Job Summary
The Purdue Applied Research Institute, Global Development and Innovation Division (PARI-GDI) seek a Director of Practice for its Education and Youth practice area. Successful candidates will have demonstrated technical expertise in managing and winning donor-funded global projects focused on these topics. Working with the PARI-GDI Executive Director and other Directors, the Director of Practice will establish and grow relationships with corporations, funders, clients, implementing partners, and technical experts; make significant contributions to new business development, particularly in technical strategy and writing; oversee business capture and ensure quality impactful program delivery; supervise and manage technical teams and staff; and, oversee programmatic progress towards organizational and funder success indicators. A critical element of the role of the Director of Practice is to maximize and leverage Purdue faculty, student, and staff talent in the fulfillment of these job responsibilities, particularly in the implementation of projects. The Director of Practice for Education and Youth will ensure PARI-GDI maintains forward strategic thinking around positioning to ensure technical excellence in the sector across the organization, represent PARI-GDI globally and develop and maintain a portfolio that strengthens Purdue’s reputation globally. The position reports to the PARI-GDI Executive Director and supervises a team as well as a division and organization-wide Practice collaborators.
As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Purdue University, PARI-GDI is located in West Lafayette, Indiana. PARI-GDI staff currently work remotely in West Lafayette, Northwest Indiana, and Washington D.C. The Director of Practice position is a full-time position that will require intimate familiarity and close working relationships with Purdue University students, faculty, and staff. The location of the position is classified as working remotely in client-focused locations (i.e., Washington D.C.) although the Director of Practice can be located in and, is definitely expected, to be able to spend significant time in West Lafayette, IN as deemed necessary to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of the position.
Required:
- A start-up mentality and a passion for building out and being part of new initiatives
- Must be comfortable with some level of ambiguity in daily tasks
- Ten (10) years of relevant sector experience
- Master’s degree in education or equivalent work experience
- Demonstrated ability to identify and maintain relationships (internal and external) as well as to capture and maintain new business
- Demonstrated knowledge of trends in the sector, donor initiatives and programs, and a breadth of industry organizations
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
- Willingness to travel and work abroad for short-term assignments
- Experience managing teams
- Experience pursuing proposals (Prime and Sub)
- High-level of creativity
- Fluency in English
Preferred:
- Experience in a breadth of sub-sector areas prioritized by international development funders
- A Ph.D. in the relevant sector and/or research related to international development contexts
- Other language capabilities relevant to international development work; especially French and Spanish
Additional Information
- All new hires will be expected to follow Protect Purdue guidelines
- To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary
- Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately
- Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply
About the Purdue Applied Research Institute
At PARI we create leading-edge solutions for complex problems in national security, global development, and technology. Established in 2021 by The Trustees of Purdue University, the Purdue Applied Research Institute is the non-profit applied research arm of Purdue University. PARI co-creates solutions and builds on the deep research strengths of Purdue’s faculty, students, and staff to solve dynamic challenges for the United States Government, industry, and non-profits. PARI partners to advance applied, interdisciplinary, and translational research in three divisions: National Security and Defense, Global Development and Innovation, and Technology Acceleration, including Digital Innovation in Agrifood Systems Lab (DIAL).
About Purdue University
Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked one of the top 10 Most Innovative Schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, With a $685+ million research enterprise, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery that drive discoveries and innovative solutions that have a critical impact on the nation and the world.