Associate Director - Strategic Initiatives

Company: Northeastern University
Location: Boston
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

About the Opportunity JOB SUMMARY The Institute for Information, the Internet, and Democracy seeks to support rigorous research on the problems of the contemporary information ecosystem, and to evaluate the potential of interventions into and uses of the affordances of the internet to support connection and to empower democracy. The Institute supports highly interdisciplinary research across political science, computer science, journalism, media, law, and public health, among other fields. The Associate Director will provide long-term and day-to-day direction to the Institute, in coordination with the Institute’s founding faculty. The Associate Director will advocate for the Institute’s mission by managing the Institute’s programming, coordinating with faculty and staff members on strategic initiatives, writing grant proposals and seeking funding opportunities, representing the Institute to the larger university, as well as other related tasks. The Associate Director will also help to develop the organizational structure, internal policies, and collaborative relationship with the Institute’s Dublin and Arlington teams. The College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) combines Northeastern University’s signature approach to experiential learning with liberal arts education, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement, both locally and globally. The College comprises 17 academic units, including two schools, seven departments, and eight interdisciplinary programs, as well as 15 research centers and institutes . Our faculty connects liberal arts education with the challenges of our time, and fosters ethical reasoning and critical thought, with attention to the enduring significance of history, literature, and culture. CSSH promotes inquiry with global perspectives and a culture of inclusion across interdisciplinary clusters of expertise including: Resilience, Sustainability, Health, and Equity; Cultural studies, Governance, and Globalization; and Network Science, Computational Social Science, Digital Humanities, and Data Ethics. CSSH is strongly committed to fostering excellence through diversity and promotes a culture of inclusion for our students, faculty, and staff. Guided by a Strategic Plan on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging , the College enthusiastically welcomes applications from members of groups underrepresented in higher education administration. This role offers hybrid work flexibility. RESPONSIBILITIES Day to day coordination of the Institute’s network . This involves managing and engaging with the Institute’s network of internal and external stakeholders, overseeing communications, and engaging with other departments across the university and the university administration. Strategic planning for developing the organizational structure, internal policies, and collaborative relationships with the Institute's Dublin and Arlington teams. Grant-writing and fundraising. Identify and pursue federal and state grants to support the Institute’s research on internet governance, platform accountability and transparency, and digital democracy. Working in close coordination and collaboration with the Office of Advancement, pursue funding from private organizations and individuals for the activities stated above. Working with Advancement, build and manage partnerships with funding organizations, including reporting on existing awards. Create and strengthen partnerships. Work with civil society organizations, election officials, international democracy organizations, and policy makers, for the purposes of expanding the Institute’s research and impact portfolio, as well as to enhance student access to practitioners and experts in the fields of internet governance, digital policy, and democratic innovation. Manage public communications. Organize and run online and offline public engagement with the Institute’s research and policy work. This includes organizing the Institute’s public lectures and colloquia, newsletter and social media engagement. QUALIFICATIONS ? Advanced degree in a social sciences or humanities field with a broad knowledge of public policy and information networks ? Minimum 3-5 years administrative and leadership experience ? Proven experience with grant writing and grant management, as well as managing organizational budgets, finances, event planning, communications, and hiring ? Ability to effectively communicate complex facts and ideas both in writing and in face-to-face presentations ? High level of skill in working collaboratively with individuals and groups Additional job description: The expected salary range for this position falls towards the higher end of the salary grade range listed below. Position Type General Administration Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 110S Expected Hiring Range: $76,335.00 - $107,823.75 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

Keywords: Northeastern University, Revere , Associate Director - Strategic Initiatives, Administration, Clerical , Boston, Massachusetts