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

Reporting directly to the President, the Executive Director provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for the Mount Mary University Institute for the Advancement of Women and Children, advancing the University’s commitment to gender equity and empowerment.

About the role

The Executive Director leads the Institute’s four Centers of Excellence—Women in Technology; Women and Children’s Rights; Women’s Health and Wellness; and Women’s Leadership—through program development, resource cultivation, partnership building, and operational leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan that aligns with Mount Mary University’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and initiatives supporting leadership development, career readiness, and holistic well-being for women and children.
• Establish grantmaking processes, including funding academic and community-based projects with measurable impact.
• Serve as an ex officio member of the Executive Committee, partnering with University leadership and advisory bodies to guide Institute strategy and operations.
• Convene committee meetings, support shared governance, and ensure collaboration between faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Lead efforts to secure philanthropic support, grants, and sponsorships in collaboration with University Advancement.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners to expand programmatic reach and community impact.
• Serve as the primary external ambassador for the Institute, building strategic partnerships with industry, nonprofit, and community organizations.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including budgeting, staffing, program administration, and assessment.
• Manage internal grant processes, review proposals, and ensure accountability for outcomes and resource utilization.
• Establish measurable outcomes and evaluation frameworks to assess program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties, responsibilities, or special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• 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.

Skills

• 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 of established professional codes of ethics and best practices.
• Commitment to promoting inclusiveness and cultural competence; experience working with underrepresented populations.
• Understanding of current issues and developments in higher education.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively with students, employees, and external partners.
• Exceptional ability to multitask and prioritize projects.

Physical Demands

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

Working Conditions

• Can be scheduled for up to 40 hours a week.
• Varying workflow; occasional high-stress periods with increased workload.
• Work required within a limited space and time constraints.