Executive Director of The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy at UCLA School of Law

UCLA•Los Angeles, CA

60d•$260,000 - $290,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy at UCLA School of Law is seeking an Executive Director to provide vision and creativity to build its future; to lead a team of talented and experienced researchers and staff; to engage a committed group of volunteers, donors, and advisory councils; to represent the Institute to the public, press, and policymakers; and to oversee its core programs, fundraising, and operations. The Williams Institute is dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy. A research center at UCLA Law founded in 2001, the Williams Institute produces high-quality research with real-world relevance and disseminates it to judges, legislators, policymakers, media and the public. Experts at the Williams Institute have authored dozens of public policy studies and journal articles, filed amicus briefs in key court cases, provided expert testimony at legislative hearings, been widely cited in the national media, and trained thousands of lawyers, judges and members of the public. Today, the Williams Institute has more than 24 staff and scholars, a budget of over $4 million, and an endowment of over $29 million. The Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibilities for the Institute's staff, research, fundraising, budget, programs, and mission. The Executive Director will develop and implement a strategic vision that aligns with the Institute's mission and goals; guide and support staff and visiting scholars; oversee and produce high-quality research that informs public policy and advocacy efforts; cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and other stakeholders to achieve fundraising goals; oversee the Institute's budget and financial management; and engage with policymakers, the media, and the public to disseminate the Institute's work. In addition to successful experience as a manager and innovative leader, the Executive Director must have the capacity to collaborate and engage with the broad spectrum of the Institute's partners and audiences, and the substantive expertise and communication skills to serve as an effective representative of the organization, as well as the ability to work effectively within and create synergies with other parts of UCLA Law School. The Executive Director must have passion for the mission of the Williams Institute, appreciation for its institutional voice and values, highly developed research and writing skills, and deep knowledge of policy issues facing LGBTQ communities. The Executive Director will report to the Williams Institute Faculty Chair and the Dean of UCLA School of Law. In addition, the position will work closely with the Institute's Founders Council, which provides strategic leadership and development support for the Williams Institute, and the Institute's other advisory councils. Depending on interest, qualifications, experience, and balanced by other program priorities, the Executive Director may teach a course focused on sexual orientation, gender identity, and the law at UCLA Law to be developed and determined in consultation with the Faculty Director of the Williams Institute and the Vice Dean for Curricular and Academic Affairs. The Executive Director must live and work full-time in Los Angeles. The position travels extensively, including internationally.

Requirements

A J.D., Ph.D., or M.D. is required
Significant law and policy related experience is required
At least 7+ years of successful senior management and leadership experience
A track record of innovation and program building
Knowledge of current LGBTQ law and policy issues
Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills
Success in fundraising and managing a budget
Established track record for organizing and leading a strong team
Strong interpersonal skills
Demonstrated ability to create and maintain productive relationships with colleagues, constituents, donors, and advisory board members
Strong verbal and written communications skills

Responsibilities

Through a collaborative process, articulate a compelling vision for the future growth and development of the Institute
Help develop and lead the execution of world-class and innovative public policy research, programs, and initiatives that advance the mission of the Williams Institute.
Stay informed of, and engaged with, LGBTQ law and policy to ensure Williams Institute research remains relevant and timely
Help balance the Institute's overall research and programs in terms of topical areas and relevance to sub-populations within the LGBTQ community
Lead, coach, and develop the Institute's excellent senior management team
Create an organizational culture of cooperation, creativity, mutual respect, and professional development
Actively engage and energize Williams Institute staff, volunteers, and funders
Working with the Institute's Faculty Chair, develop, maintain, and support strong advisory boards, including the Institute's Founders Council, Faculty Advisory Council, and Legal Council
Ensure ongoing research and programmatic excellence, including overseeing effective systems to track progress
Ensure consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, communications, and systems
Help create and monitor the Institute's annual operating budget
Develop and lead fundraising activities to support the Institute's mission, including public and private grants, major donors, events, annual giving, planned giving, endowment campaign, and in-kind support
Nurture effective relations with existing donors and reach out to potential donors
Provide strategic leadership and direction for the dissemination of our work and promotion of the Institute
Serve as the principal spokesperson for the Williams Institute before a variety of audiences including policymakers, the media, and the public
Maintain and strengthen the Williams Institute's brand
Lead the Institute in maintaining and building effective partnerships and collaborations
Engage with stakeholders in government, the private sector, the nonprofit sector, academia, and the media to support and inform the William Institute's research and programs