GSPM Executive Director Job Posting

An invitation to apply for the position of:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of the GRADUATE SCHOOL OF POLITICAL MANAGEMENT
College of Professional Studies
The George Washington University
Washington, DC

Apply via search firm's application portal

We're excited to announce an incredible opportunity for an inspiring and visionary leader to join the George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) as the Executive Director! This position offers the chance to shape the future of political leadership and governance, driving impactful programs and initiatives that prepare students to excel in the evolving political landscape. If you, or someone you know, has a passion for fostering academic excellence and empowering the next generation of political leaders, we invite you to consider joining us in this thrilling journey of educational and professional advancement at GSPM!

Executive Summary

The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) seeks a dynamic leader to become the next Executive Director. This is a twelve-month, non-tenure track renewable appointment with an initial appointment period of three years, beginning as early as July 2025. Rank is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

GSPM was founded in New York City in 1986 to nurture the development of a professional approach to the management of politics and to improve the democratic process. The School moved to Washington, D.C., in 1991 and was acquired by The George Washington University in 1995. In 2006, the School moved into the University’s College of Professional Studies (CPS).

GSPM is dedicated to educating students and professionals in the tools, principles, and ethics of applied political management, democratic participation, and public discourse. Through these efforts, the School prepares graduates for successful careers as political leaders, campaign professionals, public relations professionals, and advocates before legislative and administrative bodies.

The School is seeking its next Executive Director at a critical juncture. GSPM needs a visionary, energetic, and experienced leader to grow the School’s offerings and reputation. In addition to leading the Graduate School of Political Management, the new Executive Director will maintain an appointment as a faculty member within CPS and teach in and administer the School’s flagship Political Management graduate program.

The new Executive Director must have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and a passion for the discipline of applied politics; be able to lead within an academic environment; work collaboratively with both University and College administrators and faculty; be a spokesperson for the School; and introduce bold ideas that align with GSPM’s objectives. Further, the Executive Director must be a talented leader in the political arena and have the experience and contacts to raise funds for scholarships and build partnerships to sponsor GSPM programs and other initiatives that enhance GSPM’s reputation as a leader in innovative thinking about political management strategies, technologies, and communications.

GSPM has engaged the search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist the search committee with this important search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications must be sent directly to Isaacson, Miller in the manner indicated at the end of this job post. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.

Background - The College of Professional Studies (CPS)

CPS was created to serve the needs of mid-career professionals working in emerging and rapidly changing professions. GSPM is administratively housed within CPS and shares services with seven other programs which include graduate, undergraduate, and credit-bearing certificate programs. These programs, which draw from multiple academic disciplines, are typically co-developed through collaboration with University content specialists and outside partners— government agencies, professional associations, consulting organizations, and business and industry leaders. By combining University non-tenured faculty experts with accomplished professors of practice, the College has a reputation for being a catalyst for academic innovation and for creating credentials that meet the University’s rigorous standards of academic excellence.

Background - The Graduate School of Political Management

In 1986, Neil Fabricant, a lawyer and former legislative Executive Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, realized that a new profession of politics was emerging, one that warranted a dedicated school to nurture that development and, thereby, improve democratic politics. The first class of 24 students convened on the campus of Baruch College in New York City in 1987, and three years later, GSPM created its inaugural degree program, making history as the first school of political management in the country. GW acquired the GSPM in 1995, and today, it includes the largest degree program in CPS and continues to be an integral part of the University.

GSPM was founded on the premise that it could improve the democratic political process by educating students and professionals in the tools, principles, and values of participatory democracy. Through such preparation, graduates would be well-suited for careers as ethical, effective advocates and leaders at the international, national, and local levels. Located in Washington, D.C., GSPM is known nationally and internationally as the premier school in applied politics.

Currently the School consists of five full-time faculty and a dedicated body of part-time faculty members serving approximately 200 students enrolled in the School’s degree programs. GSPM offers master's degrees in Legislative Affairs, Political Management, and Public Relations & Communications as well as several graduate certificate programs. Learn more information about GSPM and its programs.

All GSPM programs are designed to be flexible to meet the needs of mid-career professionals with courses offered online and in the evening. GSPM holds classes in three locations in or around Washington, D.C.: Foggy Bottom (Main Campus), Capitol Hill, and Arlington, VA. GSPM’s unparalleled Washington, D.C., connections mean our students learn not only in the classroom, but in campaign offices, legislative suites, lobbying shops, PR agencies, and news bureaus that shape the world.

The school's more than 4,500 talented alumni live and work around the globe as elected officials or serve as staff or consultants for elected leaders and changemakers in the world of government, politics, public relations, and public affairs.

