Sr. Director, Academic Affairs (Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation)

Johns Hopkins University•Baltimore, MD

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation (BCPI) at Johns Hopkins University seeks a Sr. Director of Academic Affairs to join its leadership team. This role will manage an applied research and experiential learning portfolio of programs, aiming to advance public sector innovation by integrating practice with research. The Center, housed within the JHU School of Government and Policy (SGP), focuses on transforming government culture, delivering results for residents, and inspiring trust in public service. The Sr. Director will lead the design and implementation of applied research, build a knowledge base for public innovation, and oversee programs like the Bloomberg Public Innovation Fellowship and a Summer Scholars program. The position requires a forward-thinking leader with a strong academic research background, management capacity, and the ability to develop research strategies, manage teams, cultivate partnerships, and produce impactful programs and research.

Requirements

Master’s Degree.
Ten years of related experience including leadership experience managing diverse teams and initiatives.
Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS Diploma/Graduation Equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Nice To Haves

A PhD in a relevant field or J.D. degree
At least 10 years of experience in academic research, academic programming, local government or governance.
Strong record of excellence in developing and implementing new academic programs and initiatives, teaching, mentoring and public engagement.
Experience managing donor-funded programs and initiatives
Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research related to public innovation and cities and communities.
Experience working with cities or local governments
Familiarity with administrative demands of research coordination, including funding and grantmaking processes and research compliance issues
Strong record of excellence in developing and implementing new academic programs, curricula and initiatives, teaching, mentoring and public engagement.
Significant supervisory experience, especially in a research-based environment.
Experience managing teams and coordinating with external partners
Interest in bridging research and praxis and growing a worldwide network of government innovation experts and practitioners
Strong communications skills to serve as a persuasive representative for programs with cities, partner organizations, and students at public forums and elsewhere.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement an interdisciplinary research agenda and associated projects and programs to advance the field of public innovation, in collaboration with Center leadership, funders, and faculty.
Oversee the efficient and effective production and dissemination of multiple research projects and other knowledge products (e.g., case studies) designed to contribute towards the body of knowledge for the field of public innovation.
Design the frameworks supporting the provision of funding and other resource support to faculty and collaborating partners for research and student programming.
Support school and university-wide initiatives that promote interdisciplinary collaborations, including student-focused academic programs and opportunities, such as the Summer Scholars program, research assistants, and development of public innovation-focused curricula or courses.
Advance programming that engages faculty and government leaders in meaningful projects and collaborations.
Contribute towards the Center’s standing as a highly respected international thought leader for public innovation and civic engagement practices.
Keep abreast of relevant research in the field to identify opportunities for collaboration, amplification, and scholarly engagement.
Coordinate with other JHU research centers and external stakeholders to align research agendas and support strategic collaborations.
Represent the Center to external stakeholders including governments, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and academic and public sector leaders.
Continuously cultivate and manage a team of staff to support advancing the outlined responsibilities.
Perform other duties, as assigned in support of BCPI, the school and university.