Columbia | SIPA · 5 hours ago
Executive Director, Institute of Global Politics
New York, NY
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$220K/yr - $250K/yr
8+ years expColumbia University's School of International and Public Affairs is seeking an Executive Director for the Institute of Global Politics. This role involves strategic leadership, institutional advancement, and financial oversight to enhance the Institute's global reputation and operational effectiveness.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
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
Advanced degree (e.g., PhD, JD, MPA/MPP, MBA, or equivalent)
Company
Columbia | SIPA
Columbia | SIPA has equipped emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and intellectual rigor.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Neal Parikh
Adjunct Associate Professor
Company data provided by crunchbase