The Opportunities and Challenges

The overarching objective for the next Executive Director will be to grow GSPM’s student population while providing its current students the cutting-edge education they need to be successful in the world of politics. This challenge comes at a time when the academic environment is increasingly more competitive and complex, and technology is revolutionizing every aspect of political and, more broadly, social engagement in new ways. To thrive, GSPM needs to attract political industry changemakers and partners.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director will serve as the faculty director for the Political Management master’s program and will manage GSPM’s administrative, academic, and budget functions, including recruiting students, academic planning and reviews, accreditation, faculty affairs, and student services in close collaboration with College and University leadership. The Executive Director will oversee and support programming determined by the Dean of the College of Professional Studies and other University administrators.

The Executive Director will spend 50% of their time on administrative leadership and management; 40% of their time on external stakeholder engagement efforts; and 10% of their time teaching.

Specifically, the Executive Director will:

Provide effective leadership and vision for GSPM. The new Executive Director will be expected to introduce a strategic plan for the School, putting forth bold ideas that align with GSPM’s objectives and help the School to thrive amid a competitive academic landscape. This role also will serve as the spokesperson for GSPM with the media and through public engagement.
Direct the Political Management Master’s Degree Program and related Graduate Certificates. This will include working with the Academic Affairs team to further develop and update the curriculum; provide strategic guidance for the Global Residence courses; and recruit, train, and manage adjunct faculty to ensure quality teaching and compliance with university rules and regulations. The Executive Director will be expected to teach one class per year.
Work with the CPS Recruiting and Admissions teams, Student Services team, and many other GSPM stakeholders with a focus on recruiting and retaining top students—ensuring the continued success of GSPM as the premier school of applied politics while advancing the mission of the College to educate the next generation of political leaders.
Work with the CPS Marketing and Communication Team to improve marketing efforts in order to identify and engage prospective students and strengthen the brand identity of the School through new and traditional strategies.
Work with the GW University Department of Alumni Relations (DAR) to strengthen GSPM’s relationship with the School’s alumni and political communities. The Executive Director will take a leadership role in finding new ways to reach out to local, national, and international alumni, as well as leaders in the field, to engage their interest and strengthen these relationships in ways that are beneficial to the School.
Work with DAR on GSPM’s fundraising, including a focus on student scholarships, developing proposals for granting agencies, cultivating donor prospects, and conducting related outreach activities.
Grow and further engage the GSPM Advisory Council, leveraging Council members’ expertise and networks to broaden GSPM external engagement efforts, grow philanthropy, and identify opportunities to enhance the student experience and student recruiting efforts.
Work to promote and strengthen GSPM’s visibility and distinct identity through programming and events, including engaging fellows, speakers, and the media and representing GSPM at national conferences.
Serve on College and University committees as appropriate, providing leadership and support aligning with CPS core initiatives and the College’s and University’s strategic plan.
Work with GW and CPS Faculty Affairs to attract and retain a diverse, bipartisan faculty by creating effective recruitment and retention programs; providing support for faculty development, scholarship, and other resources necessary to offer high-impact instruction; and facilitating opportunities for faculty to build partnerships both within and outside of academia.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered for the GSPM Executive Director position:

Demonstrated ability to engage stakeholders and raise funds.
Outstanding communications skills with a track record of success as both an external spokesperson and a collaborative leader.
Experience teaching at the graduate level.
A bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, history, economics, law, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

The search committee is especially interested in applicants with the following preferred qualifications and attributes:

Demonstrated ability to recruit and/or engage with undergraduate and/or graduate students, especially non-traditional, adult learners.
Existing relationships in federal, state, and local government entities, non-governmental organizations and multilateral organizations to create mentoring, internship, and job opportunities for alumni and students and to create awareness of GSPM.
Experience addressing public audiences and interacting effectively with the media.
A collegial, consultative leader with a team-building approach that puts others at ease and engenders trust; and the ability to actively listen, with an appreciation for nuance in communication.
A well-known and respected individual with a large political network who has the stature, credibility, and maturity to earn the trust and confidence of academic colleagues, funders, and the political community on both sides of the aisle.
A person dedicated to the mission, values and integration of the School, College, and University.
A terminal degree in political science, public policy, history, economics, law , or a related field.

Compensation and Health Benefits

The annual salary range for this position is $200,000-$250,000.

This position is eligible for full-time health benefits. For more information please visit: https://hr.gwu.edu/health-benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a resume and statement of interest addressing how your experiences align with the needs of GSPM to the search firm Isaacson, Miller via the application portal. Electronic submission of application materials is required. Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will begin on April 28, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries and nominations welcome. All inquiries, nominations, and expressions of interest will be held in strict confidence.

Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.