Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Executive Director, Policy@MIT

Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree or equivalent professional experience required.
  • Minimum of ten years in policy, government, higher education, or research.
  • Proven experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
  • Strong grasp of the policymaking process as it relates to academic research.
  • Exceptional relationship-building skills with senior leaders and external partners.
  • Excellent organizational skills capable of managing multiple priorities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership for Policy initiatives.
  • Translate strategic priorities into impactful programs and partnerships.
  • Build infrastructure to support a coordinated policy engagement approach.
  • Enhance the visibility and reach of MIT's policy expertise.
  • Work closely with senior leaders and steering committees on policy matters.

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Retirement savings plans with employer contributions.
  • Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Flexible work hours and arrangements.
Full Job Description
Posting Description
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Policy[redacted], will provide strategic and operational leadership for Policy[redacted], with primary responsibility for implementing the initiative's priorities and building the infrastructure needed to support a coordinated, Institute-wide approach to policy engagement. Reporting to the Presidential Advisor for Science and Technology Policy and working closely with the VP for Government Affairs and the Policy[redacted] Steering Committee, will translate strategic priorities into programs, partnerships, and activities that increase the reach and impact of MIT's policy expertise.

The full job description is available, here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hv8I_fkqAcJgIqNWChyKtCPTBrXfdFDF_pQ2kIHsqbM/edit?tab=t.0

Job Requirements
REQUIRED : Advanced degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience; a minimum of ten years of experience in policy, government, higher education, or research; demonstrated experience leading complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and organizational units; strong understanding of the policymaking process and the ways in which academic research can inform public policy; exceptional relationship-building skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior leaders, faculty, researchers, students, government officials, and external partners; excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously; and strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex scientific, technical, and policy issues for diverse audiences; sound judgment and demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex, highly visible, and politically sensitive environments; and experience managing budgets, programs, and staff. PREFERRED : Experience working within a university or similarly complex, decentralized organization; experience working in or with federal, state, or local government; established relationships within public policy, higher education, or policy communities; and experience developing programs that connect researchers and experts with policymakers.

Occasional weekday evening and weekend work and travel will be required.

U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required.

9/29/2026

About Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". The university is known for its strong emphasis on scientific and technological research and its engineering programs. MIT was founded in 1861 and has a long history of innovation and entrepreneurship. The university has produced numerous Nobel laureates, Rhodes Scholars, and MacArthur Fellows.
Learn more about Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Size
13,000 employees
Industry

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Executive Director, Policy@MIT jobs: