"Director for the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice"

Queen’s University Belfast (Queen's) is a leading centre of academic excellence with a distinguished heritage and a global outlook. Founded in 1845, it has grown into a world-class institution with over 25,000 students and 4,000 staff. Ranked among the top 200 universities globally (QS Rankings 2026), Queen's combines tradition with innovation, and local impact with international reach.

We are now seeking to appoint a new Director for one of our flagship interdisciplinary research institutes, the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. The Mitchell Institute embodies Queen’s commitment to advancing scholarly excellence in service of global peacebuilding, social transformation, and justice. In a world marked by growing complexity and division, the Institute’s work carries renewed urgency and resonates globally through high-profile partnerships and innovative programmes.

The Director will provide strategic vision and leadership for this international research institute and evolve its global reputation by promoting a culture of high-quality interdisciplinary research, translation, and innovation that is internationally exemplary and impactful. In addition to strategic development, the Director will oversee the management of financial, physical, and human resources, as well as corporate governance.

Candidates should possess an exceptional academic record in the field of conflict, peace, security, or justice, including a sustained record of internationally influential publications and research grant awards. Strong intellectual leadership, a collaborative and interdisciplinary ethos, and the ability to engage successfully with a range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to success in the role.

Enquiries can be made, in confidence, to Jamie Cumming-Wesley or Evan Yeckley at WittKieffer.

More information on the position can be found in the candidate brochure and on the WittKieffer website.

Completed applications should be submitted electronically to gdrummond@wittkieffer.com