Thank you for your interest in the Vice President and Senior Director, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, at the Atlantic Council.

Please submit your resume, references, and writing samples to SCSS@RussellReynolds.com, as they have been retained to run this search. Once your materials have been received and reviewed, Russell Reynolds will contact you should there be alignment between your background, experience, and the qualifications for this role.

Description

The Senior Director will honor General Scowcroft's legacy and continue to build the Scowcroft Center's reputation, programming, and finances in support of the Atlantic Council’s mission. The Senior Director will be in charge of center-wide leadership, programmatic design and oversight, management of the center's personnel, business development, outreach and communications, and more. This individual will sustain and grow the Scowcroft Center’s strong financial trajectory through partner management and the development of new business across the Center’s five initiatives.

Through cutting-edge, innovative programming, the Senior Director will build on the Scowcroft Center’s reputation as one of the world's most visionary, ambitious, and well-respected national security programs. The preferred candidate will position the Center to have sustained, direct impact on US and allied governments’ strategies and policies as well as the public debate on issues concerning strategy, alliances, and defense. Modeling impactful leadership, the Senior Director will mentor the next generation of global leaders through the management of the 40-plus full-time Scowcroft Center staff and a global network of fellows.

The position is located in Washington, DC and requires occasional to frequent international travel.

Applications with writing samples will be prioritized for consideration.

Responsibilities

• Leadership: Play the leading role in developing and evolving the vision and substantive framework for the Center’s mission through strategic planning and innovative programming.
• Programmatic Design and Oversight: Develop programming and initiatives to influence policy and impact the public discussion about national security strategy across the Atlantic Council’s 16 programs and centers. Provide oversight and magement of dozens of projects simultaneously.
• Management: Recruit, manage, and develop top talent consisting of initiative directors, resident, and nonresident senior fellows, staff, and interns. Integrate relevant board directors, including Scowcroft Center Advisory Council members and partnering entities into the Center’s programming to leverage expertise and expand the Center’s influence and impact. Oversee and manage the Center’s finances and administrative obligations..
• Business Development: Expand the program’s financial base by sustaining current support and pursuing additional opportunities with corporations, government organizations, international organizations, foundations, and individuals. Steward relationships with the Scowcroft Center’s network of public, private, and non-government donors.
• Outreach and Communication: Represent the Council externally, particularly with key government and international actors, as well as media, donors, and others. Provide expert analysis and commentary, with the aim of shaping policy outcomes and impact.

• A minimum of 15 years relevant work experience in national security and defense policy within the US Government, non-governmental organization (NGO), or the private sector.
• Extensive experience in project management and managing large, global teams.
• A proven track record of business development success with an entrepreneurial approach.
• Superior writing and communication skills.
• Strong global network of security and defense experts across government, the private sector, and within global NGOs.
• Superb interpersonal skills and the ability to manage and mentor a large team, consisting of full-time employees, interns, well with others from interns to senior officials.
• Master’s degree or doctorate in a relevant field is required.