Executive Director, Institute of Global Politics

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $220,000-$250,000

Position Summary

The Institute of Global Politics (IGP) at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) seeks a dynamic, visionary, and highly accomplished leader to serve as its Executive Director. This position reports to the Dean of the School of International and Public Affairs and works closely with IGP's Faculty Policy Director, Chair of the Faculty Advisory Board, and additional faculty leadership. As IGP's chief administrative and strategic officer, the Executive Director is responsible for shaping IGP's long-term direction, strengthening its global reputation, and advancing its mission to develop policy solutions to the most pressing global policy challenges through the convening of world leaders, leading scholars, and practitioners.

The Executive Director provides strategic oversight of all programmatic, operational, financial, and external engagement activities; manages high-level institutional relationships; drives fundraising and development strategy; oversees major initiatives; and ensures that IGP operates with excellence, innovation, and impact.

This role requires exceptional judgment, sophisticated stakeholder management, and the ability to lead in a complex, high-profile academic and policy environment.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develops and implements IGP's multi-year strategic plan in collaboration with the Dean and IGP leadership
• Shapes Institute programming, research priorities, and convening strategies to position IGP as a leading global hub of high-level policy conversations, collaborations, and publications
• Drives organizational growth, including new initiatives, partnerships, and innovative program models
• Leads efforts to assess organizational performance and impact, ensuring continuous improvement

Institutional Advancement & External Relations

• Alongside the Dean, serves as an external ambassador for IGP, representing the Institute to global policymakers, academic institutions, think tanks, media, and international organizations
• Builds and stewards high-level partnerships with external stakeholders-heads of state, senior government officials, global institutions, NGOs, and private-sector leaders, including IGP's Carnegie Distinguished Fellows
• Oversees communications strategy in collaboration with SIPA's communication and external relations team, ensuring IGP's work reaches key global audiences and reinforces institutional reputation

Development & Fundraising

• Partners with the development team to design and execute fundraising strategies that support IGP's long-term sustainability
• Cultivates, stewards, and helps identify major donors, foundations, and strategic philanthropic partners
• Oversees development of grant proposals, major gift solicitations, and reporting deliverables
• Pursues new funding opportunities aligned with IGP's mission and priorities

Executive Management & Organizational Stewardship

• Provides overall leadership to IGP's staff, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and mission-driven culture
• Supervises and mentors senior IGP staff, including the Deputy Director and Associate Director of Policy
• Ensures IGP operates with excellence across finance, HR, operations, and program delivery, delegating day-to-day oversight to the Deputy Director while maintaining ultimate accountability
• Guides organizational structure, staffing plans, and resource allocation to support strategic priorities

Financial Oversight & Resource Management

• Sets and monitors spending on the Institute's annual budget, always with a view that balances immediate needs with long-term financial sustainability
• Oversees financial planning for major initiatives, research programs, events, and special projects
• Ensures transparent, responsible stewardship of all IGP resources

Programmatic Leadership & High-Level Convenings

• Provides strategic direction for IGP's flagship programs, including the Distinguished Fellows program and student engagement opportunities
• Partners with the faculty leading IGP's Initiatives to shape their strategic growth and ensure execution of impactful programming and activity
• Leads planning for major global convenings, public events, and private roundtables featuring high-profile international leaders
• Ensures programming is rigorous, relevant, and responsive to evolving global dynamics

University Partnership & Cross-Campus Collaboration

• Serves as IGP's primary liaison to SIPA and Columbia's senior leadership, strengthening alignment with institutional goals
• Forges connections with other Columbia centers, schools, and research initiatives to amplify impact
• Represents IGP in university governance and strategic planning processes when appropriate

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree required
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience required
• Extensive senior leadership experience in academic, policy, government, nonprofit, or international organizations
• Proven track record of leading complex, high-visibility initiatives with global reach
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement at the highest levels
• Experience managing senior staff and overseeing large, multifaceted organizations or programs

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated skill in strategic planning and organizational leadership
• Sophisticated understanding of global affairs, international policy, and geopolitical trends
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly with senior leaders and diverse audiences
• Strong financial acumen and familiarity with university or nonprofit budgeting practices
• High-level project management skills and the capacity to oversee major initiatives concurrently
• Discretion, diplomacy, and sound judgment in navigating high-profile relationships and confidential/sensitive information

Personal Attributes

• Visionary leadership with the ability to translate ideas into action
• Collaborative, inclusive, and inspirational management style
• Commitment to integrity and excellence
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, globally-oriented environment
• Commitment to the mission and values of SIPA and the Institute of Global Politics

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree (e.g., PhD, JD, MPA/MPP, MBA, or equivalent).

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.