Executive Director, Center for Ethics & the Rule of Law
University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Executive Director, Center for Ethics & the Rule of Law
Job Profile Title
Director D, Academic Affairs, Academic Center
Job Description Summary
The Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law is a non-partisan interdisciplinary institute dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rule of law in twenty-first century warfare and national security. CERL draws from the study of law, philosophy, and ethics to answer the difficult questions that arise in times of war and contemporary transnational conflicts. The Center unites scholars and policymakers from various fields in a multi-disciplinary conversation on some of the most challenging issues of our time.
Reporting directly to CERL's Faculty Director and collaborating with CERL's Executive Board, CERL's Executive Director helps to design and implement a long-term growth strategy to advance CERL's mission. The Executive Director also helps to conceive and implement a strategic series of events, conferences, publications, and policy papers designed to enhance CERL's role as a purveyor of cutting-edge topics at the intersection of national security and ethics. The CERL Executive Director oversees day-to-day operations for the Center both substantively and administratively, directing a team that includes a Director of Engagement, the Center Coordinator, CERL's fellows, temporary hires and students. Additionally, the Executive Director leads CERL's Summer Internship Program, working with a cohort of 12-14 graduate and law students to produce high-level written product and advance student understanding of the rule of law in public life. The CERL Executive Director assists the fundraising efforts of the CERL Faculty Director, members of the Executive Board and others in the university to grow and support the Center, as well as to help implement communications strategies to expand CERL's visibility and influence. Finally, CERL's Executive Director directs the Center's blog, managing submissions and running the selection process, preparing pieces for publication, managing the peer review process, and helping to solicit contributions of interest.
Job Description
Internal Programming and Scholarship
Develop content and oversee implementation of CERL's programs and events, including conferences, symposia, workshops, and student events. In collaboration with the Faculty Director and the rest of CERL staff, develop speaker and guests lists; draft corresponding invitations and related documents, including funding proposals, topic summaries, and conference materials.
Write or commission policy briefing papers, blogs and other publications on topics relevant to CERL's mission, in consultation with CERL's Faculty Director and CERL's Director of Engagement.
Assist in the development of CERL's initiatives with active duty and veteran constituents and enhance shared programing and engagement with defense industry partners.
Conduct and oversee scholarly and educational activity in preparation for CERL's programs and events, including CERL's Summer Internship and academic year fellowship programs. Spearhead the identification, selection, and training of summer interns and fellows and direct all aspects of the Summer Internship Program.
Serve as the administrator for meetings with CERL's Executive Board and prepare materials for distribution to the Board in advance of such meetings. Assist the Faculty Director in cultivating relations with the CERL Executive Board and managing Board relations, as well as helping to cultivate new Board members.
Direct and manage CERL's blog, the Rule of Law Post.
External Relations
Lead CERL's growth and influence with an ambitious reputational campaign in conjunction with CERL's Director of Engagement. Compose and publish original content to further CERL's visibility and raise awareness of its mission and activities, including developing content for the CERL website, blogging, engaging in social media outreach, and contributing to CERL's Annual and periodic reports. In cooperation with the Director of Engagement, develop a strategy for publicizing CERL research, events, and fellowships.
Represent CERL in contacting and arranging the participation of high-level academics, business people, military personnel, and lawyers from around the country and the globe.
Facilitate the process of building bridges to faculty in other parts of the University, policymakers, and legal and industry professionals with interests related to CERL.
Assist the Faculty Director in identifying donor prospects and developing budget-sustaining fundraising and other revenue-generating strategies for CERL, and coordinate with university fundraising officers to ensure compliance with university policy.
Provide administrative and logistical support for all CERL efforts to move forward with approved solicitations of individual and corporate donors to the extent permitted by UPenn prospect management and solicitation policies.
In coordination with CERL's Director of Engagement, develop substantive content for grant proposals and other materials for potential funders. Provide analytical support for funding applications to Foundations and Federal Agencies, working in collaboration with the CERL Director of Engagement and other UPenn offices.
Conduct all fundraising-related activities (strategizing/identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship) in keeping with university Development and Alumni Relations policies and best practices and in proactive coordination with Development and Alumni Relations personnel.
Managerial
Supervisor of CERL personnel including all regular staff, fellows, research assistants, temporary staff and students. Ensure effective and efficient administration of CERL's activities by leading, managing and supporting the Director of Engagement, the Center's Coordinator, fellows, and student assistants.
Direct the CERL Summer Internship Program. Responsible for designing, planning, scheduling, and supervising all aspects of the CERL Summer Internship program, including the recruitment and supervision of Interns.
Manage the CERL budget and report on a regular basis to the CERL Faculty Director regarding budgetary matters.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications:
J.D. or related Ph.D. degree (e.g. philosophy, political science, public policy or international affairs) required.
Background in national security or military service required.
Experience managing a large organizational budget preferred.
Demonstrated ability to engage in writing for an academic audience; scholarly track record and demonstrated ability as a writer required.
Experience designing and implementing large public events and programs required, as well as a demonstrated ability to lead and cooperate in a team-based environment.
Excellent organization and communication skills, both written and oral, as well as ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously in a timely manner.
Established track record as collaborator in the workplace, within the immediate department and within a larger institution.
Experience representing a sophisticated organization in a variety of public and internal forums.
Experience supervising law students and other graduate students on research projects.
Experience negotiating, establishing and administering partnerships and co-sponsorships required.
Competence in the Microsoft Office environment and online platforms preferred.
Proven track record of academic or journalistic publications as well as strong editing skills.
This position is contingent on continuation of current external funding.
Position term
Initial term through Fiscal Year 2025, renewable contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.
Application Instructions
Please submit the following documents via Workday. Multiple attachments are permitted.
Resume
Cover Letter
List of 3 references
Writing sample
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Annenberg School for Communication
Pay Range
$90,860.00 - $150,000.00 Annual Rate Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.
Affirmative Action Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.
Special Requirements
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
University Benefits
Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.
