"Executive Director of The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law & Public Policy at UCLA School of Law"

The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy at UCLA School of Law is seeking an Executive Director to provide vision and creativity to build its future; to lead a team of talented and experienced researchers and staff; to engage a committed group of volunteers, donors, and advisory councils; to represent the Institute to the public, press, and policymakers; and to oversee its core programs, fundraising, and operations.

About the Williams Institute: The Williams Institute is dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy. A research center at UCLA Law founded in 2001, the Williams Institute produces high-quality research with real-world relevance and disseminates it to judges, legislators, policymakers, media and the public. Experts at the Williams Institute have authored dozens of public policy studies and journal articles, filed amicus briefs in key court cases, provided expert testimony at legislative hearings, been widely cited in the national media, and trained thousands of lawyers, judges and members of the public. Today, the Williams Institute has more than 24 staff and scholars, a budget of over $4 million, and an endowment of over $29 million. For more information, visit https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/.

About the Executive Director: The Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibilities for the Institute's staff, research, fundraising, budget, programs, and mission. The Executive Director will develop and implement a strategic vision that aligns with the Institute's mission and goals; guide and support staff and visiting scholars; oversee and produce high-quality research that informs public policy and advocacy efforts; cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and other stakeholders to achieve fundraising goals; oversee the Institute's budget and financial management; and engage with policymakers, the media, and the public to disseminate the Institute's work.

Qualifications: A J.D. or a social science Ph.D. is required. The ideal candidate will have at least 7+ years of successful senior management and leadership experience, a track record of innovation and program building, and knowledge of current LGBTQ law and policy issues. Candidates should have demonstrated administrative and organizational skills, success in fundraising and managing a budget, creativity, motivation, commitment to diversity, an entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for the Williams Institute's mission. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Application Instructions: Please apply online by submitting a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, a statement on personal and professional experiences, and references at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10265. The position is full-time, year-round, non-tenure track, and based in Los Angeles.

Salary: A reasonable estimate is $260,000 to $290,000 annually. See https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/policy-covered-july-2025-scales/t34.pdf for details.