Executive Director and Open-Rank Faculty Position, Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM)

The George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

An established academic institution is seeking a visionary Executive Director for its Graduate School of Political Management. This pivotal role involves leading the School, enhancing its reputation, and fostering innovative approaches to political education. The ideal candidate will possess outstanding communication skills, a strong political network, and a passion for applied politics. With a focus on curriculum development and stakeholder engagement, this position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of political management education. If you are ready to make a significant impact in a collaborative environment, this role is for you.

Benefits

Full-time health benefits

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and engage stakeholders effectively.
• Experience in fundraising and managing academic programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for GSPM and its programs.
• Direct the Political Management Master's Degree Program.
• Engage with alumni and political communities for outreach.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Fundraising

Curriculum Development

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Political Science

Terminal Degree in Related Field

Job description

Executive Director and Open-Rank Faculty Position, Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM)

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

To apply, please submit a resume and statement of interest addressing how your experiences align with the needs of GSPM to the search firm Isaacson, Miller via the application portal. Electronic submission of application materials is required. Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will begin on April 28, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries and nominations welcome. All inquiries, nominations, and expressions of interest will be held in strict confidence.

Employer will not sponsor an employment Visa.

Recruitment Plan

Posting Number: F002505

Academic Title: Executive Director and Open-Rank Faculty Position, Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM)

Rank: Open Rank

Administrative Title: Executive Director

Discipline: Social Sciences

Contract Type: Non-Tenure Track, Renewable Appointment (initial appt period) - 3 years

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

Proposed Start Date: 07/01/2025

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Position Description Summary

Executive Summary

The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) seeks a dynamic leader to become the next Executive Director. This is a twelve-month, non-tenure track renewable appointment with an initial appointment period of three years, beginning as early as July 2025. Rank is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

GSPM was founded in New York City in 1986 to nurture the development of a professional approach to the management of politics and to improve the democratic process. The School moved to Washington, D.C., in 1991 and was acquired by The George Washington University in 1995. In 2006, the School moved into the University’s College of Professional Studies (CPS).

GSPM is dedicated to educating students and professionals in the tools, principles, and ethics of applied political management, democratic participation, and public discourse. Through these efforts, the School prepares graduates for successful careers as political leaders, campaign professionals, public relations professionals, and advocates before legislative and administrative bodies.

The School is seeking its next Executive Director at a critical juncture. GSPM needs a visionary, energetic, and experienced leader to grow the School’s offerings and reputation. In addition to leading the Graduate School of Political Management, the new Executive Director will maintain an appointment as a faculty member within CPS and teach in and administer the School’s flagship Political Management graduate program.

The new Executive Director must have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and a passion for the discipline of applied politics; be able to lead within an academic environment; work collaboratively with both University and College administrators and faculty; be a spokesperson for the School; and introduce bold ideas that align with GSPM’s objectives. Further, the Executive Director must be a talented leader in the political arena and have the experience and contacts to raise funds for scholarships and build partnerships to sponsor GSPM programs and other initiatives that enhance GSPM’s reputation as a leader in innovative thinking about political management strategies, technologies, and communications.

GSPM has engaged the search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist the search committee with this important search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications must be sent directly to Isaacson, Miller in the manner indicated at the end of this job post. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership and vision for GSPM, introducing a strategic plan for the School, putting forth bold ideas that align with GSPM’s objectives and help the School to thrive amid a competitive academic landscape.
• Direct the Political Management Master’s Degree Program and related Graduate Certificates, including working with the Academic Affairs team to further develop and update the curriculum.
• Work with the CPS Recruiting and Admissions teams, Student Services team, and many other GSPM stakeholders to focus on recruiting and retaining top students.
• Work with the CPS Marketing and Communication Team to improve marketing efforts in order to identify and engage prospective students.
• Engage with the GW University Department of Alumni Relations to strengthen GSPM’s relationship with alumni and political communities.
• Work on GSPM’s fundraising, focusing on student scholarships and developing proposals for granting agencies.
• Grow and further engage the GSPM Advisory Council to broaden GSPM external engagement efforts.
• Promote and strengthen GSPM’s visibility and distinct identity through programming and events.
• Serve on College and University committees as appropriate.
• Attract and retain a diverse, bipartisan faculty by creating effective recruitment and retention programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to engage stakeholders and raise funds.
• Outstanding communications skills with a track record of success as both an external spokesperson and a collaborative leader.
• Experience teaching at the graduate level.
• A bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, history, economics, law, or a related field.

Advertised Salary

$200,000-$250,000 per year

Other Benefits

This position is eligible for full-time health benefits. For more information please visit: https://hr.gwu.edu/health-benefits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to recruit and/or engage with undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Existing relationships in federal, state, and local government entities to create mentoring, internship, and job opportunities for alumni and students.
• Experience addressing public audiences and interacting effectively with the media.
• A collegial, consultative leader with a team-building approach.
• A well-known and respected individual with a large political network.
• A person dedicated to the mission, values, and integration of the School, College, and University.
• A terminal degree in political science, public policy, history, economics, law, or a related field.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please submit a resume and statement of interest addressing how your experiences align with the needs of GSPM to the search firm Isaacson, Miller via the application portal. Electronic submission of application materials is required. Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will begin on April 28, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries and nominations welcome. All inquiries, nominations, and expressions of interest will be held in strict confidence.

Employer will not sponsor an employment Visa.

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.