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Executive Director

Position Title:  Executive Director, Norman B. Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism (LCAU)

Job Title:  Director of Administration and Finance, Gr. 10

 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Norman B. Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism (LCAU), a part of MIT’s School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P), is committed to fostering inter-disciplinary research and dialog about architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, computation and systems thinking, focusing on creating innovation for the future of urban areas.  Working closely with the Faculty Director, the Executive Director will oversee all administrative functions of the Center, which has an operating budget of $1M, and 40 affiliated faculty, 5-7 doctoral students, and a staff of 5.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS)

  • Develop and manage budget and financial projections for Center; maintain statistical data and produce reports for purposes of strategic planning;

  • Oversee all aspects of both pre- and post-award administration of research, discretionary, and Institute funding; ensure compliance with Institute funding policies and federal guidelines and regulations;

  • Work with affiliated faculty to assemble, submit and assist in drafting grant applications and proposals; 

  • Work collaboratively with the External Relations Manager to develop and maintain relationships with sponsors and partner organizations in support of academic/research priorities; steward special initiatives and membership agreements;

  • Help shape initiative/programmatic content in coordination with faculty stakeholders; implement administrative aspects of programs, educational workshops, conferences, and events;  

  • Responsible for human resources activities for all Center staff, including recruiting and on-boarding; engage and build inclusive environment where researchers, designers, faculty, and staff can interact regularly;

  • Support faculty director with academic degree administration, including admissions and assigning research assistantships;  

  • Facilitate outreach to affiliated and other MIT faculty to promote engagement; provide support to Center’s external advisory board;

  • Facilitate strategic and effective communication about Center’s research and activities to SA+P, MIT, and external audiences; in conjunction with staff from SA+P and MIT’s central Resource Development, prepare annual report of LCAU activities. 

  • Manage physical space occupied by LCAU, including coordination of repair and maintenance, space changes, and environmental health and safety compliance;

  • Administer biennial Norman B. Leventhal City Prize;

  • Administer yearly LCAU seed grant program;

  • Implement internal policies and procedures and manage organizational systems; 

  • Provide counsel and support to director, faculty, students, staff and visitors regarding operations and other policy matters;

  • Identify and seek solutions for administrative issues.

  • Perform other responsibilities as directed.

 

 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervise 2-3 FTEs

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to the Faculty Director

 

REQUIRED QUALIFCATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in urban planning, architecture, or related field;

  • Minimum of five years of program management experience, preferably in a university setting;

  • Outstanding leadership, supervisory, interpersonal, and communication skills; 

  • Excellent analytical, financial, and writing skills; 

  • Advanced knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, and accounting principles;

  • Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at once and handle shifting priorities; 

  • Tact, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters;   

  • Must be able to develop and implement program policies and procedures.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • MIT experience and knowledge of its financial, human resources, and operational systems;

  • Master’s degree in urban planning, architecture, or related field. 

 

 

Link to application: Apply here

Questions? Please feel free to reach out to us lcau@mit.edu.