Director of Law, Tech, and Policy, Center for Peace Tech and Entrepreneurship

Department: Carter School

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Arlington, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Center for Peace Technology and Entrepreneurship aims to foster sustainable peace in conflict-prone and -affected communities through incentivizing entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic use of technology.

About the Position:

Within the Carter School, the Director of Law, Tech, and Policy plays a pivotal role in leading and coordinating various activities to co-direct the Center for Peace Technology and Entrepreneurship. This position provides strategic direction and oversight in the areas of law, policy, technology, and entrepreneurship, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and objectives. The Director is also responsible for managing the Center's team, resources, and program development initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Directs Center Activities Related to Law and Policy:
  • Leads and oversees all activities related to law and policy at the Center, including research, advocacy, and policy analysis;
  • Develops and implements strategies to advance the Center's goals in areas such as peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and social justice;
  • Engages with policymakers, government agencies, and advocacy groups to promote policy reforms and initiatives that support the Center's mission; and
  • Stays abreast of legal and regulatory developments relevant to peace, technology, and entrepreneurship, providing expertise and guidance to inform Center initiatives.
• Directs Center Activities Related to Technology and Entrepreneurship:
  • Provides leadership in advancing the Center's objectives in technology and entrepreneurship, fostering innovation and social impact;
  • Collaborates with technologists, entrepreneurs, and industry partners to develop and implement programs that leverage technology for peacebuilding and social change;
  • Supports the development of entrepreneurial initiatives that address pressing social and environmental challenges, promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development;
  • Facilitates partnerships and collaborations with relevant stakeholders in the technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem, including academia, industry, and civil society; and
  • Builds the infrastructure for patent development with consideration for IP regulations and leveraging private sector stakeholders and in close coordination with University Offices.
• Maintains Program Vision through Development and Fundraising:
  • Develops and maintains a clear program vision aligned with the Center's mission and strategic priorities;
  • Identifies emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in law, policy, technology, and entrepreneurship, shaping the Center's programmatic focus accordingly;
  • Collaborates with the leadership team to develop and implement strategic plans, ensuring programmatic coherence and impact;
  • Leads the development of new initiatives and projects that advance the Center's mission and address critical societal needs; and
  • In close coordination with the Carter School Advancement Team, engages in regular fundraising activities including identifying prospective donors, engaging with existing donors, and crafting cases for support.
• Develops, Manages, and Measures KPIs and Budget:
  • Develops key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards programmatic goals and objectives;
  • Establishes budgetary targets and allocate resources effectively to support programmatic priorities;
  • Monitors financial performance and expenditure, ensuring compliance with budgetary constraints and reporting requirements; and
  • Regularly assesses and reports on KPIs and financial metrics, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Manages Center Team:
  • Provides leadership and direction to the Center's team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment;
  • Recruits, onboards, and develops talent, ensuring that team members have the necessary skills and resources to succeed;
  • Delegates tasks and responsibilities appropriately, promoting accountability and professional growth; and
  • Conducts regular performance evaluations and provides feedback, recognizing achievements and addressing areas for development.

Required Qualifications:

Overall, the Director of Law, Tech, and Policy should possess a combination of academic qualifications, professional experience, and personal attributes that align with the responsibilities and objectives of the role. While specific requirements may vary depending on the organization's needs and priorities, a strong foundation in leadership, subject matter expertise, and strategic thinking is essential for success in the position.

• Leadership Experience: Demonstrated track record of leadership in relevant fields such as peace practice and scholarly research in an international context, with a focus on law, policy, technology, and/or entrepreneurship. This may include prior experience in managerial or executive roles where the individual has successfully led teams and implemented strategic initiatives;
• Budget Management and Financial Acumen: Experience in budget management and financial oversight is necessary to effectively allocate resources, monitor expenditures, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. Proven track record of managing budgets and achieving financial objectives in previous leadership roles;
• Collaborative Approach: The Director of Law, Tech, and Policy must be able to work collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners to achieve shared objectives. This includes fostering a culture of collaboration, promoting teamwork, and building effective relationships both within and outside the organization;
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community members. The ability to convey complex ideas clearly and compellingly, both orally and in writing, is essential. Extensive experience in interfacing with high-level stakeholders in the fields of business, technology, and law;
• Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of developing and implementing successful programs and initiatives. The role requires strategic thinking and the ability to develop and execute plans to achieve organizational goals. The incumbent must demonstrate proficiency in analyzing complex issues, identifying opportunities, and developing innovative solutions to address challenges in the peace, technology, and entrepreneurship domains;
• Master’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Significant experience in the practice of law;
• Deep understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks, public policy processes, and technology trends, with a demonstrated commitment to social impact and innovation;
• Proficiency in budget management, performance measurement, and data analysis; and
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a high level of initiative and adaptability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in related field;
• Juris Doctorate with a specialty in Intellectual property and business-related technology; additional qualifications in technology or entrepreneurship preferred; and
• Extensive experience practicing law for a technology company with experience in export controls and technology transfer.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Director of Law, Tech, and Policy, Center for Peace Technology and Entrepreneurship at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date:  April 4, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  April 18, 2024

Open Until Filled?:  Yes