Executive Director, Women & Politics Institute

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Department:

School of Public Affairs

Time Type: Full time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Description:

American University’s School of Public Affairs’ Women & Politics Institute seeks an experienced and entrepreneurial leader, who has a demonstrated record advancing the empowerment and representation of women, to serve as Executive Director of the Women & Politics Institute. The appointment is a non-tenure track term faculty position at the rank of Senior Professorial Lecturer in the Department of Government and will commence on January 15, 2027, through August 31, 2028.

The Women & Politics Institute provides academic and practical training that encourages involvement in the political process and facilitates research by faculty and students that enhances our understanding of the challenges women face in the political arena. The Institute offers graduate and undergraduate certificates in Women, Policy, and Political Leadership, sponsors a weekly webinar series, as well as a training program for all individuals seeking to explore careers in the political arena. The Executive Director will devise, implement, and manage the Institute’s strategic plan and fundraising strategy. The Executive Director will also oversee the Institute’s personnel, operations, budget, and external communications.

At a minimum, a master’s degree, or equivalent professional experience, is preferred. We are especially interested in applicants who have had substantial high-level management or policy experience in government, international organizations, not-for-profits, or business. The candidate should be able to demonstrate a talent for and interest in teaching and mentoring students. We seek practitioners who can help us develop new educational programs, facilitate new partnerships, and raise the visibility of the Institute and School. This position will require some weekend and evening hours.

In addition to serving as the executive of the Institute, the incumbent will be expected to teach 2 courses (total 6 credits) each academic year, in consultation with the Department of Government.

Salary and benefits are competitive, with an expected annual salary range of $120,000-$150,000. Review of applications will begin on November 16, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled, subject to ongoing budgetary approval. The position begins on January 15, 2027. Please submit applications via Workday and include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references. Please contact Joanne Weisman, Department of Government Administrative Coordinator, at jwiesman@american.edu if you have any questions.

American University is a private institution within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts located within the nation’s capital. For more information about American University, visit www.american.edu. The Department of Government in the School of Public Affairs offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Learn more about SPA at https://www.american.edu/spa/ and about the department at https://www.american.edu/spa/gov/.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Other Details

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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Current American University Employees

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Contact Us

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American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.