Director of Research and Practice, 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 Tech 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, co-directing the Center for Peace Tech and Entrepreneurship, the Director of Research and Practice plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Center, contributing to its reputation as a leading hub for peace, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Responsibilities:

• Directs Center Activities Related to Peace Practice:
  • Leads and oversees all aspects of the Center's peace practice activities, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and values;
  • Develops and implements strategies to promote peacebuilding initiatives, conflict resolution, and community engagement;
  • Collaborates with stakeholders to design and implement programs that contribute to sustainable peace and social cohesion;
  • Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of peace practice interventions, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes; 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.
• Directs Center Activities Related to Research:
  • Provides leadership in advancing the scholarly mission of the Center, including research, publications, and knowledge dissemination;
  • Collaborates with faculty, researchers, and practitioners to develop and execute scholarly initiatives aligned with the Center's objectives;
  • Fosters a culture of academic excellence and innovation within the Center, supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and intellectual growth; and
  • Ensures the quality and impact of scholarly outputs, maintaining high standards of rigor and relevance.
• Assists Director, Tech, Law and Policy (TLP) with Initiatives Concerning International Policy:
  • Works closely with the TLP Director to support initiatives related to international policy, peacebuilding, and entrepreneurship;
  • Contributes expertise and insights to inform policy development and advocacy efforts at the national and international levels; and
  • Represents the Center in relevant forums and networks, building strategic partnerships and promoting dialogue on key issues.
• Develops, Manages, and Measures KPIs and Budget:
  • Develops key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards organizational goals and objectives;
  • Establishes budgetary targets and allocate resources effectively to support Center 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 incumbent 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. This may include prior experience in managerial or executive roles where the individual has successfully led teams and implemented strategic initiatives;
• Subject Matter Expertise: A deep understanding of peacebuilding and entrepreneurship is essential, either through academic qualifications, professional experience, or a combination of both;
• Scholarly Achievements: Strong academic background with advanced degrees in fields such as international relations, peace studies, or related disciplines;
• Budget Management and Financial Acumen: Proven track record of managing budgets and achieving financial objectives in previous leadership roles. Skill in budget management and financial oversight is necessary to effectively allocate resources, monitor expenditures, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Collaborative Approach: The Director of Practice and Scholarship 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;
• Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities: The role requires strategic thinking and the ability to develop and execute plans to achieve organizational goals. The incumbent should 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 the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Proven skill in leadership roles with a focus on peace practice and scholarly research in an international context;
• Strong understanding of peacebuilding and entrepreneurship, with a demonstrated commitment to social impact;
• Proficiency in performance measurement, and data analysis
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a high level of initiative and adaptability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. is preferred, particularly for individuals expected to contribute significantly to scholarly research and knowledge dissemination efforts;
• Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in international conflict resolution with extensive field experience including managing multinational teams in conflict-affected contexts;
• Experience in multi-source fundraising is highly preferred; and
• Additionally, familiarity with current trends, best practices, and challenges in the field is highly desirable.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Director of Research and Practice, Center for Peace Tech 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