and developing practical, relationship-centered solutions that strengthen partnerships and collective impact.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functional initiatives, establish priorities, and consistently achieve desired outcomes.
- Ability to work effectively across schools, divisions, administrative units, and external organizations to align efforts and achieve measurable results.
- Demonstrated success in representing senior leadership and serving as a trusted advisor in high-profile meetings, negotiations, and collaborative engagements.
- High degree of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and sound judgment when managing sensitive relationships and confidential matters.
- Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, respond to changing priorities, and embrace new ideas that enhance collaboration and organizational effectiveness.
- Proven ability to influence decision-making, negotiate mutually beneficial outcomes, and steward long-term partnerships that create shared value for both the University and surrounding communities.
- Commitment to civic engagement, community partnership, and fostering inclusive collaborations that reflect the University's mission and strategic priorities.
- Ability to think strategically while maintaining a service-oriented approach that delivers practical, actionable recommendations and results.
- Demonstrated capability to assess partnership effectiveness, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and implement strategies that strengthen institutional and community impact.
Additional Responsibilities
Education, Experience, or Certifications:
Education:
- College or university degree from an accredited institution required.
- Advanced degree from an accredited institution preferred.
Experience:
- 10 or more years of work experience in a related job field required.
- Demonstrated experience in building, cultivating and sustaining strategic civic relationships with leaders across higher education, government, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, business, and/or civic institutions preferred.
- Proven experience in establishing measures of success, assess outcomes, and use data, feedback, and stakeholder insights to evaluate impact, strengthen accountability, and continuously improve programs, partnerships, and engagement strategies preferred.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
- Standard office environment.
- Some daily hours in a seated/sedentary position.
Required Documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- References Contact Information (3)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Senior Administrators
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$225,000.00 - $250,000.00
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 the Benefits 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.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
