Details
Posted: 13-Jun-22
Location: New York, New York
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Academic Administration
Administration
Executive/VP
The Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy (“the Institute”) has an ambitious vision to propel transformational ideas, grounded in rigorous research, that dismantle structural inequalities and advance the realization of economic rights, inclusion, equity and civic engagement in the US and across the globe.
We are hiring a Head of Executive Strategy & Delivery, working for our Founding Director, Professor Darrick Hamilton, to take responsibility for running the daily operations of the Institute, managing strategic priorities, acting as a trusted advisor on external and internal issues and delivering special projects. This position is akin to functioning as a chief of staff.
This is a strategic and dynamic role to help run an exciting academic Institute with a notable and growing influence on public policy in the US and abroad, working for a Director widely-respected for his scholarship and public engagement. We are looking for someone who has strong organizational skills, and experience of management and working with senior leaders in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment. Values matter to us: we require someone who is collaborative and driven, who recognizes the importance of fostering solidarity-centric and inclusive cultures, with a genuine passion for achieving racial and economic justice.
This is an onsite position with opportunities for some travel throughout the year. Some working on nights and weekends are required.
The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as candidates who share this commitment.
Responsibilities
The Head of Executive Strategy & Delivery will support the Director to translate his agenda for the Institute into reality. We require an individual to anchor the Institute in strong organizational management, supporting the Director to work with staff to meet the Institute’s strategic goals. Every day brings fresh challenges, and the role-holder needs to be comfortable with ambiguity and disruption.
The Head of Executive Strategy & Delivery crucially needs to be able to take ownership of the organization’s internal running to enable the Director to focus on providing strategic leadership to the Institute. This position is primarily an internally-facing role that supports and is empowered by the Director, and works closely with those roles that are public-facing and provide leadership on research and public engagement.
Provide operational leadership to help run the Institute
- Ensure the Institute’s daily operations and processes run smoothly and effectively to deliver on priorities – working across functions to create a rhythm to the Institute’s work
- Form strong internal relationships and be first-point of call for Director-level decisions
- Take responsibility to drive financial management, including budgeting processes
- Take responsibility to drive staff management, including solving any staff issues, talent management, recruitment etc.
- Troubleshoot challenges as they arise, and put in place actions to resolve
- Be prepared to stand in to fill any functional gaps as needed, at leadership level included
- Participate in high-level strategy setting and leadership team meetings
- Prepared to represent to external stakeholders, when delegated to do so
Act as a trusted advisor to the Director and senior leadership team
- Serve as the Institute Director’s primary liaison, trusted advisor, and effective and productive aide
- Advise the Director on his own external profile and political engagement, and track his external work
- Identify and proactively pursue external impactful opportunities for the Director
- Be able to first draft speeches and external communications materials for the Director
- Support the cultivation, management, and stewardship of the Institute’s and the Director’s network of allies and key relationships
- Advise the Director on internal decisions, recognizing which issues require the Director
- Proactively identify and elevate issues along with resolution options to the Director in a timely manner
- Reflect the Director’s position in internal meetings and discussions to help drive shared understanding and move decision-making forward
- Work with the Director others at the leadership level to design and organize regular leadership meetings and ensure action items are being followed-up in the Institute
Oversight of culture, communications, and reporting
- Take responsibility for shaping a culture in the Institute that reflects and lives its values
- Take responsibility for internal communications with staff within the Institute
- Working with senior leaders, take responsibility for communicating the vision and work of the Institute to The New School community and the racial justice movement
- Report on the Institute’s progress on its priorities to internal and external stakeholders
- Liaise with other Chiefs of Staffs and similar roles in allied organizations and agencies and at The New School
Delivering special projects
- Coordinate, and where asked to, lead, special projects for the Institute (e.g., developing a database of influencers and allies for growth)
- Perform special assignments and conduct special administrative projects as assigned and related to the overall management and operation of the Institute
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
- 10+ years of relevant professional experience, in progressively responsible roles, including in leadership and management and making regular decisions about staffing and finances
- Proven ability to take ownership of work – and get things done, capably and professionally
- Demonstrable commitment to the Institute’s purpose to serve racial and economic justice – successful candidates are not required to be an expert on these issues, but a proven passion for them is vital
- Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills are required
- Comfortable working with senior leaders, and understanding what is expected in the role
- Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence multiple stakeholders
- Proven ability to quickly earn trusting and productive relationships and motivate staff
- Proven ability to multiple manage strategic and operational work-streams
- Proven ability to provide strategic judgment and execution on those decisions
- Understand the importance of setting a positive, supportive workplace culture
- Confident with complexity, change, and ambiguity in fast-changing context
- Comfortable with self-initiative, being a self-starter and ready to adapt to different roles
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Must work with a high degree of confidentiality and discretion
- Ability to adhere to University COVID-19 Policy and requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or doctoral degree, and/or an equivalent combination of education, professional experience, and prior experience in a similar role
- Experience within not-for-profits,politics, higher education, administration, and/or management consulting
- Experience as a Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, or similar role/experience is advantageous
