Purdue University Director, Global Policy Research Institute

DIRECTOR
Global Policy Research Institute

 Global Policy Research Institute

The Global Policy Research Institute (GPRI) enhances the visibility and impact of Purdue University’s strengths in policy-related research, education, service, and outreach.  Launched in June 2010, GPRI began as a faculty initiative embedded in Purdue’s land grant heritage.  Research preeminence in several areas including agriculture, the environment, energy systems, the economy, health, security, and society and leadership, combined with a focus on engagement places Purdue in a unique position to inform public policy making.  GPRI promotes synergies in learning, discovery and engagement that inform public policy at the local, state, national and global levels with the following key characteristics:

• A vibrant community of faculty experts, students, policy makers and media experts convening to understand and discuss pressing public issues of national and global importance.
• A venue for interdisciplinary, evidence-based collaboration in policy-relevant research and scholarship, leading to high profile, in-depth and unbiased information that contributes to public policy development.
• A responsibility for educating both undergraduates and graduate students of grand challenge policy-related issues.
• The capacity for timely issue and policy analyses and briefings/conferences/symposia that can serve the needs of policy makers and the public efficiently and effectively.
• An agenda that builds on Purdue’s strengths and research priorities, while attending to emerging national and global needs and conditions that encompass public policy issues.

The Global Policy Research Institute is a key element of Purdue’s global engagement strategic focus and is a vehicle designed to ensure Purdue is engaged with decision makers and thought leaders who are addressing society’s global issues.

Role and Responsibilities

Purdue University seeks an individual with vision and demonstrated strategic leadership for the position of Director of the Global Policy Research Institute on the West Lafayette, Indiana campus (http://www.purdue.edu/globalpolicy). The Director will help shape the university’s global strategy and enhance Purdue’s reputation in national and international policy circles. The Director will serve as a catalyst for the growth and success of interdisciplinary research teams with a global policy focus outside of his/her own particular area of expertise.  The Director will serve on GPRI governance bodies (External Advisory Council and the Faculty Leadership Committee) and will also serve as a trusted advisor (sounding board) for Purdue faculty and students regarding global policy opportunities. The Director is an active participant in GPRI sponsored activities (seminar course, lectures, etc.).  The Director will be responsible for establishing new links with external partners, and building on existing relationships in order to establish GPRI and Purdue as a policy research resource of practice-relevant, evidence-based research, and an innovative learning environment. The Director will be also responsible for leading GPRI fund development activities to support critical GPRI programmatic priorities (research, outreach, education). The Director of the Global Policy Research Institute reports to the Vice President for Research and works closely with University officials, faculty, staff, and students, government leaders, higher education officials, corporate and private sector leaders, and non-governmental organization officials, as well as senior thought leaders nationally and internationally. 

Requirements and Qualifications

The Director must hold a doctorate and must be a dynamic leader and scholar with a distinguished record of excellence in research, teaching, and/or engagement.  The candidate must possess a terminal degree from an accredited institution and credentials that would make the individual eligible for a tenured Full Professor appointment in the academic unit or units appropriate to the individual’s expertise. The Director should have demonstrated both significant understanding of the full range of research activities of the modern university and the skills to help promote and support those activities, especially across disciplinary lines.  The Director should be an established public policy intellectual with demonstrated expertise in public policy through experience and/or research.  Experience that spans academe and the world of practice is strongly desired.  International experience and experience building multidisciplinary teams is strongly desired.  Finally, the Director should be a recognized program builder who can collaborate with faculty and the executive leadership of the University to make the Institute prominent nationally and globally.

Purdue University 

Purdue University is a coeducational, state-assisted system in Indiana.  Founded in 1869 and named after benefactor John Purdue, Purdue is one of the nation’s leading research institutions with a reputation for excellent and affordable education.  Purdue’s West Lafayette campus offers more than 200 majors for undergraduates, over 70 master’s and doctoral programs, and professional degrees in pharmacy and veterinary medicine.  Purdue University serves diverse populations of Indiana, the nation, and the world through discovery that expands the frontiers of knowledge, learning that nurtures the sharing of knowledge, and engagement that promotes the application of knowledge.

Application Procedure

Nominations and applications should be submitted, via e-mail toweiderhaft@purdue.edu.  Applications should include a letter of interest that outlines qualifications for the position and the candidate’s vision for the role of a higher education research institute in public policy, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references (including their e-mail addresses and phone numbers).  References will not be contacted without the applicant’s permission.  Review of applications will begin November 1, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled.  Questions should be addressed to Dr. Jay Akridge, GPRI Director Search Committee Chair, akridge@purdue.edu or 765-494-8391.  The desired start date for the Director is January 1, 2013.  A background check is required for employment in this position.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action Employer
fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.