Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Executive Director of the Weatherhead Leadership Institute will launch, scale, and create a sustainable, world-class, interdisciplinary hub for leadership development, research, and engagement at Case Western Reserve University. In addition to coordinating and developing strategy for leadership research and talent development initiatives across the university, the Executive Director will be responsible for driving the Institute's mission through integrated, research-driven, and practice-connected programming for students, professionals, and the broader community.
This is a unique opportunity to build a flagship, future-focused institute that unites talent, innovation, and an engaged network to empower the next generation of leaders to solve society's most complex challenges.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Strategic Leadership and Vision: Architect and execute a bold, multi-year strategic plan for the Institute, positioning CWRU as a national leader in interdisciplinary and experiential leadership education. Champion a culture of innovation that redefines leadership learning through research, experiential programming, and interdisciplinary partnerships. Serve as the chief ambassador for the Institute, cultivating high-impact relationships with university leadership, faculty, alumni, industry partners, and donors. (25%)
Program Development and Delivery: Design, launch, and continuously evolve a four-year undergraduate leadership experience, integrating a leadership research-based curriculum, community and corporate fieldwork, and peer-coaching models. Oversee and expand graduate and executive education programs, including certificates, master's degrees, and non-degree offerings, ensuring interdisciplinary integration and real-world relevance. Lead the creation and implementation of signature events and initiatives, including an annual leadership conference, distinguished speaker series, C-level roundtables, case competitions, and an executive-in-residence program. (25%)
Research and Innovation: Foster a robust research agenda by facilitating interdisciplinary scholarship, securing external funding, and translating research into applicable leadership solutions. Align and synergize existing leadership offerings across the university, creating a comprehensive, unified ecosystem for leadership development and innovation. (20%)
Ecosystem Engagement and Community Impact: Establish the Institute as a central hub for convening top leadership exemplars, researchers, and practitioners from academia, industry, government, and nonprofits. Drive community impact through service-learning, partnerships, and high-visibility experiential projects addressing real-world leadership challenges locally and globally. (15%)
Operational Excellence and Resource Management: Build and lead a high-performing team including academic, research, and program staff, as well as student assistants. Develop and manage budgets, fundraising strategies, and resource allocation to ensure sustainability and growth. Report regularly to university leadership, advisory boards, and stakeholders on progress, outcomes, and impact. (15%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS
Represent Weatherhead Leadership Institute in university and interdisciplinary initiatives, and corporate and community partnerships. (5%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Regular contact with the dean, associate deans, executive directors, faculty, and other Weatherhead departments, as well as university relations and development staff, as required to perform essential functions.
University: Regular contact with senior leadership , vice presidents, deans, trustees, alumni, and donors, senior staff to establish partnerships, develop new programs and leverage new opportunities with the President's Office, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dean of the Case School of Engineering, Dean of the Weatherhead School of Management, Senior Vice President of University Relations and Development, development officers, senior staff in colleges and management centers, faculty and staff as required to perform essential functions.
External: Regular contact with executives, community partners, alumni, and donors to establish partnerships, develop new programs, and leverage new opportunities.
Students: Regular contact with leadership students and other students as required to perform essential functions.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Currently, no direct supervisory responsibility. However, with the growth of the Institute, it is anticipated to add support operations.
QUALIFICAITONS
Experience: Minimum 7 to 10 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, nonprofit, or corporate settings, with a proven track record in launching and scaling innovative programs. Demonstrated success in building cross-sector partnerships and securing philanthropic support, designing and leading interdisciplinary academic and experiential learning programs, managing complex budgets and teams in dynamic environments.
Education/Licensing: Master's degree required; doctoral degree or equivalent experience in leadership, management, education, or related field strongly preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and ability to think big, inspire others, and drive transformative change and developing leaders.
Exceptional communication skills include written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to engage various audiences and stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to convene and collaborate with senior leaders, faculty, alumni, donors, students, and external partners.
Detail-oriented, data-driven, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Proven track record in delivering results, identifying opportunities and overcoming obstacles.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Fast-paced office environment
Requirements
QUALIFICAITONS
Experience: Minimum 7 to 10 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, nonprofit, or corporate settings, with a proven track record in launching and scaling innovative programs. Demonstrated success in building cross-sector partnerships and securing philanthropic support, designing and leading interdisciplinary academic and experiential learning programs, managing complex budgets and teams in dynamic environments.
Education/Licensing: Master's degree required; doctoral degree or equivalent experience in leadership, management, education, or related field strongly preferred.
