Vice President for Programs

Vice President for Programs

Summary

The Vice President for Programs, (VP-Programs), has primary responsibility for serving as the principal advisor to the President and CEO for all matters pertaining to the of Wilson Center's regional and thematic programs. Incumbent will analyze activity across the Agency's range of programs, with a key objective to support the program's ability to produce industry-leading publications and events that shape and inform foreign policy debates in Washington and internationally.

Duties

The primary responsibility of this position is for the individual to serve as the principal advisor to the President and CEO for all matters pertaining to the management of the Center’s public service programs while providing strategic leadership to the public service programs themselves.

Leads the implementation and oversight of the Wilson Center’s mission and provides analysis and other executive-level support as a member of the senior leadership team.

Provide guidance and expert advice to the Wilson Center leadership team on complex projects, cross-regional and multidisciplinary programming while ensuring alignment with strategic and corporate objectives.

Advise leadership team on critical issues to facilitate Wilson Center decision making process and provide recommendations on major topics and complex integration programs.

Serve as the primary liaison and facilitate effective communications between the Board of Trustees, the leadership team, and staff, both internal and external to Wilson Center Programs on identified strategic projects.

Maintain current awareness of major technical developments that affect Wilson Center programs of interest and provide updates to the leadership team.

Provide subject matter expertise in the production of communications and briefing materials to enhance Wilson Center program effectiveness and integration.

Represent Wilson Center and related programs conducting ongoing collaboration and outreach with stakeholders and partners across the Center, US Government, and oversight organizations (e.g., Congress, etc.), as needed, to meet mission objectives.

Draft responses to requests from the White House, the Department of State, and other executive branch agencies and institutions, Congressional committees for Wilson Center programs to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

The incumbent directly oversees and coordinates the Center’s public service programs and provides guidance to these programs. Works with Program Directors and the Vice President of External Relations to determine suitable outreach activities to pursue and expand the Center’s media reach.

As a member of the Center’s leadership team, the incumbent attends regular management meetings with other executive and senior staff, contributing to the strategic planning and direction of the Center.

The incumbent serves as an ambassador for the Center, regularly representing it before public, media and scholarly groups.

Participates in important functions that include meeting and conducting official business with high-ranking officials of government and non-governmental agencies, as well as visiting foreign officials and dignitaries.

Authorizes funding, contracts, and travel for the Center’s program personnel and conducts/convenes regular meetings of the Program Directors.

Responsible for providing input on all human resources and time and attendance requirements, including recruitment, performance management, discipline, leave, timecard and travel approval, etc.

Supports the Institution’s equal employment and diversity activities and ensures the support of such polices in subordinate organizations.

Assists the Center’s Development Office with Center-wide fundraising activities, reviewing proposals for substantive and policy appropriateness. Performs other duties as may be assigned.