US Center Director

The role

The Center Director serves as the key leader linking SEI US and SEI Headquarters (HQ). Working in close collaboration with SEI and SEI US leadership and staff, they shape the direction of the Center, drive innovation and high-quality research, and support SEI and SEI US’s overall mission, strategy, policies, and objectives. Their portfolio includes center leadership and management, fundraising and development, as well as their own research and/or policy engagement portfolio. The share of time spent on each of these three roles will depend in part on the candidate’s strengths and interests.

Summary of responsibilities:

• SEI-wide management: As a member of the SEI Global Management Committee, effectively collaborate with the other center directors, global functions, and thematic leaders to support the SEI mission and strategy and ensure cross-center collaboration and mission alignment.
• Center leadership: Act as the face of the US Center; ensure efficient and delegated program leadership and management; align Center research and activities with overall SEI priorities and goals. Develop and implement plans and policies in alignment with SEI- wide strategies and, in coordination with program leadership and the Policy and Strategy Committee (PSC) and Cross-program Management Committee (CMC); ensure administrative efficiency, strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Fundraising and fiscal stewardship: Cultivate and maintain relationships with existing and new funders. Develop cross-program and partner-specific strategies, and proposals for broad, programmatic, and unrestricted funds and for long-term research grants and programs. Coordinate with the finance, operations, program leadership, and the PSC to oversee budgeting and resource mobilization activities that ensure sound fiscal health.
• Program development, delivery, and quality control: Ensure high-quality research process and outputs, including timely response to funders’ and relevant stakeholders’ needs and SEI policies and priorities. Interpret and present results and put them into new and broader perspectives.
• Communication and partner relations: In collaboration with Communications, ensure effective internal and external communications; build and steward relationships with partners and clients; facilitate contacts between employees and clients/partners; and ensure that SEI’s research insights consistently promote, support, and direct engagement with policy and decision-makers.
• Professional development: Foster a professional ecosystem that attracts, recruits, develops, and retains top-tier talent. Lead a safe, professional, and creative work environment that promotes diversity, equitable professional development, and overall career growth and professional well-being.
• Board engagement: In close coordination with the Board Chair, recruit and motivate an effective board of directors that provides strategic, fiduciary, and governance oversight and communication.

Candidate profile

SEI US seeks a Center Director with a passion for interdisciplinary research and global development challenges, bringing a broad understanding of SEI’s program areas. The ideal candidate has a track record of securing resources to advance an organization’s mission, cultivating relationships with various stakeholders, and integrating research and policy engagement. They excel in global, collaborative environments, possessing strong diplomatic skills, and aligning the US Center’s priorities with SEI’s overall goals. As an inclusive leader, they value research and researchers, fostering a collegial workplace that prioritizes professional development. Strong candidates offer research or policy experience in an area central to SEI’s strategy and a commitment to advancing SEI’s DEIJ policies.

Compensation and benefits

SEI US offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Read the full profile here

About SEI

Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research and policy organization that tackles environment and development challenges.

We connect science and decision-making to develop solutions for a sustainable future for all.

Our approach is highly collaborative: stakeholder involvement is at the heart of our efforts to build capacity, strengthen institutions, and equip partners for the long term.

Our work spans climate, water, air, and land-use issues, and integrates evidence and perspectives on governance, the economy, gender and human health.

Across our eight centres in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, we engage with policy processes, development action and business practice throughout the world.