Founded in 1946, the Middle East Institute is the oldest Washington-based institution dedicated solely to the study of the Middle East. It is a non-partisan think tank providing expert policy analysis, educational and professional development services, and a hub for engaging with the region's arts and culture.
Position Title: Policy Center Vice President
Company: Middle East Institute
Status: Full-time, exempt
Location: On-Site | Washington, DC
Salary range: Commensurate with experience
Position Overview:
As the Policy Center Vice President at the Middle East Institute (MEI), this role holds significant responsibility in shaping the organization's policy agenda and advancing its mission in the Middle East region. VP for Policy Center plays a crucial role in shaping the organization's policy agenda, promoting informed debate on Middle East issues, and influencing decision-making at the national and international levels while reporting directly to the President/CEO and working collaboratively with senior leadership to advance MEI's mission and impact in the region.
Goals, Duties, and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Set the policy center’s overall policy vision and agenda.
- Strive to make MEI’s policy output a world leader in quality and impact.
- Lead and coordinate the work of the policy center’s various policy programs, managing the various directors of the programs and working with the editorial and management team of the policy center.
- Maintain a high level of policy research and output on key policy issues.
- Lead and participate in policy outreach to US administration and Hill and to regional governments and embassies.
- Build and maintain a high profile as a voice on policy issues in US, international, and regional media.
- Participate in fundraising efforts in coordination with the CEO and CDO as appropriate.
- Represent MEI at meetings and conferences in the US and internationally.
- Be part of MEI’s Leadership Team alongside the CEO, COO, CDO, and other VPs and participate in the overall setting of MEI’s institutional direction and future.
Qualifications: - A graduate degree (Master's or PhD) in International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, or Middle Eastern Studies;
- At least 10-15 years of progressively responsible experience in policy analysis, research, or related fields, with a focus on the Middle East region.
- Demonstrated experience in leadership positions within a think tank, with a track record of managing policy-focused initiatives and teams.
- Strong analytical skills and strategic thinking abilities.
- Experience in shaping policy debates, influencing decision-making processes, and engaging with policymakers, stakeholders, and the media on complex policy issues related to the Middle East.
- Proven track record of effectively managing operations, budgets, and resources for policy-focused programs or initiatives, ensuring programmatic excellence and impact.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, experience in public speaking, media engagements, and strategic communications
- Strong networking abilities and relationship-building skills to cultivate partnerships and collaborations with key stakeholders, including government officials, diplomats, scholars, think tanks, NGOs, and private sector actors.
Note: This job description conveys information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications associated with the role. Duties may be subject to change based on the evolving needs of the organization. #J-18808-Ljbffr