Executive Director, Brooks DC Programs

About the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy: 

The Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy brings together the university’s strengths in public policy, research, teaching, and engagement to address major global challenges, with faculty applying an interdisciplinary, problem‑focused approach to how government decisions shape people’s lives. The school includes about 50 staff, more than 75 faculty, and additional part‑time practitioners, and enrolls over 700 students across programs in Ithaca, Washington, DC, and online. Brooks is a growing and innovative school, expanding its academic offerings and investing in enhanced facilities in both Ithaca and DC to support program growth and new strategic initiatives.

About Brooks DC Programs

Brooks DC Programs provides immersive public policy learning and a supportive residential experience for three 45-student cohorts each year. Each fall, first‑year Brooks students take a full course load enriched by DC‑based activities; each spring, upper‑division students from across Cornell complete coursework and a part‑time internship; and each summer, Cornell students live, study, and intern in DC for eight weeks. Beginning this summer, commuting high school students will be able to enroll in a two-week for-credit course. Located at 22nd and O Streets in Dupont Circle, Brooks DC offers secure single and double student apartments along with classrooms, meeting rooms, and a student lounge.

What we are looking for:

Cornell University’s Brooks School of Public Policy seeks an experienced and mission‑driven Executive Director to lead its Washington, DC, programs. This role combines high‑level strategic leadership with hands‑on administrative oversight, academic coordination, and direct engagement with students, faculty, and policy partners. The Executive Director will guide the growth of Brooks DC while ensuring smooth daily operations, including facilities oversight and a high‑quality educational experience.

This position is well‑suited for senior professionals from government, think tanks, nonprofits, or academia who understand policy ecosystems and value the opportunity to shape student learning and institutional impact.

This role reports directly to the Dean of the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and will work closely with key members of the school’s senior leadership team, including the associate and assistant deans of academic affairs, student services, communications and marketing, and administration.

Important Details about this position:

• This position is based in Washington, DC, with regular visits to Cornell’s Ithaca campus.
• The pay range for this Washington, DC-based role is $170,000 to $187,000, reflecting a market adjustment to the pre-populated University pay range listed below. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & External Engagement (25%)

• Implement a strategic vision that strengthens Cornell’s presence and partnerships in Washington, DC.
• Create and expand academic and experiential learning initiatives, including undergraduate, graduate, and pre‑college programs.
• Build relationships with policymakers, federal agencies, think tanks, nonprofits, and alumni to support student learning and program visibility.
• Support and host events that connect students, faculty, and policy practitioners.

Academic & Student Experience Leadership (25%)

• Partner with academic leadership to plan and manage curriculum and course offerings.
• Recruit, onboard, and support visiting faculty from government, research, and nonprofit sectors.
• Ensure faculty follow Cornell academic policies and have the resources needed to teach effectively.
• Work with Student Services to support the application process, internship placement, orientation, and community‑building activities.
• Maintain strong relationships with university partners to ensure student safety and well‑being.

Administration & Staff Management (25%)

• Lead and supervise the DC‑based staff team, fostering a collaborative and student‑centered culture.
• Oversee budgeting, finance, facilities, and IT operations in coordination with Brooks School leadership.
• Coordinate with Cornell IT and facilities teams to maintain a high‑quality learning and living environment.

Teaching & Student Engagement (20%)

• Teach two courses per year for Brooks DC students.
• Engage with students through instruction, advising, and participation in program events.
• Model the integration of academic insight with practical policy experience.

Who Would Thrive in This Role:

• Leaders with experience in government, policy research, nonprofit management, or higher education
• Professionals who balance strategic thinking with operational execution
• Strong communicators who build trust with students, faculty, and external partners
• Individuals who value teaching, mentorship, and experiential learning
• Collaborative managers who enjoy building programs and teams

Why This Role Matters:

The Executive Director will shape Cornell’s policy footprint in Washington, DC—connecting students to meaningful opportunities, strengthening partnerships across the policy community, and ensuring the Brooks School is a visible, substantive presence in the nation’s capital. This role blends academic leadership, administrative stewardship, and strategic outreach in one of the most influential policy environments in the world.

Required Qualifications:
This role requires a master’s degree and 5–7 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination. The ideal candidate is an analytical, creative problem‑solver who exercises sound judgment and works both independently and as part of a high‑performing, collaborative team. Strong interpersonal skills, service orientation, and the ability to engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders with cultural awareness are essential.

Cornell appreciates employees with great rewards & benefits:
Cornell understands that different individuals have different needs and concerns regarding salary, benefits, and rewards. That's why we’ve created a comprehensive and flexible program to meet your needs.

Cornell takes pride in our people and our total rewards. For more information click here.

To apply:

When applying through our system, please remember to attach your application materials (resume and cover letter) in either Microsoft Word or PDF format.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

University Job Title:

Job Family:

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Pay Range:

Remote Option Availability:

Company:

Contact Name:

Contact Email:

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees:

If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.

Online Submission Guidelines:

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter.  You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.