Associate Director, Program on Extremism

The George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The George Washington University seeks an Associate Director for its Program on Extremism, focusing on issues related to contemporary extremism in the West. This role involves leadership in research, policy analysis, and outreach, requiring a strong background in counterterrorism and an ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, significantly contributing to national dialogue on extremism.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance

Time off & leave

Retirement savings

Tuition assistance

Qualifications

• 6 years of relevant professional experience required.
• Knowledge in counterterrorism is desired.
• Strong record of research and policy engagement preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts complex research and policy analysis on focus issues.
• Develops innovative research and policy approaches.
• Leads a team on complex research issues regarding extremism.

Skills

Policy analysis

Research

Outreach

Education

BA/BS in a related discipline

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is a grant-funded position. Continuation of the position is contingent on grant funding. Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status.

The Program on Extremism’s mission is to advance national dialogue on contemporary extremist movements in the West, with a particular focus on Islamist extremism in the United States. The Program engages in a range of activities, including (a) Organizing events and briefings to establish visibility and mainstream the issue; (b) Building a network of briefed contacts (key targets: executive branch officials, Congressional leaders and key staffers, think-tank and academic experts, law enforcement officials, journalists, and civic advocacy group leaders); Engaging with the news media to become trusted source for media seeking commentary on relevant current events; (d) conducting training for state and local law enforcement and other entities on these issues, and (e) carrying out research on these issues.

The Associate Director, Program on Extremism reports to the Director and provides leadership in the policy efforts for the Program on Extremism and works in partnership with the Director in carrying out the key project activities. The Associate Director leads advocacy and outreach with civic partners and is recognized as a subject matter expert on contemporary extremist movements in the West, with a particular focus on Islamist extremism in the United States. The Associate Director provides policy guidance; assists in the development and implements policies and strategies related to the contemporary extremist movements; and oversee the day-to-day operations of the office.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Conducts complex research and policy analysis on focus issues for the Program.
• Analyzes and writes white papers, series, reports and other publications; and ensures compliance with policies for publications, to include public documents and documents for internal use.
• Develops innovative research and policy approaches that are recognized internally and by external agencies. Interacts with leadership, faculty and outside experts in developing policy publications.
• Works closely with Director to develop strategic plans that will foster continued effectiveness and innovative policy development.
• Manages and assists with policy development opportunities; executes complex or specialized projects related to the Program’s mission; and collaborates with internal GW and external stakeholders for policy development activities.
• Engages in outreach and training with key outside stakeholders, including the news media, Congress, executive branch agencies, and state and local agencies.
• Works independently on incoming research projects.
• Manages a team of employees and research assistants on a host of complex research issues regarding extremism in the United States Develops, advises and implements policy and strategic initiatives that address various aspects of extremism.
• Carries out management and administrative responsibilities related to leadership of the project, including internal GW compliance and oversight, oversight of salaried staff and interns, and reporting to funder(s).
• Leads in conjunction with the Director the promotion and communication of the Program for Extremism to outside stakeholders.
• Develops relationships with key stakeholders and engages in development and fundraising for the project, including pursuing unrestricted gifts as well as grants from federal and from foundations.

Performs other work-related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a BA/BS in a related discipline plus 6 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledgeable in the field on counterterrorism and countering violent extremism is desired
• A strong record of research and policy engagement on these issues is preferred
• Strong relationships with key stakeholders within the United States and in key countries facing similar challenges is desired

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. POSITION INFORMATION

Campus Location:

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department:

College/School/Department: Office Vice President of Research (OVPR)

Family

Family Research and Labs

Sub-Family

Sub-Family Centers/Institutes

Stream

Stream Management

Level

Level Level 2

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Hours Per Week: 40

Work Schedule:

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm

Will this job require the employee to work on site?

Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes

Employee Onsite Status

Employee Onsite Status Hybrid

Telework:

Telework: Yes

Required Background Check

Required Background Check Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This position is a grant-funded position. Continuation of the position is contingent on grant funding. Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status.

Internal Applicants Only?

Internal Applicants Only? No

Posting Number:

Posting Number: R002298

Job Open Date:

Job Open Date: 06/05/2025

Job Close Date:

Background Screening Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement:

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently employed with The George Washington University?
  • No
  • Yes
• * For current GW employees, have you completed your Introductory Employment Period (IEP)? (As a reminder,employees in their IEP are not eligible to apply for other internal university staff and research positions until the IEP is complete.)
  • Yes, IEP complete
  • No, still in IEP
  • N/a - not a current GW employee
• * What is your expected salary range?

  (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
Optional Documents

Human Resource
Management & Development



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