What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant Professor - Executive Director of PERIL position at American University - Washington, D.C?
Description
The Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (“PERIL”) and the Department of Justice, Law, & Criminology in the School of Public Affairs at American University are seeking applications for an Executive Director (who would be appointed as a Research Assistant Professor). The Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (“PERIL”) is an applied research lab preventing radicalization to violent extremism by strengthening community resilience. We use a public health approach to design, test, and scale-up evidence-based tools and strategies that effectively reduce the threat of radicalization to harmful online and offline content including conspiracy theories, mis / disinformation, propaganda, and supremacist ideologies. As an alternative to security-based approaches that rely on surveillance, censorship, and incarceration, our work takes a multidisciplinary and pre-preventative approach to support individuals and communities to reject propaganda and extremist content, as well as empower them to intervene and interrupt early radicalization.PERIL and its Executive Director have a common vision of a just world free of hate and full of learning, and a mission to utilize public health approaches to design, test, and scale evidence-based tools and strategies to prevent hate, bias, and extremist radicalization. About the Executive Director Role The incoming Executive Director (hired at the rank of Research Assistant Professor) will have an extraordinary opportunity to make an impact within the field of public health approaches to reducing extremist violence. They will work closely with the Founding Director and lead a team of passionate and talented staff committed to PERIL’s mission. They will oversee the continued development and expansion of PERIL’s goals while serving as a leader and operator of the lab. The Executive Director will be responsible for :
- Leading innovation to leverage PERIL’s assets and talents to maximum effect to achieve its vision
- Raising core operational funds to support PERIL’s scaleup strategy
- Developing and executing a long-term strategic plan to ensure PERIL’s sustainability and growth
- Building PERIL’s institutional reputation through scalable, innovative initiatives
- Managing and growing PERIL’s resources and influence to enable PERIL to reach its objectives
- Positioning PERIL as the premiere innovation lab of its kind
- Cultivating new partnerships to advance PERIL’s mission
- Hiring, managing and retaining a diverse, dynamic and world-class staff
Skills and experience :
Desired mindset and orientation
The salary for this position will be generated through externally funded research activities. Salary and benefits are competitive, with an expected annual salary range of $175,000 - $250,000. Candidates must also have a proven track record in obtaining grants and contracts, and existing knowledge of the higher education philanthropic landscape. There is no teaching associated with this position. The initial appointment is for 12 months starting April 1, 2025, or sooner depending on the candidate's qualifications.Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled, subject to on-going budgetary approval. Please submit applications via Workday, please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the name and contact information of three professional references. Please email Katie Spann at if you have any questions. Benefits AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. . Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an employer.
Current American University Employees American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Salary : $175,000 - $250,000
