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Title: Executive Director, The Harkin Institute - 998430

Position Number: 998430 

Unit/Department: Harkin Institute

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience 

Department Summary:

Founded by former United States Senator Tom Harkin in 2013, The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Civic Engagement is a dynamic, international public policy organization housed at Drake University. It engages in research and programming on issues of public policy that advance social justice, fairness, and opportunity for all.

At its core, The Harkin Institute facilitates collaborative, high-quality, nonpartisan, multi-disciplinary public policy research and analysis dedicated to the issues that defined Senator Harkin’s legislative career. These include people with disabilities, retirement security, and wellness and nutrition.

The Harkin Institute is also dedicated to informing citizens, inspiring creative cooperation, and catalyzing change. It was founded on the premise that good public policy is best achieved when policymakers have access to high quality information, political processes are open and well understood, and citizens are informed and active participants.

Job Summary:

The Harkin Institute seeks an outstanding Executive Director to lead its next phase of growth. Acting with integrity and a deep commitment to the Institute’s mission, the Executive Director provides leadership to the Institute’s staff and its National Advisory Council to further the organization’s impact. The Executive Director position reports directly to the University President.

The Executive Director will drive the organization’s ongoing growth and transformation in a rapidly changing political and policy landscape. The Executive Director will lead an institute that is already considered a leader and aspires to do even more to advance opportunities for all in the areas of disability, retirement security, and wellness & nutrition.

Based in Des Moines, Iowa, the Executive Director will provide day-to-day leadership of the Institute in service to its mission and will be responsible for the overall strategic, programmatic, and financial success of the organization. The Executive Director will have an opportunity to grow the reach, impact, and relevance of the Institute.

The Executive Director will have a passion for The Harkin Institute’s commitment to serve as a trusted nonpartisan voice on public policy issues. The Executive Director will demonstrate an enthusiasm for fostering cooperation, facilitating dialogue, and inspiring others to become more engaged in civic life. The Executive Director will have both a deep appreciation for the history of the Institute as well as a desire to shape its future in ways that ensure relevance and success in a changing world. The ideal leader will work actively to create a culture that is inspiring, inviting, and accessible – and will model a way of engaging politics and policy that others seek to emulate.

For a detailed job description and additional information about The Harkin Institute, please visit:  https://harkininstitute.drake.edu/who-we-are/careers/

Minimum Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree

· Demonstrated experience in public policy and/or related fields

· Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and organizational management

· Proven track record in fundraising, development, or securing external funding

· Demonstrated success in cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners

· Strong financial acumen, including budget development and oversight

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders

· Extensive experience managing and developing teams, including supervision of staff

· Ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment

· Experience navigating complex organizational environments with multiple stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

· Advanced degree in a field aligned with the Institute’s focus (e.g., public administration, education, nonprofit management, business, or a discipline related to the Institute’s mission)

· Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards in nonprofit and university settings

· Familiarity with governance structures, advisory boards, and institutional advancement

· Track record of thought leadership, public speaking, or publication in relevant areas

· Experience working in or with higher education institutions

Job Duties:

• 50% - Fundraising, revenue generation, and relationship building - (Essential)
• 25% - Strategic leadership - (Essential)
• 25% - Operational leadership - (Essential)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

For consideration, you must apply online.  Please include a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. 

Review of Applications Begins:

A review of applications will begin immediately.  This position will remain open until filled.

Salary and Benefits:

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2025. One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits