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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Fulbright Commission-Italy


Qualifications and experience
  • Minimum M.A., Laurea Magistrale o Specialistica or equivalent from an American or Italian University
  • Excellent knowledge of the Italian and English languages and excellent communication skills (written and oral) in both languages.
  • Specific experience and/or knowledge of the Italian and U.S. academic/higher education environment.
  • Specific knowledge and experience of the Italian institutional, policy and legal context.
  • 8-10 years of experience in management of programs and projects in higher education and international education exchanges.
  • Excellent demonstrated managerial and organizational skills to hire, train, supervise and motivate a small staff and to run a complex program with many stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability and experience in financial planning and budgeting, team-based management and administration.
  • Well developed “people skills” to interact with individuals at all levels including government officials, university presidents and faculty, business leaders, Fulbright grant applicants and staff members.
  • Tact and diplomatic skills in working with bi-national board members and in representing the Program to the community.
  • Strong interest in bilateral relations, international and domestic affairs, matched to special interest in cultural and educational exchange activities and the academic environment in general.
The Executive Director is responsible for:
1. Managing and directing the administrative operations of the Commission, within the framework of policies established by the Commission Board and the requirements of the respective governments, including the following:
  • Establishing office procedures and rules;
  • Appointing, supervising, and training the Commission staff;
  • Establishing and maintaining the Commission fiscal accounting system;
  • Managing the Commission’s annual budget, including the timely and accurate commitment of funds;
  • Reviewing and certifying for payment, vouchers for disbursement of Commission funds;
  • Establishing an internal controls system which will provide the Commission with reasonable assurance that use of funds is consistent with laws, regulations, and policies; that funds are safeguarded against waste, loss, and misuse; and reliable data are obtained, maintained, and disclosed in reports;
  • Overseeing the timely preparation and submission of financial, statistical, and narrative reports for the Commission Board and the funding government(s);
  • Executing a contract annually with a public auditing organization for an audit of Commission financial operations and a review of Commission management operations in accordance with the directives of the Commission Board;
  • Establishing a permanent record of non-expendable property owned by the Commission; and
  • Obtaining insurance sufficient for the protection of the Commission against liability for damages related to Commission property, the operation of vehicles owned by the Commission and against property losses by fire, theft, or other causes, including the surety bonding of appropriate employees.
2. Conducting long-range program planning and developing the Commission’s Annual Program Proposal and budget recommendations for the review and approval of the Commission Board;
3. Managing the selection and placement of grantees;
4. Planning and conducting orientation and re-entry programs for grantees;
5. Monitoring the personal welfare and professional success of Commission sponsored U.S. grantees in the partner country and partner country grantees in the United States (through ECA/A/E and the cooperating agencies, when appropriate);
6. Preparing, for the approval of the Commission Board, an Annual Report on the Commission’s exchange activities for the program year;
7. Establishing and maintaining working relationships with relevant government organizations, educational institutions, and private organizations in the partner country and the United States;
8. Supervising non-grant Fulbright activities approved by the Commission Board, such as educational advising and testing services; and
9. If appropriate, coordinating fundraising activities of the Commission within the guidelines of the Department and the FSB Policies.
For more details and to apply, please click here.