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).

Columbia University

Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

"Executive Director, Institute of Global Politics"

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