Job Description

Role Summary:



The Program Director is responsible for providing ongoing leadership and oversight for both the academic and administrative aspects of the Master’s in Development Practice (MDP), a two-year interdisciplinary STEM-classified degree program that prepares students for careers as global and local development professionals. This role will be responsible for overseeing the development and sustainability of strategic partnerships and initiatives both within and outside of Emory University. This position will also supervise MDP staff responsible for various aspects of the program and working closely with the James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies (LGS) Dean’s Office and other LGS senior personnel. This position reports to the Vice Provost/Dean of LGS.



Key Responsibilities



Program Leadership and Administration
Provides strategic leadership and technical direction to the program;
Supervises, mentors, coaches, and advocates for the success of MDP students, faculty, and staff;
Works to cultivate a culture of inclusive excellence so that all students, faculty, and staff feel valued;
Ensures rigorous and equitable admission process, including parameters for scholarship awards;
Identifies and pursues opportunities to leverage external funding for the program and students;
Oversees management of funds for the overall program operation;
Participates in and contributes to university initiatives, committees, meetings, and events to build and solidify institutional relationships and alignment between MDP and other MDP-adjacent units;
Builds and fosters connections with units across campus and with external constituencies and communities to advance the program’s mission and visibility;
Reviews, contributes to, and approves annual reports, learning outcome assessments, and compilation of other documents and databases requested by LGS and Emory;
Promotes and fosters transparent and trust-building communication between university leadership and members of the MDP community;
Ensures compliance with university policies, procedures, and processes, consulting others as needed;
Performs related responsibilities as required.


Teaching and Student Support


Ensures that the MDP curriculum is both academically rigorous and responsive to the changing professional landscape of development practice;
May teach or co-teach MDP courses or supervise independent student research and courses;
Supports other Emory graduate programs through service on committees and student advising;
Oversees placement process for internships and field practicums to ensure optimal fit between students’ interests and skills and host organizations’ needs;
Provides oversight and consultation related to mentoring, advising, and supporting students and alumni’s career advancement;
Builds linkages with potential employers and contributes to alumni relations.


Research and Scholarly Engagement


Implements research that bridges disciplines and integrates science, policy and practice;
Produces scholarly articles and other publications relevant to sustainable development;
Represents the MDP program and Emory University at relevant national and international conferences;
Engages in scholarly activities that promote Emory’s standing, such as serving on scientific committees, editorial boards, conducting peer reviews, or providing expertise to agencies as relevant.


Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree required;
10-12 years of experience in global/community development or in a relevant sector.


Preferred Qualifications:

15 years of experience in global/community development or in a relevant sector;
Understanding of current landscape of foreign aid and development practice, as demonstrated by thought leadership, research, and advocacy;
Experience in academic leadership, strategic planning, program design and implementation, and faculty/staff development, particularly in an academic setting;
Proven ability to build partnerships and collaborate across institutions, sectors, and disciplines;
Outstanding communication skills, including effective writing and public speaking.