Executive Director, Brooks DC Programs

About the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

The Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy brings together the university’s strengths in public policy, research, teaching, and engagement to address major global challenges. The school includes about 50 staff, more than 75 faculty, and additional part-time practitioners, and enrolls over 700 students across programs in Ithaca, Washington, DC, and online. Brooks is a growing and innovative school, expanding its academic offerings and investing in enhanced facilities in both Ithaca and DC to support program growth and new strategic initiatives.

About Brooks DC Programs

Brooks DC Programs provides immersive public policy learning and a supportive residential experience for three 45-student cohorts each year. Each fall, first-year Brooks students take a full course load enriched by DC-based activities; each spring, upper-division students from across Cornell complete coursework and a part-time internship; and each summer, Cornell students live, study, and intern in DC for eight weeks. Beginning this summer, commuting high school students will be able to enroll in a two-week for-credit course. Located at 22nd and O Streets in Dupont Circle, Brooks DC offers secure single and double student apartments along with classrooms, meeting rooms, and a student lounge.

What We Are Looking For

Cornell University’s Brooks School of Public Policy seeks an experienced and mission-driven Executive Director to lead its Washington, DC, programs. This role combines high-level strategic leadership with hands-on administrative oversight, academic coordination, and direct engagement with students, faculty, and policy partners. The Executive Director will guide the growth of Brooks DC while ensuring smooth daily operations, including facilities oversight and a high-quality educational experience. This position is well-suited for senior professionals from government, think tanks, nonprofits, or academia who understand policy ecosystems and value the opportunity to shape student learning and institutional impact. This role reports directly to the Dean of the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and will work closely with key members of the school’s senior leadership team, including the associate and assistant deans of academic affairs, student services, communications and marketing, and administration.

Important Details About This Position

This position is based in Washington, DC, with regular visits to Cornell’s Ithaca campus. The pay range for this Washington, DC-based role is $170,000 to $187,000, reflecting a market adjustment to the pre-populated University pay range listed below.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & External Engagement (25%): Implement a strategic vision that strengthens Cornell’s presence and partnerships in Washington, DC. Create and expand academic and experiential learning initiatives, including undergraduate, graduate, and pre-college programs. Build relationships with policymakers, federal agencies, think tanks, nonprofits, and alumni to support student learning and program visibility. Support and host events that connect students, faculty, and policy practitioners.

• Academic & Student Experience Leadership (25%): Partner with academic leadership to plan and manage curriculum and course offerings. Recruit, onboard, and support visiting faculty from government, research, and nonprofit sectors. Ensure faculty follow Cornell academic policies and have the resources needed to teach effectively. Work with Student Services to support the application process, internship placement, orientation, and community-building activities. Maintain strong relationships with university partners to ensure student safety and well-being.

• Administration & Staff Management (25%): Lead and supervise the DC-based staff team, fostering a collaborative and student-centered culture. Oversee budgeting, finance, facilities, and IT operations in coordination with Brooks School leadership. Coordinate with Cornell IT and facilities teams to maintain a high-quality learning and living environment.

• Teaching & Student Engagement (20%): Teach two courses per year for Brooks DC students. Engage with students through instruction, advising, and participation in program events. Model the integration of academic insight with practical policy experience.

Who Would Thrive In This Role

• Leverage experience in government, policy research, nonprofit management, or higher education
• Balance strategic thinking with operational execution
• Strong interpersonal skills, service orientation, and the ability to engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders with cultural awareness

Required Qualifications

• A master’s degree and 5–7 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination
• An analytical, creative problem-solver who exercises sound judgment and works both independently and as part of a high-performing, collaborative team