Global Initiatives Director, Global Food Institute at The George Washington University

I. DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Job Description Summary:

Founded by The George Washington University (GW) and renowned chef, humanitarian and long-time GW instructor José Andrés, the Global Food Institute at GW (GFI) seeks to advance global food policy and address the world’s most urgent problems by leveraging the power of food. The GFI works across three main pillars: Policy, Innovation and Humanity. The GFI is positioned to produce cutting-edge research to create and improve domestic and global food policies, incubate and engineer innovative new technologies with an entrepreneurial spirit, and lead critical conversations about the impact of food on humans and our planet.

The GFI enables GW faculty and students from each of its 10 schools and colleges, as well as food industry leaders, policymakers, and renowned experts to work and teach across its three pillars by:

• Educating the next generation through the lens of food;
• Becoming a hub of cross-disciplinary research, translation and innovation; and
• Convening leading experts in local, state, federal, and global food policy.

The GFI will convert actionable research and discoveries into real-world impact through cross disciplinary research and teaching. GW’s unique location and strengths at the intersection of education, business, technology, healthcare, and international affairs create the ideal environment for private- and public-sector global leaders to develop innovative solutions to our most pressing challenges.

Job Description:
GFI is seeking an inaugural Global Initiatives Director to develop and oversee GFI’s global portfolio. The Global Initiatives Director reports to the Executive Director, is recognized as a subject matter expert on international and/or global food policy issues and is a key strategic leader within the University and will directly oversee GFI research, policy and engagement work in the global arena. The GFI Global Director working collaboratively with the team and other GW partners will develop and execute a global program designed to advance the food needs of marginalized and disadvantaged people and to advance equity and justice in the global food system. The Director will hire and supervise a team to support this work and work to build an organization that will combine rigorous research and analysis, strategic communications, and effective engagement to shape debates, affect policy, and inform effective implementation of policy, programs and practices.

Responsibilities Include:

• Develop and advance a research and programmatic agenda in collaboration with team members and other policy experts that promotes equity and justice, addresses historic and systemic inequities, and advances the GFI’s mission to ensure a global food system that supports everyone — especially people with low incomes and historically marginalized groups.
• Plan, develop and implement, in partnership with the Executive Director, GFI’s global strategy and initiatives and build the operational infrastructure to support such activities, including hiring GFI’s global team staff
• Play an integral role in GFI’s leadership team, helping to set the strategic vision and values for the organization as well as promoting a culture and environment that reflects those values
• Coordinates across disciplines and departments at the University to advance and leverage research, teaching, convening, and the University’s mission to address the world’s most complex food related problems
• Lead project management and operations of the GFI international work, programs team and projects, including the prioritization and assignment of internal projects. Manage them from end to end, ensuring that projects remain on schedule and lead successful outcomes. Ensure that grant deliverables are met.
• Lead the development of our learning and knowledge into opinions, organizational positions and best practices which can be used to create policies that drive the food system forward in the optimal direction.
• Designs and executes GFI events, such as conferences, convenings, webinars designed to engage and inform the GW, stakeholder, policy maker and media communities,
• Develop strong relationships with funding entities that support or are interested in GFI’s work and collaborate with GW’s Department of Develop and Alumni Relations team to ensure continued financial support for this work from philanthropy, government, and individual donors
• Develops and fosters strategic relationships, including recruiting public and private sector partners from diverse communities as well as supporting shared research efforts
• Supports the GFI student community, including by providing support to the Food Leadership Minor, working on shared programming with GW Departments and Schools and other student engagement activities,
• Serve as a spokesperson for GFI issues for the media, at conferences, with funders and other stakeholders, and other speaking engagements.

This is an in-person position at GW’s Foggy Bottom campus in Washington, D.C., with flexibility for remote-work opportunities at the Executive Director’s discretion. Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a BA/BS in a related discipline plus 7 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

• A deep commitment to GW’s values; honesty, with the highest ethical standards
• A naturally collaborative mindset that readily engages with others, encourages others to share the spotlight and celebrates and supports the success of colleagues and partners
• Experience in one or more aspects of the global food and/or agriculture arena, including development, sustainability, food aid, innovation, or trade with a record or publications and presentations in the applicant’s field of expertise
• Strong managerial and strategic skills with demonstrated ability to lead effectively in and across teams; successfully manages projects and budgets
• A portfolio of contacts relevant to the work of GFI
• Experience securing and providing appropriate stewardship of philanthropic gifts and research or project grants from foundations and the government
• Entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit; enthusiastic about building and launching a new enterprise
• Open and direct communicator
• Demonstrated research, writing and analytical skills with a particular love of and skill in writing
• Willingness to travel for meetings and engagement with key partners
• Fluency in English. Good communications skills in an additional language is a plus

Hiring Range

$139,068.40 - $233,550.35

GW Staff Approach to Pay

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

II. POSITION INFORMATION

Campus Location:

Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department:

Academic Affairs

Family

Research and Labs

Sub-Family

Centers/Institutes

Stream

Individual Contributor

Level

Level 4

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time

Hours Per Week:

40

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Will this job require the employee to work on site?

Yes

Employee Onsite Status

On-campus (in person)

Telework:

Required Background Check

Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status. 
For each position on your resume, please indicate beginning and ending month and year as well as number of hours worked per week. 

Internal Applicants Only?

No

Posting Number:

R002236

Job Open Date:

12/18/2024

Job Close Date:

If temporary, grant funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

Background Screening

Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement:

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.