"Sr. Director for Academic Relations (Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation)"

The Bloomberg Center for Government Excellence (GovEx, the Center) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) works to unlock the power of data for public good and to empower mayors and their teams to use data & AI to improve the reach, quality & access to city services. The Center is housed within the JHU School of Government and Policy (SoGP) alongside the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation and the Black Wealth Data Center.

The Center seeks an inaugural Sr. Director for Academic Relations as a senior member of the Center leadership team.

Working closely with and under the supervision of the GovEx Executive Director and in collaboration with other senior leaders within the Center, SoGP leadership and faculty, other JHU faculty, and collaborating partners, the Sr. Director leads the design and implementation of an applied research portfolio grounded in the Center’s programs, manages the generation of case studies focused on framing and bringing solutions to complex challenges to effective local governance, leads Center contributions to SoGP curricula and executive education programs, and coordinates Center-supported student facing activities (e.g., fellowships, practicums, and internships). In addition, the Sr. Director is expected to serve as a thought leader in the public data space and to contribute towards GovEx’s position as the resource for data and AI for local government leaders across the Americas and beyond.

The Sr. Director for Academic Relations must have a forward-thinking mindset, with the vision to develop and lead research strategies and academic programming, to manage high-performing staff, to cultivate strong and productive networks and collaborations, and to deliver measurable and impactful programs.

As a member of the senior leadership team of GovEx, the (title) embraces a strategic mindset, is centered on city outcomes, facilitates collaborations within GovEx and the wider city data and innovation ecosystem, and supports staff to do the best work of their careers.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement an interdisciplinary research agenda and associated projects and programs in close collaboration with Center leadership, and leadership and faculty from across the school, other faculty within JHU, and funders.
• Oversee the packaging and dissemination of research findings and case studies designed to immediately inform the body of knowledge around applied AI, data analytics, and AI and data governance in the public sector, particularly in city governments.
• Design the frameworks supporting the provision of funding and other resource support to faculty and collaborating partners in support of research and student programming.
• Support school and university-wide initiatives that promote interdisciplinary collaborations, including student-facing academic programming and opportunities and development of public sector data-focused curricula or courses.
• Advance programming that engages faculty and government leaders in meaningful projects and collaborations
• Contribute towards the Center’s standing as a highly respected international thought leader for data and AI in the public sector, particularly in city governments.
• Oversee and direct the Center’s monitoring and evaluation functions.
• Keep abreast of relevant research in the field to identify opportunities for collaboration, amplification, and scholarly engagement.
• Coordinate with other JHU research centers and other external stakeholders to align research agendas and support strategic collaborations.
• Represent the Center to external stakeholders including governments, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and academic and public sector leaders.
• Continuously cultivate and manage a team of staff to support advancing the outlined responsibilities.
• Perform other duties, as assigned in support of GovEx, SoGP, and JHU.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Public Policy or related field.
• Five years of experience managing diverse teams in government, non-profit or academic settings.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS Diploma/Graduation Equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant field or JD Degree.
• At least 10 years of experience in local government, local governance, academic research, or academic programming.
• Demonstrated ability to propose and conduct research related to AI, data analytics, data management, data governance, or a closely related field.
• Strong record of excellence in developing and implementing new academic programs, curricula and initiatives, teaching, mentoring and public engagement.
• Additional education may substitute for experience, and additional experience may substitute for required education to the extent permitted by the JHU Equivalency.
• Significant supervisory experience, especially in a research-based environment.
• Strong commitment to the application of data and AI to address major challenges in public policy and administration.
• Experience managing donor-funded programs and initiatives.
• Experience working with cities or local governments.
• Familiarity with administrative demands of research coordination, including funding and grantmaking processes and research compliance issues.
• Experience managing teams and coordinating with external partners.
• Interest in bridging research and praxis and growing a worldwide network of government innovation experts and practitioners.
• Strong communications skills to serve as a persuasive representative for programs with cities, partner organizations, and students at public forums and elsewhere.

Classified Title: Director, GovEx
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Sr. Director for Academic Relations (Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation)
Role/Level/Range: L/04/LG
Starting Salary Range: $111,800 - $225,000 Annually ($225,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/Homewood Campus
Department name: Bloomberg Center for Government Excellen
Personnel area: School of Government & Policy