UCLA

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The Project on Resources, Development and Governance (PRDG) is seeking a full-time Managing Director to oversee our new organization, which will promote randomized evaluations in resource-dependent countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The position is based in Los Angeles at the UCLA campus. PRDG is a network of social scientists and practitioners dedicated to generating rigorous, systematic evidence about policies that can improve the lives of citizens in countries dependent on oil, gas, and mining revenues. It will convene biannual workshops, distribute research grants, promote research partnerships and training, and disseminate evidence about policy effectiveness.

The Managing Director’s responsibilities will include:

Strategic Planning:
• Working with the academic leadership to develop and oversee a long-term strategy for PRDG’s outreach, communications, and growth;
• Designing a strategy to solicit and review applications for research grants;
• Fostering partnerships with related initiatives and organizations;

Organizational Management:
• Organizing meetings of researchers and practitioners twice a year, one in the US and one overseas. This will entail coordinating with cosponsors, identifying and inviting participants, and supervising the meeting logistics;
• Managing the flow of PRDG funds, including the disbursal of research
grants and meeting expenses;
• Coordinating the drafting and submission of grant applications to support PRDG’s growth;
• Developing a staffing plan that will meet PRDG’s needs. This will include recruiting, hiring and supervising administrative staff and research assistants; Communications
• Communicating with the academic leadership, grantees, and representatives of other organizations;
• Responding to general inquiries about PRDG;
• Developing a strategy to raise awareness of PRDG’s work.

The ideal candidate will have a record of successful program management, excellent problem-solving skills, experience in developing and meeting budget goals, a strong sense of initiative, the capacity to manage multiple time-sensitive projects, and exceptional written and oral communications skills. We strongly prefer candidates who have a graduate degree, an interest in public policy in low and middle income countries, and a familiarity with social science research methods.

The position comes with a competitive salary, outstanding UCLA benefits, a flexible working environment, and opportunities for both travel and professional development.