Posting Details

I. DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Job Description Summary:

GFI is seeking a Global Initiatives Director to develop and oversee GFI's global portfolio. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Global Initiatives Director, GFI is recognized as a subject matter expert on international and/or global food policy issues, with special expertise in the humanitarian space, and either leads or directly contributes to GFI research, policy, and engagement work in the global arena. Working collaboratively with the team and other GW partners, they will develop and execute a global program designed to advance the food needs of marginalized and disadvantaged people and to advance equity and justice in the global food system with a major focus on conceptualizing, writing and managing driving policy briefs and translational research. Writing for a public audience is a critical component of this job.

The role is entrepreneurial in nature: the Global Initiatives Director will inherit a foundation of relationships, projects, and institutional presence, and is expected to shape the portfolio's direction, particularly published products, going forward. As GFI grows, the Director may hire and supervise a team to support this work contingent on securing funding for additional staff positions. The incumbent will partner closely with GFI's other Directors - Curriculum, Policy, and Research - to build out a shared portfolio of ideas, communications, and engagement strategies. Together, this work will shape debates, guide policy, and inform the implementation of programs and practices.

Responsibilities Include:

• Under the direction of the Executive Director, develop and advance a research and programmatic agenda in collaboration with team members, GW faculty and institutes, and other policy experts that advances the GFI's mission to ensure a global food system that supports everyone - especially historically marginalized groups.
• Develop learning and knowledge into opinions, organizational positions and best practices which can be used to create policies that drive the food system forward in the optimal direction. This includes translating research and evidence for non-academic audiences through published policy briefs, op-eds, commentaries, and other public-facing products on a regular basis.
• Participate in GFI's leadership team, helping to set the strategic vision and values for the organization as well as promoting a culture and environment that reflects those values.
• Advancement to ensure this work translates into continued financial support.
• Design and lead GFI events, such as conferences, convenings, webinars - including building and stewarding external research and policy communities of practice - designed to engage and inform the GW, stakeholder, policy maker and media communities.
• Develop and foster strategic relationships across government, multilateral institutions, universities, and the private sector, recruiting diverse partners who can expand GFI's reach, inform policy, and support shared research efforts.
• Support the GFI and broader GW student community, including by providing support to the Food Leadership Minor, working on shared programming with GW Departments and Schools, connecting students to research and internships, and other student engagement activities.
• Lead and contribute to grant proposals and funding applications, and manage relationships with co-principal investigators.

This is an in-person position at GW's Foggy Bottom campus in Washington, D.C., with flexibility for remote-work opportunities at the Executive Director's discretion. Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a BA/BS in a related discipline plus 7 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated writing and analytical skills with particular experience in research translation and policy communication, including a range of public facing products, including: policy reports, white papers, op eds, blogs and proposals.
• Experience in one or more aspects of the global food system, with a priority in humanitarian aid and emergency response, food security policy, or international development - with a record of publications and presentations in the applicant's field of expertise.
• A deep commitment to GW's values; honesty, with the highest ethical standards.
• A naturally collaborative mindset that readily engages with others, encourages others to share the spotlight and celebrates and supports the success of colleagues and partners.
• Demonstrated experience managing research projects and teams - including across teams - bringing projects to fruition, successfully managing projects and budgets.
• Experience establishing networks and partnerships and ability to demonstrate a strong portfolio of contacts in the non-profit, private, and government sectors is desired.
• Experience securing and providing appropriate stewardship of philanthropic gifts and research or project grants from foundations and the government is desired. Experience writing proposals, including multi-institution collaborative proposals, is strongly preferred.
• Entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit; enthusiastic about building and launching a new enterprise.
• Open and direct communicator.
• Willingness to travel for meetings and engagement with key partners.
• Experience with higher education institutions is a plus.
• Fluency in English. Good communications skills in an additional language is a plus.

Hiring Range
$142,545.11 - $199,490.92

GW Staff Approach to Pay

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits
GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. POSITION INFORMATION

Campus Location:
Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department:
Academic Affairs

Family
Research and Labs

Sub-Family
Centers/Institutes

Stream
Individual Contributor

Level
Level 4

Full-Time/Part-Time:
Full-Time

Hours Per Week:
40

Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Will this job require the employee to work on site?
Yes

Employee Onsite Status
On-campus (in person)

Telework:
No

Required Background Check
Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

• Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status.
• This position is grant-funded and is contingent upon funding.
• Please submit three writing samples from the last five years as a single
  PDF. Samples should demonstrate experience in research translation and policy
  communication, including a range of public-facing products such as policy
  reports, white papers, op-eds, blogs, and proposals.

Internal Applicants Only?
No

Posting Number:
R002460

Job Open Date:
09/11/2026

Job Close Date:

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