Executive Director (5219C) - #84568

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Founded in 1969, the Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP) embodies the intellectual rigor, entrepreneurial spirit, public mission, and social commitment characteristic of UC Berkeley. As a professional school of public policy grounded in scholarly practice, GSPP mobilizes the rich academic resources of the campus to provide a transformational academic and cultural experience that instills standards of excellence and a deep sense of pride in one's work, community, and academic home. GSPP consistently ranks among the top policy schools in the country, currently ranked #1 in policy analysis and #2 in social policy according to U.S. News and World Report. GSPP helped define the art and science of modern public policy and pioneered the data-driven, evidence-based approach that remains our hallmark.

GSPP offers three graduate degree programs (with approximately 330 students), a doctoral program, an undergraduate minor, and several concurrent degrees. GSPP's 40+ faculty represent the top researchers in their respective fields-including economics, political science, law, social psychology, and engineering-and their expertise ranges from education policy to racial profiling to clean energy. Fundamental to GSPP's success is our culture, shaped by individuals from across the globe whose diverse perspectives and life experiences enrich our community. GSPP students, faculty, and staff are distinguished by exceptional talent, broad experience, and a shared commitment to GSPP's public mission. Come join GSPP and discover How a Better Future is Made.

Position Summary

The Institute for Security and Governance at the University of California, Berkeley supports research, curriculum, and convenings that connect students, scholars, and leading practitioners to address critical global risks. Through an innovation-driven approach BISG translates interdisciplinary research into actionable, evidence-based solutions for policymakers, thought leaders, and elected officials while training a new generation of security professionals prepared to confront emerging challenges.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 03/16/2026.

Responsibilities

Strategic and Program Leadership

• Partner with the Faculty Director to advance the Institute's strategic goals and priorities.
• Lead implementation of research, policy, educational, and convening activities.
• Support interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty, researchers, students, and external partners.
• Identify opportunities to expand programmatic impact and institutional relevance

External Relations, and Strategic Partnerships

• Serve as an external-facing representative and spokesperson for the Institute.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with government agencies, foundations, academic institutions, industry, and nonprofit partners.
• Represent the Institute in meetings, briefings, public forums, and media engagements, as appropriate.
• Support fundraising and resource development efforts in coordination with campus development offices.
• Strengthen the Institute's visibility, reputation, and influence through strategic engagement.

Operations Oversight

• Monitor budgets, expenditures, and resource allocation to support the Institute.
• Oversee operational aspects of grants, gifts, contracts, and program funding.
• Ensure effective administrative workflows supporting research, programming, and events.
• Oversee day-to-day Institute operations in coordination with administrative personnel.

Staff and Program Management

• Supervise professional staff and program personnel supporting Institute activities.
• Establish clear roles, workflows, and performance expectations.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.

Events and Convenings

• Lead planning and execution of Institute-sponsored events, convenings, and briefings.
• Coordinate with faculty, staff, and partners to deliver high-quality public and closed-door programs.
• Oversee event logistics, timelines, and budgets in coordination with campus resources.
• Leverage events to advance the Institute's research, policy, and engagement goals.

Required Qualifications

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Knowledge of national security, governance, and public policy landscapes across government, academia, and the private sector.
• Ability to partner with faculty leadership to set and advance strategic priorities in a faculty-led research institute.
• Skill in translating academic research and innovation into impactful programs, policy engagement, and practitioner-relevant outcomes.
• Ability to identify emerging issues and opportunities that align with BISGs mission and focus areas.

External Engagement, Partnerships & Representation

• Knowledge of cross-sector partnership models involving government agencies, foundations, industry, and civil society.
• Skill in building and sustaining high-level relationships with senior stakeholders and external partners.
• Ability to serve as the Institute's primary external representative and spokesperson in meetings, convenings, and public forums.
• Ability to communicate complex research and policy issues clearly and credibly to a variety of audiences.

Organizational Leadership

• Knowledge of faculty-led governance structures and shared decision-making in academic institutions.
• Skill in supervising and developing professional staff in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
• Ability to foster inclusive, interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in sensitive national security and policy contexts.

Doctorate in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

Operations

• Knowledge of operational and administrative functions supporting research, education, and externally funded programs in a university environment.
• Skill in overseeing budgets, resource allocation, and administrative workflows in coordination with campus units.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives and preferred priorities while ensuring effective execution and accountability.
• Ability to support fundraising, grants, and externally supported activities in collaboration with advancement offices.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $112,400.00 - $163,200.00.

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This position will be governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research and Public Service Professionals, represented by the UAW.
• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is eligible for up to 20% hybrid work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.