Executive Director of the Institute for the Advancement of Women and Children

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary: The Executive Director provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for the Mount Mary University Institute for the Advancement of Women and Children. The Institute advances the University's longstanding commitment to gender equity and empowerment by equipping women and children with the tools, resources, and support necessary to thrive personally, academically, and professionally. Reporting directly to the President and working in close partnership with the Institute's Executive Committee, the Executive Director is responsible for advancing the Institute's mission through program development, resource cultivation, partnership building, and operational leadership. The ideal candidate has a record of success in securing competitive external funding, leading large-scale events, and cultivating strategic partnerships with leaders in healthcare, technology, and philanthropic community organizations.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and Vision: The Executive Director leads the overall direction and growth of the Institute, ensuring alignment with Mount Mary University's mission and strategic priorities. This includes developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan that advances the Institute's four Centers of Excellence: Women in Technology; Women and Children's Rights; Women's Health and Wellness; and Women's Leadership.
• Program Development and Impact: The Executive Director oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and initiatives that support leadership development, career readiness, and holistic well-being for women and children. The role includes establishing grantmaking processes, such as funding academic and community-based projects that demonstrate measurable impact and alignment with Institute goals.
• Governance and Institutional Engagement: Serving as an ex officio member of the Executive Committee, the Executive Director partners closely with University leadership and advisory bodies to guide Institute strategy and operations. The Executive Director convenes committee meetings, supports shared governance, and ensures effective collaboration between faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Advancement and Resource Development: In collaboration with University Advancement, the Executive Director leads efforts to secure philanthropic support, grants, and sponsorships that sustain and grow the Institute. The role includes cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners to expand programmatic reach and community impact.
• Partnership and Community Engagement: The Executive Director serves as the primary external ambassador for the Institute, building strategic partnerships with industry, nonprofit, and community organizations. These partnerships enhance experiential learning opportunities, expand access to resources, and deepen the Institute's regional and national impact.
• Operational and Financial Management: The Executive Director oversees the Institute's day-to-day operations, including budgeting, staffing, program administration, and assessment. This includes managing internal grant processes, reviewing proposals, and ensuring accountability for outcomes and resource utilization.
• Assessment and Continuous Improvement: The Executive Director establishes measurable outcomes and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of programs and initiatives, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with institutional goals.
• Perform other duties, responsibilities, or special projects as assigned

Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge of issues related to gender equity, leadership development, and community-based programming.
• Experience managing interdisciplinary initiatives or centers of excellence.
• Ability to translate vision into actionable strategy and sustainable programming.
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships across academic, corporate, and nonprofit sectors.
• Strong working knowledge and understanding of established professional codes of ethics and best practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting inclusiveness and cultural competence; experience working with underrepresented populations.
• Experience and understanding of current issues and developments in higher education.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills; must be able to communicate and interact effectively with Mount Mary students, employees, and external partners.
• Exceptional ability to multitask and prioritize projects.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree required.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing women and/or children through education, advocacy, or community engagement.
• Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives, manage complex programs, and achieve measurable outcomes.
• Strong experience in fundraising, grant development, or external relations.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational leadership skills.
• Experience working in collaborative governance structures and with diverse stakeholders.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must reach, bend, stoop, lift.
• Must sit, walk or stand.
• Some repetitive motion may be required.

Working Conditions:

• Can be scheduled for up to 40 hours a week.
• Varying workflow; sometimes stressful with high workload times of the year.
• Complete work required within a limited space.
• Complete work required within a limited time.

Mount Mary University encourages applications from all qualified candidates and is vitally committed to all aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates and all will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other groups protected by law. Mount Mary seeks to hire and retain personnel who will make a positive contribution to its mission, vision, and values. For more information about visit -mount-mary/institute-advancement-women-children.html