Executive Director, Center for Municipal Finance

Department

University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy

About the Department

The mission of the Center for Municipal Finance (CMF) is to improve the quality of life in our communities through better-informed decisions about public money. To that end, we strive to be the leading source for the best research, training and outreach on states and localities taxing, spending, borrowing and investing decisions.
The CMF enables students and faculty to engage the major financial issues of the day facing state and local governments in the United States and around the globe. Some of the topical and enduring issues of municipal finance include financing infrastructure, the use of municipal bonds, privatization, pension liabilities and the efficacy of reform, tax base adequacy, and more. munifinance.uchicago.edu

Job Summary

The Executive Director of the Center for Municipal Finance at the Harris School of Public Policy will provide strategic and operational leadership to advance municipal finance research, education, and industry engagement. This role would involve managing the center’s operations, fostering key partnerships, and engaging in fundraising efforts to support its mission. The Executive Director will also build industry partnerships and manage a periodic academic research digest. This role involves close collaboration with other research centers and develops executive education offerings, including international programs. Additionally, the Executive Director will build and maintain the alumni network, create and maintain the center’s LinkedIn page, and lead efforts to create a digital archive for the municipal bond market, thereby enhancing the center’s outreach and value to the field of municipal finance. The Executive Director would also help guide research and policy projects on issues like budgeting, taxation, and public pensions, working closely with faculty, students, and external collaborators. Additionally, the director would expand educational offerings for students, policymakers, and practitioners, aiming to enhance public understanding and policy development in municipal finance.

Responsibilities

• Implement and execute the center’s mission and strategic goals. This involves operationalizing the direction for research, outreach, and program development, ensuring alignment with the broader institutional goals.
• Oversee and support research initiatives, including coordinating faculty-led projects, managing research publications, and facilitating student involvement in research through fellowships, internships, and other programs.
• Cultivate relationships with industry leaders, policymakers, academic peers, and other stakeholders. Build partnerships that add value through training, consulting, and collaborative research efforts, while also creating networking and professional development opportunities.
• Lead fundraising initiatives, including securing grants, managing budgets, and optimizing resource allocation. Ensure sustainable funding to support ongoing and new programs, as well as the operational stability of the center.
• Manage day-to-day operations, including team oversight, budgeting, and ensuring operational efficiency. This includes overseeing support staff, student assistants, and any collaborative relationships with other departments.
• Develop and expand educational offerings, such as workshops, executive education programs, and public seminars. This often involves coordinating with other departments to create specialized training and professional development opportunities.
• Promote the center’s work through online platforms, publications, public events, and conferences. Maintain an active presence on professional networks (like LinkedIn), and engage with alumni networks to strengthen the center’s reputation and community connections.
• Oversee the production of periodic publications such as research digests, and develop content resources like digital archives to provide ongoing value to practitioners, academics, and the public.
• Define structure of the board and clarify roles and responsibilities of board members.
• Works closely with faculty, students and other leaders across campus to foster experimentation and multi-disciplinary inquiry and teaching by coordinating and developing Center programming. This may include workshops. Conferences, colloquia, training programs, community outreach, etc.
• Thought leadership to help guide the direction of the center and provide strategic perspective and external outreach.
• Oversees a communication strategy and marketing efforts aimed at increasing the visibility of the Center. Collaborates with others to make the center a valuable resource to all students and contributes to the broad goals of creating a stronger campus community.
• Develops and administers program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.
• Serves as a key resource for program information. Resolves problems or questions referred by program staff, University administrators, or other contingencies.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in finance or business.
• Master’s degree in a related field.

Experience:

• Experience in financial services broadly, and municipal finance (i.e. public finance investment banking, ratings agencies, municipal financial advisory, etc.).
• Extensive experience in financial management skills, including the ability to analyze data for budgeting, operations, auditing and accounts receivable and reserve analysis, pro forma preparation.
• Highly proficient in financial and mathematical skills.
• Proven track record of leading organizational economic performance.
• Demonstrated understanding of federal regulations and sponsored program administration.
• Demonstrated understanding of both FASB & GASB accounting principles.
• Knowledge of research funding and appreciation for working in a research-intensive academic culture.

Preferred Competencies

• Highly effective in verbal and written communication skills, including formulating recommendations and developing presentations.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative.
• Outstanding critical thinking skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to abide by confidentiality and privacy protocols.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet aggressive deadlines.
• Results-oriented and committed to continuous improvement.
• Diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships, motivate and balance internal and external stakeholders.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

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

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$120,000.00 - $130,000.00

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.

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